Savory Crouton & Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Start your day with a delightful Savory Crouton & Sausage Breakfast Casserole that combines crispy seasoned croutons, savory sausage, and rich cheddar cheese into a comforting dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this one-dish meal is ideal for brunches or holiday gatherings. The croutons simplify the preparation process by eliminating the need to cube bread, making it quick to assemble. The creamy, cheesy layers baked to perfection will have everyone coming back for seconds!
10
Servings
280
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
bulk pork sausage or Italian sausage
1 1/2 lbs (remove from casing if using links and crumble)
seasoned croutons
2 1/2 cups (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (8 ounces; divided)
milk
3 cups (divided (2 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup))
eggs
4 (none)
dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart rectangular baking dish.
3
Spread the seasoned croutons evenly across the bottom of the greased dish.
4
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the croutons, followed by the cooked sausage.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of milk, eggs, and dry mustard. Whisk together until well combined.
6
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring it saturates the croutons.
7
In a small bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the remaining 1/2 cup of milk. Whisk until smooth, then spoon this mixture evenly over the casserole.
8
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Remove the cover and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the casserole is set.
10
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious breakfast casserole!
Nutrition Information
19.7g
Fat
9.6g
Carbs
16.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this breakfast casserole?
The recipe is for the Savory Crouton & Sausage Breakfast Casserole.
What kind of sausage should be used?
You can use 1 1/2 lbs of bulk pork sausage or Italian sausage, crumbled.
How many croutons are needed for the base?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of seasoned croutons.
What type of cheese is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 cups (8 ounces) of shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
How much milk is used in total?
A total of 3 cups of milk is used, divided into 2 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup portions.
How many eggs are required for the egg mixture?
This recipe uses 4 eggs.
What is the role of dry mustard in the recipe?
1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard is whisked into the egg and milk mixture for seasoning.
Does this recipe use any canned soup?
Yes, it includes one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 3-quart rectangular baking dish is required for this casserole.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
How should the sausage be prepared?
Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain the excess fat.
What is the first layer of the casserole?
The first layer consists of the seasoned croutons spread evenly across the bottom of the greased dish.
How much cheese is added in the first layering step?
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the croutons before adding the sausage.
How is the soup mixture prepared?
Whisk the cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of milk until smooth before spooning it over the casserole.
Does the casserole need to be refrigerated before baking?
Yes, it should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours or overnight.
How long is the initial baking time?
The casserole is baked for an initial 45 minutes until set.
When do you add the final layer of cheese?
The remaining shredded cheddar cheese is added after the first 45 minutes of baking.
How do you know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, usually after an additional 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
How long should the casserole cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 19.7g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 16.2g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 9.6g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch?
Yes, it is described as ideal for brunches or holiday gatherings.
Can I use sausage links?
Yes, but you must remove them from the casing and crumble them during cooking.
What is the benefit of using croutons instead of bread cubes?
Using croutons simplifies preparation by eliminating the need to cube bread and adds seasoned flavor.
Is this a make-ahead recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends refrigerating it for at least 2 hours or overnight.
What category of meal does this fall under?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, the 3-quart rectangular baking dish should be lightly greased.