Dinner

Rustic Sausage and Escarole Bread Bake Recipe

ByBen Miller December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

Introduction

This Rustic Bake with Escarole is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for using up rustic bread and fresh greens. Packed with spicy Italian sausage, wild mushrooms, and gooey gouda, it’s a flavorful meal that comes together easily and bakes into a deliciously savory casserole.

The dish shows a white, square but round-edged baking dish filled with several layers. The bottom layer looks creamy with a pale yellow color, partially covered by chunks of golden brown toasted bread. Mixed throughout this layer are pieces of cooked dark brown sausages, wilted greens with a dark green shade, and sliced sautéed mushrooms with a rich brown color. Small bits of diced light purple onions are scattered on top. The melted cheese is creamy white and is placed unevenly across the dish in soft melts and pools. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface with three shiny silver forks placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounce Spicy Italian Ground Sausage
4 cups Rustic Bread
2 cloves Garlic
1 Shallot
2 cups Wild Mushrooms
3 cups Escarole Lettuce
5 Eggs
2 cups Milk
3 tablespoons Butter
6 ounce Gouda
1/2 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary
Salt, to taste
Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Step 2: Brown the spicy Italian ground sausage in a pan over medium-high heat. Drain the fat, remove the sausage from the pan, and set aside, leaving the pork fat in the pan.
Step 3: Slice the shallot. Roughly chop the wild mushrooms. Mince the garlic and fresh rosemary.
Step 4: Cut the rustic bread and gouda into cubes and set them aside.
Step 5: Using the same pan, heat butter over medium heat. Sauté the shallots, garlic, rosemary, and mushrooms until fragrant and softened. Stir the sausage back in, then remove from heat.
Step 6: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
Step 7: Add the bread cubes and the mushroom and sausage mixture to the egg mixture.
Step 8: Tear the escarole lettuce into pieces and add it along with the cubed gouda. Gently fold everything together until evenly mixed.
Step 9: Butter your baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 10: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Step 11: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until the top is golden and the bake is set.
Step 12: Serve warm and enjoy your rustic, savory bake!

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rustic bread for better texture and less mushiness in the bake.
Swap gouda for sharp cheddar or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing for extra heat.
Include other greens like kale or spinach if you can’t find escarole.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through to maintain the crisp top, or microwave for a quicker option, though the texture may soften.

How to Serve

A white heart-shaped dish filled with a baked mix of several layers: the bottom layer has creamy melted cheese seen through small gaps; on top, chunky pieces of golden-brown toasted bread cubes are scattered unevenly; dark brown cooked mushrooms are spread across the bread; there are also bits of cooked meat with a deep brown color nestled among the bread and mushrooms; some green leafy vegetables add color between the other ingredients. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to three shiny silver forks placed closely together. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to step 10, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I substitute the spicy Italian sausage?

Absolutely. You can use mild Italian sausage, ground pork, or even a plant-based sausage alternative depending on your preference. Adjust seasoning accordingly.