Tahoe Brunch(Must Be Prepared 24 Hours In Advance)
A hearty brunch casserole combining savory sausage, mushrooms, onions, and cheesy bread, perfect for preparing a day ahead and enjoyed with family or friends.
Ingredients
- 12 slices white bread, crusts removed ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, trimmed and sliced ⓘ
- 2 c. yellow onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 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. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Butter the bread slices with softened butter and set aside.
- In a 10 to 12-inch skillet, melt 1/2 cup butter and brown the sliced mushrooms and onions over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes or until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
- Cook the Italian sausage and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the buttered bread slices in a greased baking dish.
- Distribute the cooked sausage, mushrooms, and onions over the bread.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, ground nutmeg, and chopped parsley.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the dish.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours before baking.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
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 don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard works in a pinch. Make sure to press the bread down gently when layering to ensure even soaking in the egg mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tahoe Brunch with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra parsley can enhance the flavor profile. It pairs beautifully with No Bake Pineapple Cream Pie for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and golden.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tahoe Brunch(Must Be Prepared 24 Hours In Advance) contains roughly 1021 calories, with 27g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2152mg per serving (94% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère or mozzarella can add a unique flavor and texture. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the dish's creamy quality.
Is it necessary to refrigerate for 24 hours?
Yes, refrigerating the dish for at least 24 hours allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, enhancing the flavor and texture. This step is crucial for achieving the best results.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the Italian sausage and add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Consider using a plant-based sausage alternative for added protein without compromising the flavor.
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).