Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Unsalted Butter, plus extra for greasing
  • 1 lb (450 g) Loose Breakfast Sausage
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Dried Thyme
  • 12 oz (340 g) Stale Crusty Bread, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
  • 8 oz (225 g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • 10 large Eggs
  • 2 cups (475 ml) Whole Milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Heavy Cream
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp (1 ml) Ground Nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Everything Bagel Seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Grease the 9x13 inch baking dish generously with butter. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) later, when ready to bake.
  2. Melt 1 Tbsp of butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned (about 6-8 minutes).
  3. Drain off most of the excess fat, leaving about 1 Tbsp behind. Add the diced onion and thyme to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and soft (about 4 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and onion mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Distribute the grated cheddar cheese across the top.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined and slightly frothy.
  7. Pour the egg and milk custard slowly and evenly over the bread, cheese, and sausage mixture. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to ensure all cubes are thoroughly soaked.
  8. Cover the baking dish tightly with cling film or foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, but ideally overnight (up to 12 hours). This is crucial for the bread structure.
  9. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to warm slightly. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Bake the casserole, covered loosely with foil, for 30 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the entire top surface with the Everything Bagel seasoning. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The internal temperature should register 165°F (74°C).
  12. Allow the casserole to rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.