A Heartfelt Visit: Sourdough Sausage Breakfast Casserole and Cherished Friendships

There’s a special kind of warmth that fills the air when dear friends reunite, and this past week was particularly vibrant. My wonderful friend, Candi, from The Devilish Dish, made the journey to visit me, a cherished tradition we strive to uphold at least once a year. What makes this year even more remarkable is that we’ve already been fortunate enough to see each other twice, and with more than half the year still ahead, who knows what other delightful surprises await? These gatherings are more than just visits; they are precious opportunities to reconnect, share laughter, and create new, lasting memories.

This particular trip held an extra layer of joy as Candi was able to bring her daughter along. Witnessing our children meet and begin to forge their own budding friendships was incredibly heartwarming. Our days were brimming with activities, from exploring local attractions to enjoying spontaneous outings, which meant we indulged in many meals out. However, I was determined to host a memorable Sunday brunch. The recipe I chose is a true gem, one that holds a special place in my family’s culinary repertoire. My Mom and I first created it for my cousin’s bridal shower just a year ago, and since then, it has quickly ascended to the top of our list of family favorites, always met with eager anticipation.

The Culinary Centerpiece: Our Signature Sourdough Sausage Breakfast Casserole

What truly distinguishes this Sourdough Sausage Breakfast Casserole from other breakfast bakes is its remarkable depth of flavor and harmonious texture profile. The distinct, slightly tangy notes of the sourdough bread provide an incredible foundation, beautifully contrasting and complementing the savory, often spicy, kick of the breakfast sausage. This dynamic duo is further enhanced by the earthy, rich undertones of fresh mushrooms, which introduce a layer of umami that elevates the entire dish. It’s a breakfast sensation that transcends the ordinary, offering a sophisticated yet utterly comforting start to any day, especially when entertaining cherished guests.

Crafting this casserole is an act of love, designed for both flavor and convenience. The sourdough bread absorbs the creamy egg mixture like a dream, baking into a moist, custardy texture that holds its integrity without becoming soggy. The well-seasoned sausage provides a hearty, fulfilling element, while the fresh mushrooms not only add texture but also a subtle, fragrant earthiness. This dish elegantly balances gourmet appeal with the warmth of home-cooking, ensuring it will be a crowd-pleaser every time. Its beauty lies not just in its taste, but also in its ability to be prepared ahead of time, making it the ultimate overnight breakfast casserole solution for stress-free entertaining. Imagine waking up, popping it in the oven, and enjoying a relaxing morning with your loved ones while a delicious aroma fills your home.

Pairing this hearty casserole with a vibrant platter of seasonal fresh fruit instantly transforms brunch into a truly balanced and delightful culinary experience. The natural sweetness and refreshing tartness of berries, melons, or citrus slices provide a perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors of the casserole. This thoughtful combination not only adds a burst of color to your table but also ensures that every bite is a harmonious blend of indulgence and freshness. It’s an ideal way to celebrate special occasions or simply elevate a regular weekend morning, allowing you to create beautiful memories around the breakfast table.

The Language of Friendship: Thoughtful Gifts and Shared Love

Candi and I have a long-standing, delightful tradition of exchanging “fun mail,” small packages filled with surprises that always bring a smile. Whenever we manage to meet in person, she consistently brings me a special, thoughtful treat, and this visit was no exception. This year, I was greeted with a beautifully decorated package, clearly put together with love and care. Inside, I discovered the most charming apron, playfully adorned with an array of cupcakes! It was not just incredibly cute but also a perfect, personal reflection of my current profile picture on my Facebook page, making it an even more cherished and meaningful gift. These little gestures speak volumes about the depth and understanding within our friendship.

Beyond the delightful apron, Candi’s visit also brought with it a profoundly touching gesture, one that spoke directly to my heart during a time of immense worry. For those of you who know our family well, you’re aware that our household is bustling not only with our four amazing children but also with our two beloved “fur babies.” There’s Gabby, our spirited Westie, whose boundless energy keeps us on our toes, and Sully, our gentle, goofy Boxer, who fills our lives with his endearing antics and unwavering affection. They are truly an integral part of our family, bringing endless joy and unconditional love into our home.

