Sausage Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Sausage: Adds a savory and meaty flavor to the casserole.

Bread: Provides the base and structure for the casserole, absorbing the egg mixture.

Cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a rich and creamy texture.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and create a fluffy texture.

Milk: Combines with the eggs to form the custard base for the casserole.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.

To ensure your casserole has a perfectly even texture, make sure to evenly distribute the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. This will help the egg mixture soak through all the layers, creating a uniform consistency. Additionally, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before baking to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture thoroughly.

• cooked and crumbled sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled turkey sausage: A leaner option with less fat but similar flavor.

• cooked and crumbled sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian version, providing a similar texture and taste.

• cubed bread - Substitute with cubed whole wheat bread: Adds more fiber and nutrients while maintaining the texture.

• cubed bread - Substitute with cubed gluten-free bread: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: A milder cheese that melts well and provides a creamy texture.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with shredded dairy-free cheese: Ideal for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: For a lower cholesterol option or for those with egg allergies.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: A dairy-free option that adds a slightly nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with soy milk: Another dairy-free option that has a neutral taste and similar consistency.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: A more natural option that can have a slightly different mineral content.

• salt - Substitute with herb salt: Adds additional flavors from herbs while still providing the necessary saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: Offers a milder pepper flavor and is less visually noticeable in the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Adds a bit of heat and a different flavor profile for those who like a spicy kick.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• If you prefer to store individual portions, cut the casserole into squares and place them in airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal or snack.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap the entire dish or individual portions in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the casserole with the date before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps to maintain the texture and flavor.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a piece on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it’s heated evenly.
• If you notice any excess moisture after reheating, you can place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the top.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Sausage Cheese French Toast Casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispy top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second increments until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place slices of the casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place slices of the casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue in 2-minute increments until the casserole is warmed through and crispy on the edges.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

• Baking dish: The container where you will layer the bread cubes, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese, and pour the egg mixture over.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and pepper precisely.

• Knife: Necessary for cubing the bread slices.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cubing the bread.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the layers evenly in the baking dish.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool evenly after baking.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when handling the hot baking dish from the oven.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Cook and crumble the sausage the night before. Cube the bread and shred the cheese ahead of time.

Use pre-cooked sausage: Save time by using pre-cooked sausage available at the store.

Mix egg mixture ahead: Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper the night before and store in the fridge.

Assemble the night before: Layer the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish and pour the egg mixture over it. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Use a larger baking dish: Opt for a larger baking dish to ensure even cooking and reduce baking time.