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
Scale
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
