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Irresistible Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Bake

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This comforting baked dish features savory browned chicken or turkey sausage crumbles layered with tender bread cubes and rich, melted cheddar cheese. An egg and milk custard binds the ingredients together, creating a hearty and satisfying texture throughout. Baked until golden and bubbly, it offers a harmonious blend of flavors, perfect for a substantial breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey sausage
  • 6 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken or turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
  3. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the bread cubes, followed by 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish, ensuring all bread cubes are moistened. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining cooked sausage and 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  8. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the bake is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

For best results, prepare the bake the night before and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, or add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend for varied flavor profiles.

Ensure the bread is slightly stale or day-old to prevent the bake from becoming soggy.

Do not overbake; the center should be set but still moist.

Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition