The Ultimate Breakfast Sausage and Egg Casserole with Cheddar and Challah Bread

When you need a flavorful and heartwarming dish to feed a group this is the best way to go about this sausage and egg casserole with cheese and Challah bread. An infusion of the sharp, nutty cheese, pillowy bread that’s soaked in an egg goo, the table will never look more appetizing to the family on a bustling weekend morning. Apart from its appealing aspect, it also allows you to do the prep ahead of time, so that when the time comes you only need to heat the prepped meal and it is ready to be served.

This sausage and egg casserole is not only yummy, but also very convenient. What’s more? You can set the stage of these ingredients by fixing them up even before you go to bed so you can have an untroubled time the next day. These are but a few of the reasons why the casserole will be the first item on your list whenever you cook:

• Convenient Preparation: Put everything in the casserole dish the night before and, in the morning, you will have a great breakfast that is fresh and hot.
• Customizable Ingredients: Think about adding items of the kind that would add on to the soap, for example, substituting the sausage, bread, or cheese with a lover of yours.
• Perfect for Gatherings: You can even serve it on holidays during breakfast, for brunch, and as a meal you just keep for later in the week.
• Flavorful and Hearty: A good sandwich made of sausage, cheddar, and soft, egg-soaked bread is a kind of comfort food.

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

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to it from sticking.

2. Cook the Sausage

Over medium heat in a large sauté pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Then break the sausage in a piece of buttering meat pieces and stir frequently until it is golden brown and cooked through all along, about 5-7 minutes. Following that, remove the cooked sausage to the mixing bowl.

3. Sauté the Onions

In the same pan, melt the other 1 tablespoon of butter and include the onion pieces. Make sure to cook while stirring occasionally until the onions become softer and look through which should take around 3-5 minutes. After that, you can now add the cooked onions to the sausage in the mixing bowl.

4. Combine the Bread and Cheese

Transfer the bread cubes and the grated cheddar cheese to the bowl containing the sausage and onions. Lightly mix everything so that the ingredients are incorporated evenly.

5. Prepare the Egg Mixture

Put the eggs in a different bowl then add it to the milk (or half-and-half), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicier) to the eggs. Stir the mixture so that it is even and smooth.

6. Combine Everything Together

First, beat the eggs in a small bowl. Now, you can beat the eggs into the dry ingredients and vegetables in the large bowl. Stir gently to make sure that every piece of bread has been covered by the egg mixture.

7. Assemble the Casserole

All the mixture should be poured 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 it at the minimum for 2 hours and at maximum overnight. It is necessary to put the mixture in the refrigerator, so the bread will absorb the egg mixture better, and therefore the casserole will be tastier and denser.

9. Bake the Casserole

At the beginning, 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 completely baked. If the top is rapidly browning, then protect it with aluminum foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

10. Serve and Garnish

When the casserole is done, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a little more color and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Use Slightly Stale Bread

Get some stale bread if you can; it will make your casserole taste better. Paneal is a bit dry; therefore, it is easier for it to hold the egg better, and that is why you are left with a firmer and strong-tasting casserole.

Add Vegetables

You may also include vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the mixture. Including them is as easy as just sautéing with the onions.

Experiment with Cheeses

Though cheddar is a widespread choice, you may also try s others like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even cheese blend. If you want a bolder flavor, use aged cheddar.

Make It Spicy

If you are a fan of spicy food, do not be afraid to add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.

Storing and Reheating

This casserole is suitable for meal prepping and leftovers are a bonus. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigeration: The casserole is supposed to be cooled down first. Then you cover it with foil or store individual portions in a proper container free of air in the fridge. It will be tasty for 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Firstly, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Or wrap individual servings in freezer-safe containers. The casserole will last you up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can just cover the casserole with foil and bake it at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until it gets heated all the way through. If you want, you can warm up the microwave 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

For your ideal healthy breakfast, you will have a satiating breakfast casserole on the plate with a piece of fresh fruit or a light salad. Hash browns are also available, together with roasted vegetables, or a glass of green smoothie, to make the casserole for a healthy and satisfying 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.