Holiday Brunch Casserole

Holiday Brunch Casserole is the ultimate dish for festive mornings, bringing together a delicious blend of savory and cheesy flavors that’s sure to please a crowd. This hearty casserole combines layers of fluffy eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and melty cheese with bread cubes that soak up all the goodness, creating a rich and satisfying breakfast or brunch meal. Perfect for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or any special occasion, this casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it a stress-free and delicious way to start the day. Serve it with a side of fruit salad or freshly squeezed orange juice for a complete and festive meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bread, cut into cubes (day-old or slightly stale bread works best)
• 1 pound breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly over the bottom of the dish.
2. Add the Meat and Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon evenly over the bread cubes. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (if using). Make sure the mixture is well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, meat, and cheese layers in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes to help them absorb the egg mixture.
5. Chill the Casserole:
   • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, making the casserole fluffy and flavorful.
6. Bake the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Uncover and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Serve:
   • Let the Holiday Brunch Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.

Holiday Brunch Casserole is a delicious and easy way to bring everyone together for a festive meal. Its combination of savory sausage, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs makes it a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for celebrating with family and friends.