Print

Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Print Recipe

This Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. It combines savory breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and bread cubes soaked overnight in a creamy custard, resulting in a rich and satisfying casserole that’s family-friendly and highly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced

Egg Mixture

  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs like parsley, thyme, chives, or rosemary

Other Ingredients

  • 6 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old; use gluten-free bread for gluten-free option)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend with mozzarella, feta, or pepper jack)

Optional Toppings and Variations

  • Diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
  • Sautéed mushrooms and spinach (vegetarian swap)
  • Breadcrumbs or extra cheese (for crunchy topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage and Veggies: Brown 1 pound of breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened with slight caramelization to add depth of flavor.
  2. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs you prefer. This custard base will soak the bread cubes and bind the casserole into a creamy texture.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish thoroughly. Spread 6 cups of bread cubes evenly in the dish. Layer the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the bread. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole, pressing gently to ensure the bread cubes absorb the liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  4. Refrigerate Overnight: Place the covered casserole in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully and the flavors to meld.
  5. Bake and Serve: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing for neat servings.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread for best absorption without sogginess.
  • Avoid adding too much milk to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up for easier slicing.
  • Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking.
  • For extra texture, add breadcrumbs or additional cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, make-ahead breakfast, baked egg casserole, family breakfast, brunch recipe, gluten-free breakfast

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/overnight-sausage-breakfast-casserole/