After Church Casserole

6 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 45 m Total: 1 h Beginner
5.0/5 (3)
This is a great meal for a Sunday brunch with eggs, sausage, bread, and cheese all baked together. All you need then is for someone to serve up a mimosa please; or at least a fresh cup of coffee! Prep it Saturday night, pop it in the oven Sunday morning.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 8 eggs slightly beaten
  • 6 slices white bread, trimmed and cubed
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 pound sausage, browned and drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheese of your choice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 dash hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients the night before and pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Store covered in the refrigerator.
  2. Take out of fridge before leaving for church.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes or until set.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I make this the morning of instead of the night before?

A: You can, but letting it sit overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, creating a better texture. If making the same day, let it sit at least 30 minutes before baking.

Q: My casserole came out watery. What happened?

A: Make sure the sausage is fully cooked and well-drained before adding. Excess grease from the sausage can make the casserole greasy and prevent it from setting properly.

Tips and Techniques

Use a hearty white bread or French bread for best results—soft sandwich bread can get too mushy. Season the egg mixture to taste before refrigerating, as it’s hard to adjust once assembled.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • white bread: French bread or sourdough, cubed
  • sausage: browned ground beef or diced ham
  • shredded cheese: cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk or fork for beating eggs

Historical Context

Make-ahead breakfast casseroles became a Southern church tradition, allowing families to prep Saturday night and enjoy a hot meal after Sunday services without much fuss.