Description
Brunch on the Bayou is a hearty and flavorful casserole combining Italian sausage, Monterey Jack cheese, and custardy eggs soaked into day-old French bread. Perfect for make-ahead brunches or holiday gatherings, it features rich layers and a tangy sour cream and Parmesan topping.
Ingredients
4 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
½ (1 pound) loaf day-old French bread, broken into small pieces
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 pound shredded Monterey Jack cheese
10 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
⅓ cup apple juice
3 green onions, chopped
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup sour cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook sausage in large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain grease and set aside.
- Spread bread pieces in bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle with cooked sausage, then cover with Monterey Jack cheese.
- In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, apple juice, green onions, and Dijon mustard. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes. Pour evenly over bread and sausage in dish.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to let bread soak up custard.
- Remove casserole from fridge 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Spread sour cream evenly on top, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Return to oven and bake until cheese browns, about 10 minutes.
Notes
Use cheddar or smoked gouda instead of Monterey Jack.
Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Omit sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for vegetarian version.
Replace apple juice with chicken or vegetable broth for savory twist.
Store leftovers airtight in refrigerator up to 3 days.
Reheat covered in oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
