Breakfast Casserole - Spicy or Savory!

Breakfast Casserole

There's 2 option, spicy or savory:

Option 1: Spicy

7-8 slices white bread, crust

removed (I like Tuscan)

1 pound Hot & Spicy sausage

3 cups monterrey jack cheese

6 large eggs

3 cloves garlic

1/2 onion, diced small

1/2 red pepper, diced small

1 tsp dry mustard

2 cups 1/2 & 1/2 (or milk)

few shots Tabasco (or favorite

hot sauce)

2 tbls EVOO or canola oil

S & P

cooking spray

Option 2: Savory

7-8 slices white bread, crust

removed (I like Tuscan)

1 pound maple sausage

3 cups monterrey jack cheese

6 large eggs

1 tsp mustard

2 cups 1/2 & 1/2 (or milk)

S & P

Cooking Spray

These breakfast casseroles are perfect for the weekend, great for a brunch & a crowd pleaser for company, especially when you stay up late the night before.  You know how it is, some like it spicy & some can't handle it at all!  So, I usually make both of the above dishes when I 'm having a gathering & then you can't go wrong.  They both have a special zing all their own!  They are easy to make, can be made the night before & sure to please!

So, the process is the same for both of them, just modify to fit which option you choose.  First, spray the bottom of a 9 X 13 baking dish with cooking spray, then place bread in a flat layer across the bottom.  You may need to cut one piece of the bread to make it a single layer.  Then, spray the top of the bread layer (or butter).

Now, it's time to brown up the sausage, whichever flavor that you selected. Once cooked to your liking, drain off all the extra grease & spread over the layer of bread. Top the browned sausage with the shredded monterey jack cheeses & set aside.

Next, if you are doing the spicy version, saute the onions, garlic & red pepper in EVOO for 3 - 5 minutes over med/high heat... set aside.  Now, for both versions, whip up eggs, add all remaining ingredients and stir until well combined. (If you selected Spicy, now is your time to add back in the sauteed veggies.) Be sure to salt & pepper.  Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.  Cover & refrigerate a minimum of 4 hours, overnight is even better.

Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking.  Place into a preheated 350 degree oven & bake uncovered until golden brown, approximately 45 minutes or until a  knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Let stand about 10 - 15 minutes before serving.

Yum, that's it!  I don't even care much for eggs & adore this breakfast dish!   It's fun to do both options for a group & it's a great dish to take to a brunch.  You can serve it up with fresh seasonal fruit & a warm biscuit with jam, simply delish!