Description
Sausage & Maple Waffle Bake is a comforting breakfast casserole that combines sweet maple syrup, savory sausage, and crispy waffles. Ideal for holidays or weekend brunch, this make-ahead dish is baked until golden and is sure to please a crowd with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Waffle Bake
- 6 frozen waffles, preferably Belgian-style, cut into pieces
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), casing removed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Assembly and Serving
- 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing the baking dish
- Additional maple syrup, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Scatter half the waffle pieces in an even layer on the bottom.
- Layer the ingredients: Sprinkle half the cooked sausage over the waffles, followed by half the cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining waffles, sausage, and cheese to create two layers.
- Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Pour the custard: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered waffles and sausage in the baking dish. Press the top layer gently to help the waffles absorb the liquid.
- Chill (optional): For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This allows the waffles to soak up the custard, but you can also bake immediately if short on time.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and set in the middle. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Serve: Let the bake cool for about 10 minutes, then cut into squares. Serve warm with extra maple syrup drizzled on top.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake it in the morning.
- Try adding in diced apples or cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Use gluten-free waffles and sausage for a gluten-free version.
