Name: Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 9 h 5 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork sausage; 3 medium apples; 12 cups Italian bread; 9 eggs; 3 cups 2% Milk

This unique recipe combines the robust flavors of sausage with the sweet, crisp taste of apples, all nestled within a custardy French toast bake. Perfect for brunch or holiday mornings, this dish offers a delightful twist on traditional French toast, creating a hearty breakfast casserole that's sure to impress.

Photos of Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake Recipe

Most ingredients in this recipe are common household items. However, if you don't typically purchase pork sausage or Italian bread, you'll need to add these to your shopping list. You can usually find pork sausage in the meat section of your supermarket, and Italian bread in the bakery section. As for the apples, any variety will do, but tart varieties like Granny Smith offer a nice contrast to the richness of the sausage.

Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake Ingredients

Pork sausage: This forms the savory base of the casserole and can be mild or spicy, depending on your preference.

Apples: Adds a note of sweetness and a bit of crunch to the casserole. Choose a variety that holds up well to baking.

Italian bread: This hearty bread soaks up the egg and milk mixture to form the 'toast' part of the French toast bake.

Eggs: These help to create the custardy texture that is characteristic of French toast.

Milk: Used to moisten the bread and give the bake a creamy texture.

One reader, Isidor Rosales says:

This sausage and apple French toast bake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of savory sausage and sweet apples creates a delightful flavor explosion. The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy brunch. It's a definite crowd-pleaser and has become a staple in my recipe collection. Highly recommended!

Isidor Rosales

Essential Techniques for Making Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

How to cook and crumble sausage: In a medium pot over medium heat, cook and crumble sausage for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

How to refrigerate overnight: After pouring the egg and milk mixture over the bread mixture in the baking pan, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the liquid.

How to preheat the oven: Turn the oven on and set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the oven to heat up for about 10-15 minutes before placing the casserole inside.

How to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, the French toast bake is ready. If there is still wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes.

How to bake uncovered: After the initial 45 minutes of covered baking, remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. This will allow the top to become golden brown and slightly crispy.

How To Make Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

French toast bake is a great dish to have on a weekend morning. The sweetness of the baked apples is balanced out nicely by the sausage’s savory flavor.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 55 minutes

Refrigerate Time: 8 hours

Total: 9 hours 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbspork sausage
3medium apples,(tart apples like Granny Smith), cut into ½-inch chunks,
12cupsItalian bread,cubed
9eggs,large
3cups2% milk

Instructions

Spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
In a medium pot over medium heat, cook and crumble sausage for 6 to 8 minutes until no longer pink. Combine sausage, apples, and bread in a large bowl, then spread evenly in the prepared baking pan.
Whisk together the eggs and milk in another bowl, then pour evenly over bread mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the casserole from refrigerator while oven heats.
Bake, covered, for 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Uncover the casserole and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 291.33kcal
Fat: 18.17g
Saturated Fat: 5.87g
Trans Fat: 0.11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.95g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.41g
Carbohydrates: 16.02g
Fiber: 0.71g
Sugar: 3.15g
Protein: 15.57g
Cholesterol: 133.33mg
Sodium: 636.33mg
Calcium: 93.46mg
Potassium: 300.37mg
Iron: 1.78mg
Vitamin A: 79.17µg
Vitamin C: 0.09mg

Expert Technique Tip for Perfect Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

When preparing the pork sausage, make sure to crumble it into small, even pieces. This ensures that each bite of the French toast bake will have a consistent texture and flavor. Additionally, when choosing your apples, opt for a variety that's both sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These types of apples will provide a nice contrast to the savory sausage and rich eggs. Lastly, when soaking the Italian bread in the egg and milk mixture, make sure all pieces are well-coated. This will result in a moist and flavorful bake.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

Prep ahead: Prepare the sausage, apple, and bread mixture the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This will save you time in the morning and allow the flavors to meld together for a more delicious dish.

Use pre-cooked sausage: Consider using pre-cooked sausage to save time on cooking and crumbing the sausage. This will cut down on the prep time and make the recipe quicker to assemble.

Bake in advance: If you're short on time in the morning, you can bake the French toast casserole the night before and reheat it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

Slice apples efficiently: Use an apple slicer to quickly and evenly slice the apples for the recipe, saving time and ensuring uniform apple slices.

Efficient egg cracking: Crack all the eggs into a separate bowl before adding them to the milk. This way, if any eggshells accidentally fall in, they can be easily removed without disrupting the entire mixture.

