Sundays are for brunch!! Try this casserole!
Creole Breakfast Casserole (Vegan)
Savory, sliceable, Trinity-forward, and hearty enough to anchor the table.
Serves 6–8
Ingredients
Base
1 tbsp olive oil
6 oz vegan sausage, crumbled
½ small onion, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Custard
1 cup Just Egg
1 cup unsweetened plant milk
½ cup vegan shredded cheese
½ tsp Cajun seasoning
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch salt
Structure
3 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or sourdough)
½ cup shredded vegan cheese (for top)
2 tbsp chopped green onions
Optional add-ins
Handful fresh spinach
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Dash hot sauce
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Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a ceramic baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet. Brown sausage until caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. In same skillet sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4. In a bowl whisk Just Egg, plant milk, cheese, Cajun seasoning, pepper, and salt.
5. Add cubed bread to baking dish.
Fold in sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly.
6. Pour custard mixture over bread. Press gently so liquid soaks in.
7. Top with remaining shredded cheese and green onions.
8. Bake 30–35 minutes until set in center and golden on top.
Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
When preparing a vegan brunch casserole like this Creole Breakfast Casserole, I find that using day-old bread is key to achieving the ideal texture. The stale bread soaks up the custard mixture beautifully without becoming mushy, creating a custardy yet firm base that holds its shape when sliced. Another tip is to customize the casserole with your favorite Trinity vegetables (onion, bell pepper, and celery), which not only add authentic Creole flavor but also provide a satisfying crunch and color contrast. I personally love folding in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to increase both the nutrition and visual appeal of the dish. Using a high-quality vegan sausage that caramelizes well adds depth and heartiness to the casserole; browning it properly ensures rich umami notes that balance the spices and cheese. For the custard, Just Egg combined with unsweetened plant milk works exceptionally well to create a silky texture while keeping the dish plant-based. Don’t skip resting the casserole for about 10 minutes after baking. This step helps the custard set fully and makes slicing easier, giving you clean portions that hold together nicely on the plate. For those who prefer a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce stirred into the custard or drizzled on top before serving adds a lively kick without overwhelming the other flavors. This casserole makes for a perfect communal brunch centerpiece that’s both nutritious and comforting, especially when enjoyed with friends or family on a relaxing Sunday morning.
