Italian Sausage Brunch(Breakfast Food)
A savory breakfast casserole combining Italian sausage, mushrooms, cheese, and eggs layered between bread slices, perfect for brunch gatherings and hearty morning indulgence.
Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread, crusts removed, divided ⓘ
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced in 1/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 5 eggs ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Place 6 slices of bread in a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Set aside.
- Cook Italian sausage, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until sausage is browned and vegetables are tender; drain well.
- Spoon half of the sausage mixture over the bread in the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the sausage mixture.
- Layer the remaining 6 slices of bread over the cheese.
- Spread the remaining sausage mixture over the bread layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also substitute the white bread with whole grain or sourdough for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, prepare the dish ahead and bake it directly from the fridge; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Sausage Brunch warm, garnished with minced fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light yogurt parfait or even a slice of 'In A Hurry Pizza' for those who enjoy a savory breakfast spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. This brunch dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage Brunch(Breakfast Food) contains roughly 1351 calories, with 75g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (364% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (206% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 the dish the night before?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for overnight preparation. After layering the ingredients, simply cover the baking dish and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deliciously rich brunch dish.
What kind of cheese can I use instead of Cheddar?
While the recipe calls for Cheddar cheese, you can use other varieties such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the dish.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely customize this dish with additional vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can be great additions. Just sauté them along with the onions and mushrooms to ensure they are tender before layering them in the dish.
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).