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
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
For best results, ensure bread is slightly stale or lightly toast it before assembling.
Draining excess grease from the sausage is crucial to avoid a soggy casserole.
Do not skip the overnight chill, as it allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture for a custardy texture.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last part of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 750mg
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
Keywords: breakfast casserole, overnight breakfast, sausage casserole, egg bake, brunch, make-ahead, sourdough casserole, gruyere
