Egg-Cheese-Meat Brunch
A hearty brunch casserole combining savory sausage, melted Cheddar, eggs, and mushrooms layered over bread, perfect for weekend gatherings or family brunches with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cubed stale bread in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Layer grated Cheddar cheese over the bread.
- Add a layer of cooked bulk pork sausage.
- In a bowl, mix milk, cream of mushroom soup, eggs, and powdered mustard until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the sausage layer.
- Add drained mushrooms on top.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before baking.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using aged Cheddar cheese or adding a sprinkle of your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary. If you prefer a lighter option, swap the pork sausage for turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative. You can also use fresh mushrooms instead of canned if you have them on hand. Be sure to let the dish rest before baking to allow the bread to absorb the liquid fully.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty brunch dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a simple green salad for balance. Consider serving it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage links, which complements the flavors well. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can add a nice touch. For a complete meal, serve alongside Margie Gessaman'S Sloppy Joes for a delightful brunch spread.
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 or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. This dish can also be frozen; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg-Cheese-Meat Brunch contains roughly 815 calories, with 28g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (70% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1018mg per serving (44% 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 dish in advance?
Yes, this dish is ideal for overnight preparation. After assembling, cover and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making it even tastier when baked the next day.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with homemade béchamel sauce or a mixture of sour cream and milk for a different flavor profile. Cream of chicken soup is also a great alternative.
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
While stale bread is preferred for better texture, fresh bread can be used. Just toast it lightly before cubing to help it absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
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).