The Ultimate Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole with Cheddar and Challah Bread
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful breakfast dish perfect for feeding a crowd, this sausage and egg casserole with cheddar cheese and Challah bread is exactly what you need. Combining savory Italian sausage, creamy cheddar, and soft cubes of bread soaked in a rich egg mixture, this casserole delivers a satisfying breakfast or brunch option. You can prepare it ahead of time, and with minimal effort, you’ll have a golden, bubbling dish ready to impress your guests.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This sausage and egg casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. The best part? You can assemble it the night before, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free morning. Below are some of the reasons why this casserole will become your go-to recipe:
- Convenient Preparation: Assemble everything the night before, and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the sausage, bread, or cheese with your favorites.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for holiday breakfasts, brunch parties, or meal prep for the week.
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of sausage, cheddar, and soft, egg-soaked bread is a comfort food classic.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this flavorful casserole:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 (19 oz) package mild Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 loaf Challah bread (or 1/2 loaf white sandwich bread), diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your delicious sausage and egg casserole:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into large chunks as it cooks. Stir occasionally, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl.
3. Sauté the Onions
In the same pan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and add the chopped onions. Cook until the onions become translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once ready, add the onions to the mixing bowl with the sausage.
4. Combine the Bread and Cheese
Add the cubed bread and grated cheddar cheese to the mixing bowl with the sausage and onions. Gently toss to combine the ingredients evenly.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
6. Combine Everything Together
Pour the egg mixture over the sausage, bread, and cheese mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure that all the bread cubes are coated with the egg mixture.
7. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
8. Chill the Casserole
Cover the casserole with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Chilling allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture, which gives the casserole a richer flavor and firmer texture.
9. Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cling wrap and bake the casserole for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
10. Serve and Garnish
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole
Use Slightly Stale Bread
If possible, use day-old bread for this casserole. Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a firmer, more flavorful casserole.
Add Vegetables
Feel free to toss in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them with the onions for extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with Cheeses
While cheddar is a classic choice, you can also use other cheeses such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a cheese blend. For a sharper flavor, consider using aged cheddar.
Make It Spicy
If you love a little heat, don’t hesitate to add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Storing and Reheating
This casserole is perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: After the casserole cools completely, cover it tightly with foil or store individual portions in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the fully baked casserole in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For individual servings, microwave them for 1-2 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
Serving Suggestions
To round out your meal, serve this breakfast casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. Hash browns, roasted vegetables, or a green smoothie also pair wonderfully with the casserole for a balanced and filling breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, while Challah bread adds a soft and rich texture, you can substitute it with white sandwich bread, sourdough, or even French bread. Just be sure to cut it into cubes so it absorbs the egg mixture well.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a flavorful vegetarian version.
Q: How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
You can refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Q: Can I freeze the casserole before baking it?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another type?
Definitely! Feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This savory sausage and egg casserole combines rich Italian sausage, cheddar cheese, and Challah bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for breakfast or brunch, ensuring a hearty and flavorful meal that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 (19 oz) package mild Italian sausages, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 loaf Challah bread (or white sandwich bread), diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Italian sausage in 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat, crumbling it into chunks. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Sauté the onion in the same pan with the remaining butter until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add to the sausage.
- Add the cheddar cheese and bread cubes to the sausage mixture. Toss to combine.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the sausage mixture and toss gently to coat the bread.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can make this casserole up to 24 hours in advance.
- Feel free to substitute different cheeses or add vegetables for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole