Breakfast Of Champions
A hearty breakfast casserole featuring sourdough bread, sausage, and sharp Cheddar cheese, perfect for weekend mornings or brunch gatherings with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place sourdough bread, cut into cubes, in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cook sausage just until it changes color and arrange over the bread.
- Add grated sharp Cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper over the mixture in the pan.
- Do not stir. Proceed to bake as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider using spicy sausage or adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage can be substituted. For a lighter version, low-fat milk can replace whole milk, and you could use whole grain bread instead of sourdough. This dish pairs beautifully with Creamy Apple Graham Squares for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty breakfast dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added color and flavor. It goes well with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad, such as Manhattan Deli Salad, to balance the richness. Consider offering a selection of hot sauces for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place pieces in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in an oven at 350°F until heated through. Ensure it's warm all the way to the center before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Breakfast Of Champions contains roughly 926 calories, with 23g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (57% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 911mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. This makes it an excellent option for brunch gatherings.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To turn this into a vegetarian dish, simply omit the sausage and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and texture. You can also enhance the dish with additional cheese or a meat substitute to satisfy those cravings.
What can I serve with this breakfast?
This Breakfast of Champions pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt can add a refreshing touch. For those who love sweets, consider serving with Blueberry Icebox Cake for a delightful finish. Coffee or fresh juices would complete the meal perfectly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).