If you’re searching for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, look no further than this Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s a comforting blend of savory sausage, tender bread soaked in a rich egg mixture, and melty cheddar cheese all baked to golden perfection. The best part? You prepare it the night before, so you wake up to a ready-to-bake dish that fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma. It’s an effortless way to impress family or guests without spending your morning in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this breakfast casserole is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures. From hearty sausage to fluffy eggs, every component works together to create that perfect morning bite.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Provides savory, juicy flavor and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1/2 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
- 6 eggs: The backbone of the custard, binding everything together beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice: Creates a creamy custard when mixed with the eggs; dairy or plant-based milk both work well.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: Gives a gentle kick and enhances the savory notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- 4 cups cubed bread: Soaks up the egg mixture, resulting in a soft yet structured texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, cheesy pockets throughout.
- Optional: chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms: These veggies add color, nutrients, and extra flavor complexity.
How to Make Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Onions
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the breakfast sausage with the chopped onions until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions turn soft and translucent. Make sure to drain any excess fat so the casserole doesn’t become greasy but still retains that rich sausage flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the six eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will soak into the bread cubes and create a creamy custard that sets beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grease your 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking, then layer half of the cubed bread evenly on the bottom. Next, spread the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the bread, sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese, and add any optional veggies you like. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, sausage mixture, cheese, and vegetables to build a hearty casserole.
Step 4: Pour the Egg Mixture and Refrigerate Overnight
Evenly pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, pushing gently so the bread absorbs as much of the custard as possible. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow soak makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake in the Morning
When you’re ready for breakfast, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it cool slightly before slicing into generous portions.
How to Serve Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a bright contrast to the rich casserole. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also liven up each bite with creamy tang or subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This savory casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light green salad to balance the meal. For a true brunch spread, add some crispy bacon or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to round things off.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins for perfectly portioned servings. You can also sprinkle on extra cheese or layer in some sliced tomatoes before baking for a pop of color and flavor variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your breakfast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days and make an excellent quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to keep the texture tender. Alternatively, microwave individual slices for a quick breakfast fix, though the oven helps maintain the original crispness on top.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute breakfast sausage with turkey sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile that suits your taste.
Is it necessary to soak the casserole overnight?
The overnight soak is key for allowing the bread to absorb the custard mixture thoroughly, resulting in a soft and custardy texture. While you can bake it immediately, the texture won’t be quite as rich and satisfying.
What kind of bread works best?
Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming mushy. Thick-cut white bread, French bread, or even sourdough are excellent choices.
Can I add veggies to this Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms not only boosts nutrition but also adds wonderful flavor and color. Just sauté them lightly before layering to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make this casserole dairy-free?
Simply swap out the milk and cheese for your favorite plant-based alternatives, like almond milk and vegan cheddar. The casserole will still be delicious and creamy!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for relaxed mornings and feeding a crowd with minimal fuss. It’s a warm, hearty way to start the day, easily customizable, and perfect for those who love waking up to the smell of homemade breakfast. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus overnight refrigeration
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings. It combines savory breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, and your choice of vegetables with eggs, milk, and cubed bread, all baked to a golden perfection. Simply prepare the night before, refrigerate to let the flavors meld, and bake fresh in the morning for a satisfying breakfast that serves six.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- Optional: chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms (amount to preference)
Egg Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage and chopped onions until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cubed bread, then spread the cooked sausage and onion mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle with half the shredded cheddar cheese and any optional vegetables. Repeat layering with the remaining cubed bread, sausage mixture, cheese, and optional veggies.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it soaks through the bread for a custard-like texture.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake Casserole: Remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and perfect servings.
Notes
- You can customize the casserole with vegetables of your choice like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Use milk alternatives such as almond or soy milk to make it dairy-free if needed.
- For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- This recipe is perfect for preparing the night before to save time on busy mornings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
