Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/3 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 2 quarts whole milk
- 6 slices toasted white bread, diced
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare Sausage: In a medium skillet, crumble the sausage and cook until evenly browned over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine beaten eggs, salt, mustard powder, and whole milk.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix together the cooked sausage, diced bread pieces, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the wet mixture over the sausage, bread, and cheese, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Grease Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 467
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 192mg
- Sodium: 990mg
- Potassium: 396mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 536 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 310mg
- Iron: 2mg
Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Morning Casserole:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality sausage and cheese for the best flavor.
- Allow for Overnight Rest: Letting the casserole refrigerate overnight allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish.
- Experiment with Additions: Feel free to customize the casserole with additional ingredients such as diced vegetables or different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time to prevent it from becoming dry.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! This casserole is perfect for preparing the night before, allowing you to simply bake it in the morning.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Once baked, you can freeze individual portions of the casserole for quick and convenient breakfasts later on. Just be sure to thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q: Can I use different types of bread?
A: Certainly! While white bread works well in this recipe, you can experiment with other types such as whole wheat or sourdough for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can substitute the sausage with vegetarian alternatives such as vegetarian sausage crumbles or diced tofu for a meat-free version of this dish.