Description
This incredible make-ahead breakfast casserole is perfect for stress-free mornings and impressive brunches. Featuring savory ground sausage, crusty sourdough bread, rich Gruyère cheese, and a creamy egg custard, it bakes up golden and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground breakfast sausage
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 200-250g)
- 1 (1-pound / 450g) loaf of sourdough or country-style bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8–9 cups)
- 2 cups (8 oz / 225g) shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook for another 5-7 minutes until softened. Drain any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, the cooked sausage and onion mixture, 1 1/2 cups of the Gruyère cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread in an even layer.
- In the same large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the egg custard evenly over the bread mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyère cheese on top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
- The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
- Can be frozen before baking for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 300mg