Jimmy Dean Country Breakfast Casserole
A hearty breakfast casserole featuring savory sausage, eggs, cheeses, and bread, perfect for feeding a crowd and ideal for weekend brunch or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan well.
- Place bread cubes in the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar and Swiss cheeses over the bread.
- In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, light cream, salt, chopped green onions, and dry mustard; mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cheeses in the pan.
- Sprinkle cooked, crumbled, and drained sausage evenly over the top.
- Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of light cream. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick. To save time, prep the ingredients the night before and simply assemble in the morning, similar to other popular dishes like the Hash Brown Sausage Bake.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings and pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top. It's a hearty dish that complements other breakfast favorites like the One Dish Breakfast or Jewelled Mini Cheese Cakes for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F and cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring it stays moist and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jimmy Dean Country Breakfast Casserole contains roughly 650 calories, with 14g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1419mg per serving (62% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it the night before and refrigerate. Allowing it to sit overnight helps the flavors meld beautifully, making for a more delicious breakfast the next day.
Can I freeze the Jimmy Dean Country Breakfast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
What can I substitute for the cheeses?
If you prefer different flavors, you can substitute the Cheddar and Swiss with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a lactose-free option, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
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).