Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or hot)
- 6 cups day-old French bread or sourdough, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground breakfast sausage and cook until it is completely browned and crumbled, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Set the sausage aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients. - Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Base
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Give everything a quick toss directly in the dish to ensure the sausage and cheese are distributed among the bread cubes. - Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Pour this liquid mixture slowly and evenly over the bread and sausage in the baking dish. If you are making this ahead, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the casserole was in the fridge, let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes to take the chill off. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbly, and the center is set (it should not jiggle when shaken). Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. - Step 5: Plating
Cut the casserole into generous squares. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm on its own or alongside a bowl of fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee. The savory notes of the sausage pair beautifully with a drizzle of maple syrup if you enjoy a sweet and salty combination.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus optional overnight chilling)