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Paula Deen’s Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Casserole

Waking up on Christmas morning, the scent of cinnamon and pine mingling in the air, was always magical. But what truly cemented the holiday was the savory aroma wafting from the kitchen: my Aunt Carol’s breakfast casserole. It wasn’t until years later, flipping through a well-loved Paula Deen cookbook, that I realized the inspiration behind that comforting dish. That first bite, years ago, was a revelation – cheesy, savory, and utterly satisfying. It was a dish that fed not just our bodies, but our souls, creating warm memories that still linger today.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 casserole
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
1 pound ground maple pork sausage
6 slices soft hearty white bread
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon seasoned pepper

Equipment Needed

13×9 inch baking dish
Large skillet
Paper towels
Large bowl
Whisk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial for easy cleanup!
In a large skillet, cook the ground maple pork sausage over medium heat, stirring frequently to break it up, until it is browned and crumbly. This should take about 10 minutes. Ensure the sausage is cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Once the sausage is cooked, drain it thoroughly on paper towels to remove any excess grease. This prevents a greasy casserole and ensures a better texture.
Prepare the bread: Cut and discard the crusts from the 6 slices of soft hearty white bread. While some people enjoy the crusts, removing them ensures a softer, more uniform texture in the finished casserole.
Cut each slice of bread in half. Arrange the bread pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. You may need to cut some pieces to fit as necessary to completely cover the bottom of the dish. Think of it like a puzzle – fill in all the gaps!
Sprinkle the drained sausage evenly over the bread layer.
Next, sprinkle the 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage. Make sure the cheese is distributed so that you get cheesy goodness in every bite.
In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of seasoned pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. The dry mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish. Ensure that all the bread is soaked with the egg mixture. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until it is set and golden brown on top. The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set further and makes it easier to slice. The aroma will be simply irresistible!

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a touch of pepper jack can add complexity.
If you’re short on time, assemble the casserole the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting with a cold casserole.
To prevent the top from browning too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
If you don’t have seasoned pepper on hand, you can substitute with a pinch of black pepper and a dash of garlic powder.
Consider adding a layer of sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté them in the skillet after the sausage is cooked, before adding them to the casserole.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the breakfast casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs perfectly with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, and a steaming cup of coffee or tea. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives can also elevate the presentation.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	447 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	31.9g	49%
Saturated Fat	13.8g	69%
Cholesterol	262.8mg	87%
Sodium	803.1mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	13.3g	4%
Dietary Fiber	0.5g	2%
Sugars	4.2g	N/A
Protein	25.4g	50%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian: Substitute the ground sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread slices and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and the whole milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or use a spicy sausage.
Italian-Inspired: Substitute the maple sausage with Italian sausage, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the egg mixture, and use mozzarella cheese.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Yes, you can use other types of bread like challah, brioche, or even stale croissants for a richer flavor and texture. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the egg mixture.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: What if my casserole is browning too quickly?
A: If the top of your casserole is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli would all be delicious additions. Just be sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.

Q: Is it important to drain the sausage after cooking?
A: Yes, it is crucial to drain the sausage to remove excess grease. This will prevent the casserole from becoming greasy and will improve the texture.

Final Thoughts

This breakfast casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warm, comforting memories around your own table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a hearty and satisfying breakfast, Paula Deen’s classic is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of a truly delicious and unforgettable breakfast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. And most importantly, share your culinary creations with loved ones and savor the moments of togetherness that food brings. Enjoy!

Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole Recipe