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Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

overnight breakfast casserole with sausage - featured image

A warm, comforting, and no-fuss breakfast casserole combining hearty sausage, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and crisp bread, prepared overnight for a perfect morning meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) breakfast sausage, mild or spicy
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess fat.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk or half-and-half. Add garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined and slightly frothy.
  5. Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cooked sausage and sautéed onions over the bread.
  6. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and onions, pressing gently to help the bread soak up the custard.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
  8. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours, ideally 8-12 hours).
  9. Remove casserole from fridge about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off.
  10. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread to avoid sogginess. Drain excess fat from sausage but keep a little for flavor. Whisk eggs and milk thoroughly to lighten custard. Overnight chilling is essential for flavor melding and texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Use a serrated knife for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, overnight casserole, sausage casserole, easy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe