Grandma is always up before the sun, ready to start her day. And no matter how busy she is, she always makes time to whip up a hearty breakfast for the ones she loves. Her specialty is Grandma’s Sunrise Casserole… a delicious mix of crusty raisin bread, hearty sausage, and fluffy eggs that fills her house with warmth and comfort. Every time she makes it, the family gathers around the table and chats about their plans for the day. It’s such a sweet way to start off another day. Making Grandma’s Sunrise Casserole is sure to fill your own home with the same, much needed morning joy!
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1/2 pound bulk pork sausage
- 1 (1-pound) loaf cinnamon-raisin bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Toppings:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Directions
Step 1 –Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Step 2 –In a large skillet, cook the sausage while breaking it into crumbles, over medium heat, until it is no longer pink, about 4-6 minutes. Drain the excess grease.
Step 3 –Combine the bread and the sausage in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4 –In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, the milk, the cream, the vanilla, the cinnamon, and the nutmeg until they are blended.
Step 5 –Pour the egg mixture over the bread, then refrigerate, covered, for at least 8 hours and up to overnight.
Step 6 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 7 –Transfer the casserole from the fridge and let it sit while the oven heats.
Step 8 –In a small bowl, beat the pecans, the brown sugar, the butter, and the maple syrup together until it is thoroughly combined.
Step 9 –Drop the topping mixture by tablespoonfuls over the casserole.
Step 10 –Bake the casserole, uncovered, until it is golden-brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35-45 minutes.
Step 11 –Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes.
Step 12 –Serve.
