If you have been hunting for a warm, comforting, and incredibly delicious breakfast you can prepare ahead of time, this Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine waking up to the wonderful aroma of savory sausage mingled with melted cheddar cheese and softly baked bread that’s been soaking up a rich, creamy egg custard all night long. This casserole is perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or feeding a crowd without stress. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in food form—simple to make yet packed with flavor and texture that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step to creating a breakfast casserole that balances savory, creamy, and hearty flavors perfectly. Each item plays its part in building the dish’s irresistible texture and taste.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound): Provides a flavorful, savory base with a little bit of spice and meaty goodness.
- Onion (1/2, chopped): Adds sweetness and a subtle bite to complement the sausage.
- Eggs (6): The binding agent that creates the custardy texture in this casserole.
- Milk (1 1/2 cups of choice): Makes the egg mixture silky and smooth—feel free to use dairy or plant-based milk.
- Mustard powder (1 teaspoon): A secret ingredient that adds a gentle tang and depth to the flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor note.
- Bread (4 cups cubed): The hearty foundation that soaks up the egg mixture; day-old bread works best.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts throughout the casserole delivering rich, gooey pockets of cheesy bliss.
- Optional veggies (chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms): Add vibrant color, freshness, and extra nutrition.
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 together with the chopped onions. You want the sausage nicely browned and the onions softened, releasing their natural sweetness. This mixture brings a savory, aromatic foundation that will infuse the entire casserole with flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
While the sausage is cooling slightly, whisk the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. This creamy custard is what transforms the casserole from simple bread and meat into a luscious breakfast delight. The mustard powder sneaks in a subtle tang that brightens the whole dish without overpowering it.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then create layers starting with the cubed bread on the bottom. Follow with the sausage and onion mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, and any optional vegetables you’re using. Layering in this way ensures each bite has a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 4: Pour the Egg Mixture
Gently pour the egg custard over the layered ingredients. This is the magic step where everything starts coming together, as the bread will soak up the eggs overnight, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to become wonderfully soft and custardy.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then place it in the refrigerator overnight. This handy step transforms the casserole into a ready-to-bake morning marvel, where the night’s rest does all the work of melding flavors and softening the bread.
Step 6: Bake in the Morning
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover your casserole and bake it for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top has achieved a lovely golden brown color and the center feels set—not jiggly—when you gently shake the dish.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe cool just a bit before slicing. This brief resting time lets everything settle and makes serving easier. And then, the moment you’ve been waiting for—dig in and enjoy the rewarding flavors and textures.
How to Serve Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up each serving with a sprinkling of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives. A dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce also pairs wonderfully with the savory, cheesy layers, enhancing every bite with fresh, tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like berries or melon to add a light, sweet balance. A crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. You could also top servings with avocado slices or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits to add new textures that surprise and delight at the breakfast table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect option for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, cut it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. It will last for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers either in the microwave or oven. For the best texture, warming in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes will help maintain the casserole’s delightful crust and gooey center.
FAQs
Can I make the casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the bread for a gluten-free loaf or use gluten-free bread cubes to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I substitute for breakfast sausage?
If you prefer, ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage options work well. You can also skip the meat for a veggie-forward casserole by adding more mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Can I add other cheeses?
Certainly! While cheddar gives that classic flavor, cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack can add different levels of creaminess and spice.
Is it okay to use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Day-old or slightly stale bread is best as it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, consider toasting it lightly first to help it hold up better overnight.
Can I prepare this casserole without soaking overnight?
You can bake it immediately after assembling, but the flavors and texture greatly benefit from the overnight soak, which makes it more tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a shining star for busy mornings and special gatherings alike. It’s warm, comforting, and so deeply satisfying that it will quickly become a staple in your breakfast lineup. Give it a try and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create something wonderfully delicious that feels like a loving homemade treat every single time.
Print
Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: overnight soaking plus 1 hour 5 minutes (including prep and cook time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings. Featuring savory breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, cubed bread, and a creamy egg mixture, it soaks overnight for optimal flavor and texture. Baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is customizable with your favorite veggies, making it a versatile and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- Optional: chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms (quantity to taste)
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 tender. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Whisk eggs and milk: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble layers: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cubed bread evenly at the bottom, then spread the sausage and onion mixture on top, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese and any optional chopped vegetables you desire.
- Pour egg mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, sausage, cheese, and veggies to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.
- Preheat oven: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set and firm.
- Let cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing into portions and serving warm. Enjoy your flavorful and easy breakfast!
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
- Feel free to add or substitute your favorite breakfast vegetables for variety.
- To make this casserole gluten free, use gluten-free bread.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before to save time in the morning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
