Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing morning meal that you can prepare the night before? This Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole is just what you need. Packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and soft bread, it creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is a dependable favorite for busy mornings, leisurely brunches, or holiday gatherings, making breakfast stress-free and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Combine ingredients the night before and wake up to a ready-to-bake dish, saving precious time in the morning.
- Family Favorite: Its classic combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, fitting any meal occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for busy schedules or entertaining guests without last-minute rush.
- Customizable Flavors: Easy to swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole lies in its simple and accessible ingredients. Each component adds a unique flavor, texture, or color that makes the casserole irresistible.
- Ground Sausage: Choose your favorite, whether spicy or mild, to provide the savory backbone.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the casserole and creating that rich, custardy texture.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and lightens the egg mixture for perfect softness.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or pepper jack work beautifully for melty goodness.
- Day-old Bread: Cubed bread soaks up egg mixture and adds hearty texture without getting soggy.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma, enhancing overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Key seasonings to balance all the savory elements.
- Optional Spices: A pinch of paprika or red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth.
Variations for Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole
This recipe offers a fantastic base that you can easily tweak. Whether you want to accommodate dietary needs or simply shake things up, these variations keep the dish exciting and adaptable.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative for a meat-free option.
- Low-Carb Twist: Replace bread with diced cauliflower or skip it completely to reduce carbs.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheese Variety: Mix in feta, Swiss, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce to activate your taste buds.
How to Make Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by browning the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring even texture. Once browned and cooked through, drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional spices you love. This creates a smooth custard base that soaks into the bread cubes and sausage, binding the casserole perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a baking dish generously, then layer the cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and diced onion over the bread, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the ingredients, pressing the bread gently to soak up the liquid.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the egg custard, ensuring a soft and flavorful bake.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover it, and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better, preventing a soggy casserole.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld and textures develop fully.
- Even Distribution: Spread sausage and cheese evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Check the Bake: If the casserole browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
- Cool Before Storing: Let leftovers cool before refrigerating to maintain moisture and texture.
How to Serve Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or green onions add a vibrant, fresh contrast to the rich casserole. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this casserole with crisp fruit salad or lightly dressed greens balances the meal by adding freshness and bright flavors. Toasted English muffins or fresh croissants complement the dish for those extra hearty brunch spreads.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal portions that look charming on any table. Layer vegetables and meats for a colorful, photo-ready appearance that’s perfect for gathering meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole holds up well, making it a convenient next-day breakfast or snack.
Freezing
Freeze portions wrapped tightly in foil or sealed in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep it moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use breakfast sausage links instead of ground sausage?
Absolutely! Just remove the casing and crumble the sausage before browning it in the skillet to maintain the right texture in the casserole.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep since you can assemble it ahead of time, then bake fresh each morning or reheat leftovers for quick meals.
What type of bread works best?
Sturdier breads like French, sourdough, or Italian work best because they absorb the custard without turning mushy, but you can use whatever bread you have on hand.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms add flavor and nutrients. Just sauté them beforehand to remove excess moisture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, swap regular milk and cheese for plant-based alternatives to make a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can add cheesy flavor if you omit cheese entirely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about waking up to an oven-ready dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole is not just easy; it’s a true crowd-pleaser with endless variations to fit every taste and occasion. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition.
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Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 6 hours 65 minutes (including refrigeration time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Contains Gluten (can be modified to Gluten Free using cauliflower), Contains Dairy and Meat (can be customized)
Description
Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining savory ground sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and day-old bread soaked in a creamy custard. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, brunches, or light dinners, this casserole simplifies busy mornings with a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to customize to your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (spicy or mild)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/pepper jack)
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Brown the ground sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces for even texture. Once cooked through, drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional spices until smooth to create a custard base.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish generously. Layer the cubed bread evenly at the bottom, then sprinkle cooked sausage and diced onion over the bread. Add a generous layer of shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all ingredients, gently pressing the bread to soak up the liquid.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the egg custard.
- Bake and Serve: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. Let rest a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to absorb the egg mixture better and avoid sogginess.
- Refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight to fully develop flavors and texture.
- Distribute sausage and cheese evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- If the casserole browns too fast while baking, loosely cover with foil halfway through.
- Allow leftovers to cool before storing in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg