Xmas Breakfast Casserole

“Why don’t you make that breakfast casserole you used to make?”

“What’s wrong with your Breakfast Casserole?”

“Not enough eggs.”

“Can’t you just put more eggs in it?  Besides I have no idea where that recipe is.”

“It’s on your blog.”

Well, it’s here now.  Here’s another fine example of something I made at some point in the past but the recipe went AWOL.  So here we go (again) and this recipe is as original as any you’ll find online.  Overnight breakfast casseroles are all pretty much the same.  Some use potatoes, some don’t.  I saw one recipe that used croutons instead of bread.  Mushrooms and spinach seemed pretty popular.  Use what you have on hand and let your palate be your guide.

Xmas Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Serves 12 or more depending upon portion size

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork breakfast sausage (if you’re in Oklahoma I used half Blue and Gold and half JC Potter)
• 1/2 large sweet onion, diced
• 4 cups white bread (Pep Farm Hearty Farmhouse white, crusts on) cubed
• 14 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground dry mustard
• 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (medium, Wisconsin sharp, and NY sharp)
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 1/2 small red pepper, small dice
• 3-4 green onions, tops only, diced

Instructions

The night before:

1. Cook the sausage in a large skillet and drain the fat.
2. Add onion and saute until the onions are translucent.
3. Allow sausage/onion mixture to cool.
4. Coat the bottom of a 15″ x 10″ baking dish with melted butter.
5. Spread the bread cubes on the bottom of the dish.
6. Add the cooled sausage/onion mixture.
7. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and dry mustard.
8. Spread the shredded cheeses over the sausage mix.
9. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cover with plastic wrap.
10. Chill in the refrigerator overnight.

The next morning:

1. Take the casserole out of the refrigerator and allow to sit for at least an hour. It can be cool to the touch but not cold.
2. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
3. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling on the sides.
4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at least 10 minutes before serving.
5. Sprinkle the red pepper and green onions on top.
6. Yum.

Post Xmas Brunch Observations

You’ll note this recipe does not call for any salt or pepper.  You won’t need salt or pepper in the dish.  Allow your guests to season as they please.  Trust me on this.  This dish is quite rich and full of flavor even the salsa and ketchup on the counter never got used.  We made Xmas Breakfast Potatoes on the side.  This casserole freezes well for quick and hearty meals when you don’t feel like cereal or toast.  Make sure you’re feeding a crowd because otherwise you’ll have a lot of leftovers.