Tahoe Brunch
A hearty overnight breakfast casserole featuring sausage, mushrooms, cheese, and eggs, perfect for weekend brunches and entertaining guests with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread, crusts removed ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, trimmed and sliced ⓘ
- 2 c. thinly sliced yellow onions ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. mild Italian sausage ⓘ
- 3/4 to 1 lb. Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 5 eggs ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 3 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the dish 24 hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove crusts from 12 slices of white bread and cut into cubes.
- Sauté 1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms and 2 to 3 Tbsp. butter until tender.
- Add 2 c. thinly sliced yellow onions and cook until translucent.
- Season mushroom and onion mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook 1 1/2 lb. mild Italian sausage until browned and cooked through.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 5 eggs, 2 1/2 c. milk, 3 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1 tsp. dry mustard, and 1 tsp. nutmeg.
- Stir in 3/4 to 1 lb. grated Cheddar cheese and the cooked sausage.
- Add the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture to the egg mixture.
- Layer bread cubes in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the sausage, mushroom, and egg mixture over the bread, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
- Before baking, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until puffed and golden, about 45-50 minutes, until set and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute the mild Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed spinach or bell peppers. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can also enhance the flavor profile. Be sure to allow the casserole to sit before baking to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Tahoe Brunch casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing mimosa or coffee. This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts and can be accompanied by pastries or a sweet treat, such as Ice Box Cake, for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tahoe Brunch contains roughly 2063 calories, with 55g protein, 280g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), and protein (110% 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 this casserole in advance?
Yes, this casserole is designed to be made ahead of time. Prepare it the night before and allow it to sit in the refrigerator overnight. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making it an excellent choice for a stress-free brunch.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute Cheddar with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the dish.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when it is puffed, golden on top, and set in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean. Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time.
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).