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Crispy Cheesy Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

crispy cheesy breakfast casserole with sausage - featured image

A hearty breakfast casserole featuring day-old bread, savory sausage, and a rich egg custard, baked to perfection with a signature crispy, golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed (about 12–14 cups)
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Gouda cheese
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup extra shredded cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If using fresh bread, toast cubes on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes to dry them out, then let cool.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool.
  3. Place bread cubes in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle cooked sausage evenly over the bread, then add half of the shredded cheese. Press down gently to compact layers.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs vigorously. Add milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Pour custard evenly over the bread mixture. Press down gently to ensure all bread is submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight).
  6. Remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set but jiggles slightly.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving warm.

Notes

Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread to prevent sogginess. Do not skip the resting time after baking to allow the custard to set. For a dairy-free version, substitute milk/cream with oat milk and use dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, cheesy breakfast, crispy crust, meal prep, brunch recipe, egg bake