Cinnamon Raisin Sausage Breakfast Bake with Pecans
A hearty breakfast casserole combining savory pork sausage with sweet cinnamon-raisin bread in a rich custard base. The contrasting flavors of spiced meat and sweet bread create a satisfying dish perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. Chopped pecans add textural interest and nutty flavor throughout. This make-ahead friendly bake serves a crowd and can be prepared the night before for easy morning entertaining.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces ground pork sausageturkey sausage1:1lower-fat
slightly leaner flavor
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 16 ounces cinnamon-raisin bread, cubed
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and spray baking dish with vegetable oil spray
- 2
Cook sausage in large skillet on high heat, breaking apart until well browned
- 3
Drain sausage and discard fat
- 4
Whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, half the pecans and sausage in large bowl
- 5
Add bread and gently stir until custard is soaked in
- 6
Pour mixture into baking dish and top with remaining pecans
- 7
Bake until golden brown
Tips
Use day-old bread for better custard absorption and texture in the final bake.
Let mixture rest 10 minutes before baking to ensure bread fully absorbs the custard.
Cover with foil if pecans brown too quickly during baking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or oven.
Assemble completely, cover and refrigerate overnight. Add 10 minutes to baking time if cold.
Serve warm directly from baking dish. Cut into squares for easy serving.
Common Mistakes
Drain sausage thoroughly to avoid greasy casserole.
Don't overbake or custard will become rubbery.
Use proper sized dish to ensure even cooking depth.
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
slightly leaner flavor
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole completely, cover and refrigerate overnight. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.
What if I don't have cinnamon-raisin bread?
Use regular bread and add 1/2 cup raisins and extra cinnamon to the custard mixture for similar flavor.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Leftovers will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.