Easy Church Supper Sausage and Crouton Breakfast Casserole Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can sauté the sausage with a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely diced onions before adding it to the casserole. If you choose to add onions or other vegetables, ensure they are cooked and drained of excess moisture first, as raw vegetables can release liquid during baking and result in a soggy casserole that fails to set properly.

The resting time is essential for the best serving experience. Allowing the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven lets the internal temperature stabilize and the custard firm up slightly.

This makes the dish easier to portion and ensures that the texture remains consistent from the first slice to the last. Avoid cutting into it immediately, as the steam needs to dissipate for the best structure.

Variations

• Herb-Infused Casserole: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley to the egg mixture before pouring. The fresh herbs provide a bright, aromatic contrast to the savory sausage and cheese, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Spicy Sausage Version: Substitute the regular breakfast sausage with a spicy variety or add a teaspoon of diced jalapeños to the base. The heat from the sausage or peppers pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar and fluffy eggs.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Reheat portions in the microwave until heated through, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed, about 15 minutes.

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. It is best to slice the casserole into individual portions before storing, which makes it easier to grab for a quick meal later.

Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the bread from absorbing odors from other items in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for up to three days.

This dish can be assembled up to 12 hours in advance and kept in the refrigerator, but it is best to add the liquid custard just before baking if you want to maintain the texture of the croutons.

If you assemble it completely, the croutons will absorb more liquid, which may result in a softer, more pudding-like consistency. If you prefer a firmer texture, assemble the dry ingredients and keep the liquid mixture separate until ready to bake.

Serving ideas

Serve the casserole warm, directly from the baking dish, using a flat spatula to lift out neat squares. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced melon or berries, to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the eggs and sausage. You may also serve it with a light green salad if you are planning to serve it for a brunch that includes other savory options.

For those who enjoy a bit of extra flavor, offer a side of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for guests to add to their plates.

The acidity of the hot sauce cuts through the fat of the cheese and sausage, while the cool sour cream provides a creamy texture that complements the eggs. Place these condiments on the table so everyone can customize their portion according to their own personal preference.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Church Supper Sausage and Crouton Breakfast Casserole

Prep 10 minCook 40 minRest 5 minTotal 55 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups seasoned croutons
• 1 lb cooked breakfast sausage crumbles
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13 inch ceramic baking dish, spread the seasoned croutons evenly across the bottom. Scatter the cooked breakfast sausage crumbles over the croutons to ensure an even distribution of meat throughout the dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until the mixture is uniform in color and texture. Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the croutons and sausage in the baking dish, ensuring the liquid reaches the edges and corners to soak the bread thoroughly.
3. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the eggs are set to your preference and the cheese is melted and golden brown. To cook the eggs through to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), bake until the center is firm.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Food safety: This dish features soft-set eggs. Use pasteurised eggs for pregnant women, young children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.