Friday, June 3, 2011

Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

I love brunch-style entertaining but I do not like to be stuck in the kitchen all morning. This recipe is perfect because you prep it the night before and bake it right before the party. I served this along with steamed asparagus.


Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
recipe slightly adapted from Whole Foods Market

5 cups (½ inch) cubes stale sourdough bread (do not use fresh bread or the casserole will be runny)
12 ounces breakfast sausage
1 cup baby spinach or arugula
8 eggs
2 cups half and half
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried sage
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

In a medium skillet, cook sausage over medium high heat until browned. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Combine bread, sausage and spinach in a 9x13 baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and sage then pour over contents in baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese, cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover dish and bake until cooked through and golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Set aside to let rest for 10 minutes then serve.

Serves 6 to 8