This Kentucky Derby Casserole is a hearty Southern-inspired breakfast bake loaded with savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and flaky bread. Perfect for brunches, holidays, or feeding a crowd, this comforting casserole is easy to prepare ahead of time and bakes up golden, rich, and delicious every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g breakfast sausage, browned and drained
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups 480 ml whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 6 cups day-old bread cubed
- 2 cups 225 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup 60 g diced green bell pepper
- ¼ cup 40 g diced onion
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage, bell pepper, onion, and shredded cheese over the bread.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage mixture. Press down gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.