Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole with Sausage
There is no such thing as too many make-ahead meals in my home, whether it is a slow cooker chicken chili or an overnight French toast bake. Even before I became a mom, there just never seemed to be enough hours in the day to juggle it all, and now that I have a 4-month-old, I live in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed. Scared of not getting breakfast on the table for hordes of holiday guests? This recipe is for you!
There is no such thing as too many make-ahead meals in my home, whether it is a slow cooker chicken chili or an overnight French toast bake. Even before I became a mom, there just never seemed to be enough hours in the day to juggle it all, and now that I have a 4-month-old, I live in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed. Scared of not getting breakfast on the table for hordes of holiday guests? This recipe is for you!
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- olive oil as needed
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cub
- 1 pound italian sausage removed from casings
- 1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion
- 8 fresh sage leaves roughly chopped
- 1/2 pound sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 1/2 cups milk (whole or non-fat)
- Carbohydrate 1.80898548416667 g
- Cholesterol 626.543366866667 mg
- Fat 43.4097457535 g
- Fiber 0.177670830408732 g
- Protein 27.6165983708333 g
- Saturated Fat 14.5168518498333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (330g)
- Sodium 840.495170783333 mg
- Sugar 1.63131465375793 g
- Trans Fat 3.7646586755 g
- Calories 510 calories
Step-by-step
- Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with unsalted butter. Set it aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Add the cubed butternut squash to a baking sheet. Drizzle the butternut squash with olive oil, and roast the squash until browned and tender, about 30 minutes.
- In a large nonstick pan set over medium heat, cook the sausage, using a spatula to break it apart into crumbles. Remove it to a paper towel-lined plate and drain any drippings from the pan.
- To the same pan the sausage was cooked in, add the butter. Over medium heat, melt the butter then add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked onions to a medium bowl then stir in the cooked sausage, roasted squash, fresh sage and cubed bread. Stir together the mixture then transfer it to the greased baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers of bread and sausage.
- Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight, or for about 8 hours.
- Remove the strata from the fridge, discard the plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place the strata on a baking sheet and bake it, uncovered, for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked.
- Let the strata rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole: A Lifesaver for Busy Moms (and Everyone Else!)
Life as a mom is a whirlwind. There's the constant juggling act of work, childcare, household chores, and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity. One of the biggest challenges? Finding the time to cook healthy, delicious meals, especially breakfast. Forget those frantic morning scrambles for cereal or toast – this make-ahead breakfast casserole is my secret weapon for stress-free mornings and happy families. I developed this recipe out of sheer necessity, fueled by countless mornings of sleep deprivation and the desperate need for a quick, nutritious meal that didn't involve sacrificing precious sleep. This casserole is so versatile you can tailor it to your family's taste.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its preparation. It's a true "set it and forget it" recipe. You assemble it the night before (or even earlier in the week!), pop it in the fridge, and wake up to the aroma of a delicious breakfast already waiting. No more early morning kitchen chaos! Just imagine: you're leisurely enjoying your coffee, while the oven works its magic, creating a warm, comforting, and incredibly tasty breakfast for the whole family. This breakfast casserole is a perfect solution for busy weekdays or even big weekend brunches. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, creating a rich and satisfying experience that everyone will love.
Why this recipe works:
- Make-Ahead Convenience: The key to this recipe's success is its make-ahead nature. You can assemble it the night before, freeing up valuable time in the morning. This is particularly beneficial for busy weekdays, holiday mornings, or whenever you need a stress-free breakfast solution.
- Flavorful Ingredients: This casserole is packed with delicious flavors. The combination of savory sausage, sweet butternut squash, aromatic sage, and crusty bread creates a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of milk and eggs creates a creamy texture that is both comforting and delicious.
- Customizable Recipe: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Substitute different types of sausage, add other vegetables (like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers), or experiment with various types of bread. This recipe is highly adaptable so you can use whatever you have in your pantry.
- Perfect for Crowds: This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it's a family gathering, a holiday brunch, or a potluck. It’s a great way to feed a large number of people without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: This breakfast casserole is a balanced meal, providing protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning.
This recipe isn’t just about saving time; it’s about creating a relaxed and enjoyable morning routine. It’s about starting the day with a delicious, homemade breakfast without the stress. So, go ahead, treat yourself – and your family – to this amazing make-ahead breakfast casserole. You deserve it!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage for a touch of heat.
- Cheese please: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack cheese over the casserole before baking.
- Veggie boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Bread variations: Use different types of bread, such as challah, brioche, or even croissants, for a unique twist.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed.
