1. Cook the Sausage

Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring that it browns evenly. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard (if using). Make sure the mixture is well combined, and the eggs are fully incorporated with the milk. The seasonings will add flavor to the casserole and make the eggs light and fluffy once baked.

3. Combine the Bread, Sausage, and Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked sausage, and any optional vegetables you’d like to add (bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes all work well). Toss everything together to ensure that the bread is evenly coated with the sausage and vegetables.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it with butter. Pour the bread and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, making sure that the liquid is evenly distributed throughout the casserole. Press the bread down gently to ensure it soaks up the egg mixture.

5. Add Cheese and Refrigerate (Optional)

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you’d like to prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and results in a more flavorful casserole. If you’re baking immediately, you can skip this step and proceed to baking.

6. Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator (if prepped overnight) and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. If you’d like the top to be extra crispy, you can sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

7. Cool and Garnish

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve the casserole warm, and enjoy!