County Kitchen Casserole
A hearty casserole combining sausage, cheeses, and seasoned croutons, perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sausage in a large skillet until browned; drain, crumble, and set aside.
- Spread croutons on the bottom of a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
- Cover the croutons with shredded Cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage and minced onion over the cheeses.
- In a bowl, beat eggs; then stir in half and half cream, milk, dry hot mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using turkey sausage for a lighter option. You can substitute the half and half with a combination of milk and cream for a less rich flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This dish is versatile, so feel free to swap out the cheeses for your favorites or leftovers from other recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve County Kitchen Casserole with a fresh green salad or fruit to balance the richness of the dish. It makes a fantastic brunch centerpiece, especially when paired with dishes like Egg Strata(This Is Great For A Brunch!). Consider offering a side of salsa or hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of County Kitchen Casserole contains roughly 615 calories, with 22g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1048mg per serving (46% 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 prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of sausage?
You can substitute the sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just ensure whatever you use is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is set in the center and has a golden top. You can check by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean without any wet egg mixture.
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).