Name: Ina Garten's Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably French bread or challah, cubed); 1 lb breakfast sausage (can be pork, turkey, or a vegetarian option); 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Description

A hearty breakfast casserole made with day-old bread, breakfast sausage, and a melty cheese blend, perfect for family gatherings and brunches.

Ingredients

1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably French bread or challah, cubed)
1 lb breakfast sausage (can be pork, turkey, or a vegetarian option)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

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Instructions

Start by cubing the bread. If you’re using fresh bread, toast the cubes in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to help dry them out.
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess grease while maintaining a tablespoon for flavor.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes soft, about 5-7 minutes. If using a red bell pepper, toss it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
In a large bowl, mix together the cubed bread, the sausage mixture, onions, and bell pepper. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and sausage blend in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, pressing down gently to ensure the bread gets submerged.
Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, until it’s puffed and golden brown on top.
Let it set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be served with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad. Consider adding toppings like diced avocado or sour cream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American