Description
Paula Deen’s Brunch Casserole delivers a hearty Southern breakfast experience with layers of crispy bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Comfort and flavor combine in this crowd-pleasing dish that fills hungry plates with pure morning satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) loose pork breakfast sausage
- 7 eggs
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 cups milk
Bread and Seasonings:
- 8 thick slices country white bread, buttered and cubed
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- Paula Deen’s Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F, positioning the rack in the center to ensure even heat distribution.
- Place a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains. Drain excess fat using a colander and set aside.
- Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the cubed, buttered bread as a uniform base layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the cooked sausage crumbles over the bread layer, followed by a sprinkle of fresh sage for added aromatic flavor.
- Create a generous cheese layer by scattering both white cheddar and yellow sharp cheddar across the sausage and bread foundation.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until well combined, then incorporate milk, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper to create a smooth, seasoned custard.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring an even distribution that penetrates all layers.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center sets firmly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the casserole to stabilize before serving.
- Optional: Drizzle with Paula Deen’s Hot Sauce just before serving to add an extra kick of flavor.
Notes
- Bake Until Golden and Set: Golden-brown edges and a firm center signal your casserole has reached perfect doneness, ensuring a delightful texture and flavor.
- Soak Bread for Full Flavor: Allowing bread slices to luxuriate in the egg mixture lets every morsel absorb rich, savory seasonings and create a harmonious blend.
- Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Vigorous whisking transforms eggs into a smooth, silky base that guarantees consistent flavor and a luxurious, creamy texture throughout.
- Cook the Sausage Fully: Completely cooked and drained sausage prevents unwanted greasiness, delivering a cleaner, more robust taste profile in every bite.
- Use Thick Bread Slices: Substantial, hearty bread slices provide superior structure and absorb liquid perfectly, preventing sogginess and maintaining delectable crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 635 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 192 mg