Egg & Sausage Soufflé

8-10 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 45 m Total: 1 h Beginner
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Egg & Sausage Soufflé
This make-ahead egg and sausage soufflé combines crumbly hot sausage, cheddar cheese, and cubed bread in a savory custard that’s perfect for brunch. Prepare it the night before, then bake for 45 minutes—great for feeding a crowd before or after church services.

Ingredients

8-10 servings
  • 1 lb Hot Jimmy Dean Sausage
  • 4 slices white or wheat bread, cubed
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until crumbly and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off grease and set aside.
  2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer the cubed bread on the bottom, then add the cooked sausage, and top with the grated cheddar cheese.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and mustard until well combined.
  4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers in the baking dish.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Remove the dish from refrigerator and uncover.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes, until the soufflé is puffed and golden brown on top, and the center is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean).
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Particularly great for a brunch before or after services.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my soufflé watery in the middle?

A: Make sure the egg mixture has fully soaked into the bread during the overnight refrigeration. Also, bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean—it may need a few extra minutes depending on your oven.

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?

A: Yes, you can use mild breakfast sausage if you prefer less heat, or andouille for more Cajun flavor. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain the grease.

Tips and Techniques

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced bell pepper and onion to the sausage while it’s cooking. You can also swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you like more spice.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Hot Jimmy Dean Sausage: mild breakfast sausage, andouille sausage, or turkey sausage
  • cheddar cheese: pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese
  • white or wheat bread: French bread, sourdough, or day-old biscuits

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Historical Context

Overnight egg casseroles became popular in the South as a way to prepare for Sunday morning gatherings without rushing. The make-ahead approach meant hosts could focus on hospitality rather than cooking when guests arrived.