Substitute Ingredients For Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake Recipe

pork sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: This substitute is suitable for those following a vegetarian diet or looking to reduce their meat consumption. It provides a similar texture and flavor to traditional pork sausage.
apples - Substitute with pears: Pears offer a similar sweet and juicy flavor to apples, and they hold up well when baked, making them a suitable replacement in this recipe.
italian bread - Substitute with French bread: French bread can be used as a substitute for Italian bread in this recipe, providing a slightly different texture and flavor while still maintaining the integrity of the dish.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to eggs in this recipe, providing binding properties and moisture similar to traditional eggs.
2% milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to 2% milk, providing a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor to the dish.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

Elevate the plating: Arrange the French toast bake on a large, elegant platter, ensuring that each slice is neatly stacked and presented with precision.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives and thyme over the top of the French toast bake to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Add a touch of elegance with edible flowers: Place delicate, colorful edible flowers strategically around the platter to add a sophisticated and visually stunning element to the dish.
Drizzle with a maple glaze: Create a beautiful design on the plate using a maple glaze, adding a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish to the dish.
Serve with a side of whipped cream: Present a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side of the French toast bake, adding a luxurious and indulgent element to the dish.
Use fine china: Serve the French toast bake on exquisite fine china plates to enhance the overall dining experience and elevate the presentation to a higher level of sophistication.
Incorporate gold leaf accents: For a truly luxurious touch, delicately place edible gold leaf accents on the plate to add a shimmering, opulent finish to the dish.
Create a stunning fruit arrangement: Arrange a selection of fresh, vibrant berries and sliced fruits around the French toast bake, creating an eye-catching and appetizing display.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

Medium pot: A medium-sized cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, and stewing ingredients.
Baking pan: A rectangular or square pan used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
Toothpick: A small, pointed stick used for checking the doneness of baked goods.
Cooking spray: A non-stick spray used to coat baking pans and dishes to prevent food from sticking.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.

Storing and Freezing Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake: A Guide

Let the french toast bake cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the french toast bake:
- Cut the cooled casserole into individual portions.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat refrigerated french toast bake, cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat frozen portions, unwrap and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat frozen portions in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
For best results, consume reheated french toast bake immediately, as it may become soggy if left to sit for too long.

How To Reheat Leftover Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

To reheat leftover sausage and apple french toast bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly and drying out. Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a single serving of the french toast bake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking. The texture may be slightly softer compared to oven reheating, but it's a quick and convenient method.
For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat individual slices of the sausage and apple french toast bake in a toaster oven or a regular oven using the broil setting. Place the slices on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes on each side, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat smaller portions of the french toast bake to achieve a crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice or two in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
Lastly, if you prefer a softer texture, you can reheat the sausage and apple french toast bake in a steamer basket over boiling water. This method will help maintain moisture without making the dish soggy. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Interesting Trivia About Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

French toast bake is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients such as different types of sausage, fruits, and bread.

Is Making Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this sausage and apple French toast bake recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. Sausage and apples can be affordable, while bread and eggs are commonly found in households. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $15-20. Considering the use of simple and readily available ingredients, this recipe can be considered cost-effective. As for the verdict, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its simplicity, flavor combination, and the ability to feed a family on a budget.

Is This Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake Healthy or Unhealthy?

This sausage and apple french toast bake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main culprits are the high amounts of saturated fat and sodium from the pork sausage, as well as the excessive use of eggs and whole milk, which contribute to the dish's high cholesterol content. Additionally, the recipe lacks fiber-rich ingredients and relies heavily on simple carbohydrates from the Italian bread, which may cause blood sugar spikes.

To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following modifications:

Replace the pork sausage with a leaner protein source, such as turkey or chicken sausage, or opt for a plant-based alternative like soy chorizo
Reduce the number of eggs and substitute some of the whole milk with unsweetened almond or low-fat milk to decrease the cholesterol and saturated fat content
Incorporate more fiber-rich ingredients, such as using whole grain bread instead of Italian bread, and adding more apples or other fruits like berries or pears
Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of relying on the sugars from the bread and apples alone
Serve the french toast bake with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad to balance out the meal and add more nutrients

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

This sausage and apple French toast bake recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. The use of pork sausage adds a rich and hearty element, while the apples bring a touch of natural sweetness. The overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish. The golden brown finish adds a lovely visual appeal. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for a comforting and indulgent breakfast or brunch option.

Enhance Your Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the flavors of the sausage and apple french toast bake.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed in a sweet and savory honey glaze, adding a pop of color and sweetness to the meal.

Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Crispy bacon and roasted Brussels sprouts, adding a smoky and savory element to the dish.

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash: Butternut squash roasted with cinnamon and sugar, providing a warm and comforting side to complement the flavors of the main dish.

Delicious Alternatives to Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

Savory Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry: This savory stir fry is packed with tender beef and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful sauce.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup: Indulge in this creamy and comforting soup that features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a bright burst of lemon flavor.

Baked Apple Crisp: Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping in this delicious dessert.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Elevate your asparagus game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that features tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with garlic and parmesan.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and refreshing skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat after dinner.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious combination of smooth, creamy cheesecake filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a vibrant layer of fresh strawberries. This classic dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Why trust this Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, featuring premium quality pork sausage and fresh apples. The use of hearty Italian bread and a rich custard made with eggs and milk ensures a satisfying and comforting dish. The overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a delicious and well-balanced French toast bake. The careful preparation and cooking instructions guarantee a perfect outcome, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a delightful breakfast or brunch.

Share your thoughts on the Sausage and Apple French Toast Bake Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.

Can I substitute the apples with a different fruit?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different fruits like pears, berries, or peaches to create your own unique flavor combination.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it a convenient option for a stress-free morning meal.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Certainly! You can use French bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread. Just ensure that the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the egg and milk mixture.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! Once the French toast bake has cooled, you can portion the leftovers and freeze them for a quick and delicious breakfast on busy mornings. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.