Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a no-stress, flavor-packed way to start your morning, meet your new favorite hero: Overnight Breakfast Casserole. This beautifully layered bake is loaded with savory sausage, tender bread, gooey cheddar, and colorful veggies, all cozying up in a fluffy, custardy base. You simply prep everything the night before (in under half an hour!), let the magic happen while you sleep, then bake it off for a delicious, crowd-pleasing breakfast with zero fuss in the morning. Whether it’s for a holiday, brunch gathering, or just a cozy family Sunday, this Overnight Breakfast Casserole is truly a kitchen lifesaver you’ll want in your back pocket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a humble list of simple, trustworthy staples that work together to deliver incredible depth of flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from savory bites to creamy classics and those pops of color that make the final dish irresistible.
- Breakfast sausage: Adds rich, savory depth and satisfying protein that anchors each slice.
- Large eggs: The creamy binding agent that holds everything together and makes the casserole light and fluffy.
- Whole milk: Ensures a luxuriously silky custard base with perfect texture.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon brings a subtle zing that wakes up all the flavors.
- Salt & black pepper: These essential seasonings balance and heighten every bite.
- French bread: Day-old cubes soak up the custard and turn golden, giving the casserole its heartiness and structure.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, tangy pockets and forms that irresistible golden top.
- Green onions: Sprinkle in a gentle oniony freshness and pretty pops of green.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and a visual burst of color that makes every forkful inviting.
- Cooking spray or butter: Keeps your casserole from sticking and helps with easy serving.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with either cooking spray or a swipe of softened butter. This not only prevents any possibility of sticking but also adds a touch of richness to the golden edges.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the breakfast sausage until it’s fully cooked, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as you go. Once it’s no longer pink and nicely caramelized, drain the excess fat and set the sausage aside. This step fills your kitchen with the most welcoming aroma, hinting at what’s to come!
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. This is your flavorful custard base that will soak into the bread cubes and tie the whole Overnight Breakfast Casserole together, making every serving rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients
To your custard, add the cubed day-old French bread, cooked sausage, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, the chopped green onions, and diced red bell pepper. Gently fold the mixture until every bread cube is coated and the sausage, cheese, and veggies are evenly distributed. You want each bite to have a little bit of everything!
Step 5: Assemble and Chill Overnight
Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure to fill all the corners. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese for that classic golden crust. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up all that custard and flavor magic.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
In the morning, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the center is just set. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to help everything set up for perfect, warm slices.
How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra green onions, a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or even a few slices of avocado right before serving can take your Overnight Breakfast Casserole from comforting to absolutely stunning. These finishing touches add freshness, flavor, and vibrant color to every plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with cool, juicy fruit salad, crisp hash browns, or a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. If you love a brunch feast, try setting out some flaky pastries or yogurt parfaits alongside your Overnight Breakfast Casserole for a truly special spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-festive touch, serve individual squares on small plates with a dollop of sour cream or salsa. Or, if you’re feeding a crowd, let everyone scoop their own helping from the baking dish and add toppings from a little DIY garnish bar. However you serve it, your Overnight Breakfast Casserole is guaranteed to draw a “wow” from the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big if!), let your casserole cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and tasty in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy breakfast meal prep.
Freezing
Overnight Breakfast Casserole also freezes wonderfully. Just allow the baked casserole to cool, then wrap individual pieces or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick breakfast, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual pieces for about a minute, or pop larger portions back into a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through (usually 15 to 20 minutes). The flavors hold up beautifully, and the cheese gets oh-so-melty again!
FAQs
Can I make Overnight Breakfast Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the sausage or swap in your favorite plant-based sausage, and feel free to add extra sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach for even more flavor and color.
What’s the best type Breakfast
Day-old French bread is ideal because it holds up to soaking without getting soggy, but you can also use sourdough, Italian bread, or even a sturdy gluten-free loaf for a gluten-free Overnight Breakfast Casserole.
Can I prep this further in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to two nights ahead. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, and enjoy an extra-relaxed morning.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top will be puffed and golden, and the center should feel slightly firm and not jiggly. You can also insert a knife into the middle; if it comes out clean, your Overnight Breakfast Casserole is ready.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Use two baking dishes and simply double all the ingredients. The bake time may be a few minutes longer, but it’s the ultimate way to feed a big group without extra hassle.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about waking up to a golden, bubbling Overnight Breakfast Casserole—especially when all the hard work was done the night before. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your mornings as it has to mine. Give it a try and get ready for happy faces around your table!
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Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of hearty sausage, fluffy eggs, crusty bread, and melted cheese, it’s a delicious way to start the day. Prep it the night before for an easy morning meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups cubed French bread (day-old or slightly dried)
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Grease the Baking Dish: Preheat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Sausage: Brown and crumble the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add bread cubes, cooked sausage, 1 cup of cheese, green onions, and red bell pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
- Chill Overnight: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, top with remaining cheese, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Let the casserole sit at room temperature, then bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Serve: Rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole with different meats, vegetables, or cheeses based on your preferences.
- This dish can be made ahead for easy mornings or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
