Red Cross Casserole
A hearty casserole combining savory pork sausage, cheesy goodness, and fluffy bread, baked to perfection—ideal for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and drain excess fat.
- Beat eggs, milk, salt, and dry mustard together.
- Add bread cubes, cooked sausage, and grated cheese to the egg mixture and combine.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can substitute turkey sausage for pork sausage. If you're looking to enhance the flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers. You can also swap the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese for a different taste profile. Make sure to cube the bread into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Red Cross Casserole is perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or some crispy bacon for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with B.L.T. Bites for an appetizer option. For a lighter side, consider a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Cross Casserole contains roughly 624 calories, with 25g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1752mg per serving (76% 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 in advance?
Yes, this casserole is ideal for preparing ahead of time. Assemble it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a more flavorful dish. Just remember to bake it in the morning as directed for a warm breakfast.
Can I freeze the casserole?
You can freeze the uncooked casserole before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. However, cooked leftovers can also be frozen for up to a month, but may lose some texture.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use a mixture of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg) or a commercial egg replacer. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, but it should still bind the casserole together.
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).