Our sweet Boxer, Sully, had recently endured a profoundly difficult period. Just a couple of weeks before Candi’s arrival, he underwent surgery to remove two masses. The entire experience was fraught with anxiety; Sully suffered a severe seizure while under anesthesia, a terrifying moment for everyone involved. While the surgical team skillfully managed that crisis and the procedure itself seemed successful, his recovery was complicated. Sully, being Sully, proved to be quite a challenge when it came to his sutures. He managed to rip out the first set of stitches, which led to their replacement with staples. When some of those staples also came undone, more were required. For ten long, trying days, he had to wear “the cone of shame,” a constant, uncomfortable reminder of his ordeal, until the staples could finally be removed.

The true heartbreak, however, came with the pathology reports. They delivered the devastating news that our precious brown boy had cancer. I was utterly shattered, consumed by a profound sense of grief and helplessness. The weight of his diagnosis hung heavy over me, and I spent much of my trip last week longing to be home, to comfort him and simply be by his side. Candi, understanding the immense pain I was feeling and the depth of my bond with Sully, offered an incredibly empathetic gesture: she brought me a special candle, beautifully inscribed with a prayer to St. Rocco, the venerated patron saint of dogs. It was a profound symbol of hope and compassion during one of our family’s most challenging times, a true gift from the heart.

Candi is, without a doubt, a passionate dog lover, but Sully has always held a particularly special place in her affections. This deep connection is rooted in the fact that she, too, is the proud owner of a wonderful Boxer mix named Ruth. Sully and Ruth share so many endearing personality traits – from their playful energy to their loyal dispositions and their charmingly quirky habits. It’s no surprise that Candi has always affectionately referred to Sully as her “brown boyfriend.” Her understanding of the unique and profound bond between an owner and their Boxer made her gift of the St. Rocco candle even more resonant and deeply appreciated during our family’s time of need.

Thankfully, the emotional rollercoaster we had been on took a sudden and exhilarating upward turn just as Candi was about to depart. The very day she left, I had a crucial follow-up appointment with our veterinarian to discuss the next steps for Sully’s treatment. To my overwhelming relief and disbelief, she delivered the most incredible news: she had just spoken with the oncologist, who confirmed that both tumors had been completely removed with excellent, clean margins! The cancer was GONE! No further treatment was needed, and Sully was expected to make a full and complete recovery. The sense of profound gratitude and joy that washed over me was indescribable; it felt nothing short of a miracle, a direct answer to the countless prayers and hopeful wishes we had sent into the universe.

This incredible outcome would not have been possible without the immense wave of love and support that surrounded us. I want to extend my deepest, most heartfelt thanks to all of my friends and family for your unwavering prayers, your positive thoughts, and your constant encouragement for our sweet little Sully. Your compassion and solidarity during such a challenging time truly meant the world to us, and we are eternally grateful for every single one of you. Sully’s inspiring journey reminds us all of the power of hope, the strength of friendship, and the enduring resilience of the spirit.

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Sourdough and Sausage Breakfast Casserole and a gift “from the heart”

The unique tang of the sourdough bread combined with the savory spiciness of the sausage and the earthy richness of fresh mushrooms truly sets this breakfast casserole apart from all others.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time1 hr

Additional Time8 hrs

Total Time9 hrs 5 mins

Course: Breakfast/Brunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Sourdough and Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 6110 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

• 4-6 slices sourdough bread
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 lb. bulk breakfast sausage
• 1/4-1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• 8 eggs
• 2 ¼ cups milk
• 4 green onions, diced
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• ¼ lb. fresh mushrooms (I often use a little more for extra flavor)
• 1/3 cup milk
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Grease the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly.
2. Arrange the sourdough bread slices to completely cover the bottom of the pan. Use just enough to form a single layer.
3. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the layer of bread.
4. In a large skillet, brown the bulk breakfast sausage with the red pepper flakes until fully cooked and crumbled. Drain any excess grease and allow the sausage to cool slightly. Spread the crumbled sausage evenly over the cheese layer.
5. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, dry mustard, 2 ¼ cups of milk, and the diced green onions until well combined.
6. Carefully pour this egg mixture over the bread, cheese, and sausage layers in the baking pan.
7. Cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
8. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
9. In a medium bowl, mix the can of cream of mushroom soup with 1/3 cup of milk and the fresh mushrooms until smooth. Pour this creamy mushroom mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
10. Optionally, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese over the top for an extra golden crust. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the casserole is golden brown, bubbly, and set in the center.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1
Calories: 6110kcal
Carbohydrates: 287g
Protein: 342g
Fat: 400g
Saturated Fat: 148g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 220g
Trans Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 2542mg
Sodium: 14190mg
Fiber: 15g
Sugar: 36g