Preparing a breakfast casserole is a great make-ahead idea for any busy morning. The recipe featured below is perfect for a brunch or holiday breakfast, such as Christmas, Easter morning or even football gathering on Sunday, because it can be prepared the night before, and refrigerated until the next morning. Then it can be popped into the oven to bake while guests arrive, or kids are opening presents taking only a limited amount of time in the kitchen

Your home will be filled with the delicious aroma of a savory egg and cheese breakfast, which you did not have to stand at the stove to prepare! When it is finished cooking your elegant Chasseur Enameled Casserole can go straight to the table as a colorful serving piece which will maintain the heat and keep it warm and toasty. These beautiful pieces of cookware are available at YourSmartKitchen.com, in a wide array of sizes and festive colors which will enhance the presentation of any dish.

(serves 8 to 10 people)

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.

Ingredients:

• 1 ten ounce bag or box of seasoned croutons
• 8 to 10 large eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 pound of bulk pork breakfast sausage (reduced fat is fine)
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard (Colman’s is very good)
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Prepare your medium or large sized Chasseur Enameled Cast Iron Casserole by pouring about two teaspoons of cooking oil into the dish and wiping it all around with a paper towel. Pour into the dish the box of seasoned croutons and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the croutons. Set aside.

Brown the crumbled pork sausage in a frying pan over medium heat until it is completely browned and a little crispy. Pour off any cooked off grease. Sprinkle the sausage evenly over the top of the croutons and cheese.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs well. Add the milk and dry mustard and mix well together. Pour this mixture over the sausage. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for forty-five to fifty-five minutes or until it is set and golden brown on top.

If you prefer a sweet breakfast casserole instead savory, try the following:

• 8 slices heavy bread, such as French, crusts removed and cut into cubes
• 2 eight ounce packages of cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 2 cups milk
• 12 large eggs
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Prepare your Chasseur Enameled Cast Iron Casserole with a small amount of cooking oil brushed on the bottom and sides. Place half of the bread cubes evenly on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the cream cheese cubes over this. Now cover with the rest of the bread cubes.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. Pour this mixture over the bread and cream cheese cubes.  In a small bowl mix the syrup and cinnamon and pour this over the top of the casserole. The casserole may now be refrigerated overnight. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Serve with additional maple syrup if desired.

Enjoy!