Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of a warm, hearty breakfast that’s ready to serve without any fuss! The Make Ahead Sausage French Toast Bake is your ultimate solution for stress-free mornings, combining the comforting flavors of fluffy French toast with savory sausage in one delightful dish. Perfect for family gatherings or lazy weekends, this recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also saves you precious time in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease using a paper towel-lined plate.
- Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let the cubes sit out for 15-20 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the egg mixture better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
- Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle half of the cooked sausage crumbles over the bread.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining bread cubes and sausage crumbles, creating an even distribution.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
- When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the French toast bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve warm with additional maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture, use a sturdy bread like challah, brioche, or sourdough. These types hold up well when soaked in the egg mixture.
- Let It Sit: Allow the assembled dish to sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step is crucial as it ensures the bread fully absorbs the egg mixture, resulting in a creamy and flavorful bake.
- Customize Your Sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage—spicy, sweet, or even turkey sausage—to suit your taste preferences.
- Add Toppings: Elevate your dish by adding toppings such as fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bake is perfectly cooked, use a toothpick to check the center. It should come out clean when the dish is fully set.
- Serve with Style: Pair your French toast bake with a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 250mg
