Company coming for brunch? One of the best things about this casserole is that you can make it the night before and get up the next morning with nothing else to do except pop it in the oven. I make this EVERY year for Christmas and it is always good later in the week when I get tired of the turkey and ham. It’s a GREAT recipe if you are expecting guests for brunch. Add some cinnamon rolls or fruit and you have a delicious and tasty brunch meal for guests. It’s so easy!
The recipe is slightly modified from one that came from the back of a package of Jimmy Dean sausage many years ago and I decided instead of making the infamous “Sausage Ball” recipe – which is still awesome – that I would make something different and I have made it almost every holiday season since. Want to know another great thing about this recipe? You can customize it and make it however YOU like it. Change the sausage to bacon or ham. Add red or green peppers, even mushrooms. Add a different kind of cheese. Whatever sounds appealing!
Spend more time with family and friends during the holiday and less in the kitchen – this recipe is one example of how to do just that.
Make-Ahead Holiday Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) package pork sausage
- 10 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red pepper, optional
- sliced green onion, optional
- Spray a 9 x 13 x 2 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.
- In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Evenly distribute half the bread into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese, half the black pepper, half the red pepper, and half the sausage. Repeat layers.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over casserole. Press the bread with a fork into the egg mixture so it is fully absorbed in the break.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or bake immediately.
- When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat oven to 325 F. Bake uncovered for 55-60 minutes, or until eggs are set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the casserole dish with foil.
- If desired, sprinkle the casserole with sliced green onions or other garnishes. Serve warm.
Feature image from www.pexels.com, courtesy of Kaboompix.com
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