Maple-Infused Sausage Breakfast Casserole

$- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy) - 8 large eggs - 2 cups milk (whole or your favorite type) - 4 cups cubed day-old bread (sourdough or French bread) - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) I recommend using Johnsonville or Aidells for breakfast sausage. They have great flavor. For cheese, try Cabot or Tillamook. Their sharp cheddar melts well. For maple syrup, go for Grade A pure maple syrup. It adds a rich sweetness. If you want a healthier option, use turkey sausage instead of pork. Almond or oat milk works if you need a dairy-free choice. You can swap cubed bread for gluten-free bread if needed. Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different cheese flavor. If you don’t have nutmeg, cinnamon alone is fine. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smooth. You need breakfast sausage, eggs, milk, cubed bread, cheddar cheese, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Don't forget fresh parsley for garnish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready. In a large skillet, add the breakfast sausage. Cook it over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until it turns brown and is fully cooked. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain any extra fat. Set the sausage aside to cool for a few minutes. Grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk the eggs and milk together until they blend well. Add in the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth. Now, take your greased baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly on the bottom. Layer the cooked sausage on top, followed by the cheddar cheese. Finally, pour the egg mixture over everything. Press down gently with a spatula. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well. Next, place the casserole in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered. After that, remove the foil. Continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes more. The top should turn golden brown, and the eggs should be set. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley, slice, and serve. To make a great Sweet Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole, start by browning your sausage evenly. Use medium heat for best results. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. This helps it mix well with the other ingredients later. Once the sausage is cooked, drain the excess fat. The sausage should be brown and flavorful. Choose fresh ingredients for the best taste. Use high-quality breakfast sausage, whether mild or spicy. Select day-old sourdough or French bread for a nice texture. Fresh eggs and whole milk bring richness to the dish. When picking cheese, use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor. Pure maple syrup is key for sweetness, so avoid imitation syrup. While baking, cover the casserole with foil for the first half. This keeps moisture in and helps the bread soak up flavors. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. This step gives the top a nice golden color. Bake until the eggs are set, and the top is firm. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole hold its shape. Pro Tips Selecting Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy breakfast sausage based on your flavor preference. Mild for a family-friendly option, spicy for a flavorful kick! <strong.Bread Choice: Using day-old sourdough or French bread not only enhances the texture but also helps to soak up the egg mixture better for a moist casserole. <strong.Allow to Rest: Letting the casserole sit for 15 minutes before baking allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in a more cohesive dish. <strong.Garnishing: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor contrast. Consider adding other herbs like chives or dill for additional flavor profiles. {{image_4}} You can boost nutrition by adding vegetables to your casserole. Spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes work well. Chop them small, so they mix in easily. Sauté the veggies in the skillet before adding them to the dish. This step helps keep them tender and brings out their flavors. You can also use frozen veggies if you’re short on time. Just thaw and drain them first. Cheese adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole. While sharp cheddar is a great choice, you can mix it up. Try using mozzarella for a milder taste, or feta for a tangy kick. You can also blend cheeses for a unique flavor. Always shred your cheese for better melting. It spreads evenly and creates a lovely texture. If you need a gluten-free option, there are easy swaps. Use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread. Make sure to check the label to ensure it’s fully gluten-free. You can also use cornbread for a sweeter twist. Just remember that the texture will change a bit, but it will still taste great. Adjust your cooking time if needed, as gluten-free bread may absorb more liquid. You can store leftover Sweet Maple Sausage Breakfast Casserole in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, let it cool before storing. This helps prevent excess moisture. To freeze this casserole, first let it cool completely. Cut it into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months. Label the bag with the date, so you know when to use it. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat it easily. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place the portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quicker results. Heat it on medium power until warm, stirring halfway through for even heating. Enjoy your delicious breakfast again! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to step 6. Cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the flavors. In the morning, just bake it as directed. This casserole pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Fresh fruit salad - Crispy bacon or ham - Yogurt with granola - A light green salad These options add color and balance to your meal. You can easily make this dish healthier with some swaps: - Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage. - Choose low-fat or non-dairy milk. - Add chopped veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These changes still keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Absolutely! Feel free to switch the sausage type. Here are some good options: - Chicken sausage for a lighter choice. - Vegan sausage for a plant-based dish. - Italian sausage for a spicy twist. Each choice will bring a new flavor to your casserole. You've learned about important ingredients and how to prepare a tasty casserole. We discussed steps for cooking sausage and assembling the dish. Tips on techniques and quality were shared, ensuring perfect baking. Variations let you customize with veggies and cheeses. Finally, we covered storage and reheating to keep it fresh. Use these ideas to create your own casserole masterpiece. Enjoy cooking and eating!$

Maple-Infused Sausage Breakfast Casserole

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

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

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 sharp cheddar cheese
0.5 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a layer of butter.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and completely cooked through. Once ready, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well integrated. Stir in the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper, blending until smooth.
Spread the cubed bread in an even layer across the greased baking dish. Evenly distribute the cooked sausage on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, making sure to saturate all the bread cubes.
Gently press down on the casserole with the back of a spatula to ensure all components are submerged in the egg mixture.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. This step lets the bread absorb the flavors fully.
Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs have firmly set.
Once fully baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve warm with additional maple syrup and a side of fresh fruit or salad.

Keyword breakfast, casserole, maple syrup, sausage