Sausage Brunch Casserole Recipe

Sausage: Crumbled and cooked, this adds a savory and meaty flavor to the casserole.

Eggs: Beaten, they provide structure and richness to the dish.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded, it melts beautifully and adds a cheesy goodness.

Bread cubes: Day-old, they absorb the egg mixture and add texture to the casserole.

When preparing the bread cubes, ensure they are truly day-old or slightly stale. Fresh bread can become too soggy during baking, while slightly dried-out bread will absorb the egg mixture better, resulting in a more cohesive and less mushy casserole. If you don't have day-old bread, you can quickly dry out fresh bread by spreading the cubes on a baking sheet and toasting them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

• crumble and cooked sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of sausage.

• crumble and cooked sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage provides a plant-based alternative while maintaining a similar texture and flavor.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes like liquid egg replacers or flaxseed meal mixed with water can be used for a vegan or lower-cholesterol option.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in casseroles.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture similar to dairy milk and is suitable for those with nut allergies.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella has a milder flavor but melts well, making it a good alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese offers a dairy-free option that can still provide a cheesy flavor and texture.

• day-old bread cubes - Substitute with gluten-free bread cubes: Gluten-free bread cubes are suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

• day-old bread cubes - Substitute with hash browns: Hash browns can add a different texture and flavor while still providing a starchy base for the casserole.

• Allow the sausage brunch casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the casserole, cut it into individual portions. This makes reheating easier and more convenient.

• Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• For best results, consume the frozen casserole within 2-3 months. Beyond this period, the texture and flavor may begin to degrade.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

• For reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated portions.

• If you're in a hurry, you can reheat the frozen casserole directly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn't dry out.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.

• To maintain the casserole's texture, avoid reheating multiple times. Only reheat the portion you plan to eat immediately.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover sausage brunch casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get a bit crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan.
  3. Place the casserole in the skillet, breaking it up slightly to ensure even heating.
  4. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for doneness and continue heating in 2-minute intervals if necessary.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) until it is set and golden brown.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, and then to mix in the cooked sausage, cheese, and bread cubes.

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs and mix them with the milk, salt, and pepper.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper accurately.

• Baking dish: Used to hold the casserole mixture while it bakes in the oven.

• Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

• Skillet: Used to cook and crumble the sausage before adding it to the casserole mixture.

• Spatula: Used to stir the sausage while cooking and to mix the casserole ingredients together.

• Knife: Used to cut the day-old bread into cubes.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to cut the bread into cubes.

Cook sausage ahead: Prepare and cook the sausage the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.

Prep ingredients in advance: Cube the bread and measure out the milk and seasonings the night before.

Mix and refrigerate: Combine all ingredients and refrigerate overnight so you can just pop it in the oven in the morning.

Use a food processor: Quickly beat the eggs and mix ingredients using a food processor.