Nineties Breakfast Dish
A hearty, cheesy breakfast casserole with savory sausage, mushrooms, onions, and a rich egg mixture, perfect for weekend brunch or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. corn oil margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 c. thinly sliced onion ⓘ
- seasoned pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 lb. mild Italian sausage ⓘ
- 12 slices wheat bread, crusts removed ⓘ
- 2 c. grated reduced-fat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. liquid egg substitute ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. skim milk ⓘ
- 1 c. buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt margarine and brown mushrooms and onions for 6 to 8 minutes until tender.
- Stir in seasoned pepper; remove mixture from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, simmer sausage in 1/2 cup water, covered, for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Drain water from the sausage.
- Slice sausage into 1/4-inch slices and brown slightly.
- Drain fat and place sausage on paper towels.
- Spray a 13 x 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with nonstick vegetable spray.
- Layer half the bread slices in the dish.
- Spread half the mushroom mixture over the bread.
- Add half the sausage slices and sprinkle with half the grated Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with remaining bread, mushroom mixture, sausage, and cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk together liquid egg substitute, skim milk, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, nutmeg, salt, and chopped parsley.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of mushrooms, such as shiitake and cremini. If you want a healthier option, swap out the sausage for turkey sausage. You can also use whole grain bread instead of wheat for extra fiber. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste, and don't hesitate to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon. Consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or a light salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, you might also enjoy it alongside a slice of Gene'S Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie for dessert.
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 warm for about 20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for 1-2 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nineties Breakfast Dish contains roughly 754 calories, with 24g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 875mg per serving (38% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and cover them with the egg mixture just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a quick breakfast option. Just remember to adjust the baking time if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for the liquid egg substitute?
You can use 6 large eggs whisked together as a substitute for the liquid egg substitute. If you're looking for a vegan option, consider using a mixture of silken tofu blended with a little water or plant-based milk to achieve a similar consistency.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the wheat bread with gluten-free bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the sausage and cheeses, are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast without compromising your dietary needs.
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).