Sweet Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole

$- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy) - 8 large eggs - 2 cups milk - 4 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough or French) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup maple syrup - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish What should I look for in breakfast sausage? Choose a sausage that fits your taste. Mild sausage gives a nice flavor without much heat. Spicy sausage adds a kick. Check the label for natural ingredients. Avoid fillers and preservatives for a better taste. What type of bread works best? Day-old bread is key here. Sourdough has a tangy flavor. French bread is light and fluffy. Both soak up the egg mixture well. Fresh bread can get mushy, so stick to day-old. You can also mix different types for added flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps cook the casserole evenly. Next, I grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This step prevents sticking and makes serving easier. In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned. I break apart the sausage with a spatula while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly. After it’s done, I drain any fat and set the sausage aside. This keeps the casserole from being too greasy. In a large bowl, I whisk together eight eggs, two cups of milk, and half a cup of maple syrup. I also add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Whisking until fully combined gives the eggs a smooth texture. I layer four cups of cubed day-old bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Next, I top the bread with the cooked sausage. Then, I sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage. It adds a nice melty flavor. After that, I pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. I make sure all the bread pieces soak well. Gently pressing down on the casserole helps everything stay submerged. I cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This soaking time helps all the flavors blend. Then, I bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes while covered. After that, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. I look for a golden brown top and ensure the eggs are set. Once baked, I take it out and let it cool slightly. I add chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. It looks great and adds a fresh touch! To make the best Sweet Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole, let it sit before baking. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture. I usually wait about 15 minutes after I assemble it. This step is key to a moist and flavorful dish. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle more maple syrup on top before serving. It adds a lovely shine and enhances the maple flavor. You can’t go wrong with a little extra syrup! Pair your casserole with simple sides. Fresh fruit works great. Sliced strawberries or mixed berries add color and freshness. A green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the dish. For drinks, consider coffee or fresh orange juice for a perfect morning vibe. You’ll need a few key tools for this recipe: - A large mixing bowl for the egg mixture - A skillet to cook the sausage - A 9x13-inch baking dish for the casserole - A whisk for mixing the eggs and milk - A spatula for serving and layering These tools help you create this tasty breakfast with ease. A good set of kitchen tools makes cooking more fun! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality sausage can elevate the flavor of your casserole significantly. Opt for local or organic options if possible. Let it Soak: Allowing the casserole to sit for 15 minutes after assembling gives the bread time to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more cohesive texture. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta for added depth of flavor. Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate overnight, then bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast. {{image_2}} You can make this breakfast casserole your own by swapping ingredients. Try different types of cheese. Instead of cheddar, use mozzarella for a milder taste. Feta cheese adds a nice tang. You can also switch the bread type. Use brioche for a richer flavor or whole wheat for added fiber. Each choice brings a unique twist to the dish. Want to boost flavor? Add herbs and spices! Fresh thyme or rosemary works great with the sausage. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. If you love garlic, sauté some minced garlic with the sausage. These little additions can transform your casserole from good to amazing. If you need a vegetarian option, leave out the sausage. Replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread. Just ensure your sausage is also gluten-free if you choose to include it. These swaps allow everyone to enjoy this tasty breakfast casserole. To keep your Sweet Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This method prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes. If you prefer, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about one to two minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can dry it out. The casserole stays fresh in the fridge for about four days. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. For the best taste, eat it within this time frame. After that, the flavors may fade. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day before. Just follow these steps: - Cook the sausage and mix the egg mixture. - Layer the bread, sausage, and cheese in the dish. - Pour the egg mixture on top. - Cover and refrigerate overnight. - In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time. This saves time in the morning and lets the flavors mix well. Absolutely! You can choose from various sausage types. Here are some suggestions: - Turkey sausage for a leaner option. - Italian sausage for a spicy kick. - Veggie sausage for a meatless choice. Each option brings its own flavor, so pick what you love! This casserole pairs well with many dishes. Try these ideas: - Fresh fruit like berries or melon for sweetness. - A simple green salad for crunch. - A hot cup of coffee or fresh juice to drink. These sides make the meal complete and refreshing. Check these signs to ensure your casserole is ready: - The top should be golden brown. - A knife inserted in the center comes out clean. - The eggs should be set, not runny. These cues will help you serve a perfect dish every time! This breakfast casserole is easy to make and full of flavor. We covered ingredients like sausage, eggs, and spices. I shared tips for perfect texture and unique variations. You learned how to store leftovers and reheat them well. In the end, this dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch. It warms your home with its delicious smells. Share it with family and friends; it will impress everyone. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful meal.$

Sweet Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole

A delicious breakfast casserole featuring breakfast sausage, eggs, and a hint of maple syrup, perfect for serving a crowd.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb breakfast sausage
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
4 cups cubed day-old bread
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Layer the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring all bread pieces are soaked in the egg mixture.
Press down gently on the casserole to ensure everything is submerged in the egg mixture.
Cover with aluminum foil and let the casserole sit for about 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve slices of the casserole on individual plates or a large platter, drizzled with additional maple syrup for a sweet touch. Add a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for color and balance.

Keyword breakfast, casserole, maple syrup, sausage