Description
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and convenient make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings. Featuring savory breakfast sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread soaked in a flavorful custard, this casserole combines hearty ingredients with the ease of overnight prep and simple baking to create a warm, comforting breakfast that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Base and Cheese
- 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 have softened. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- 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 the cubed bread evenly on the bottom, followed by the cooked sausage and onion mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top along with any optional chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to add freshness and flavor.
- Pour custard over layers: Evenly pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and sausage layers, ensuring the custard soaks through the bread for a moist texture.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, enhancing the casserole’s flavor and texture.
- Preheat oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the casserole: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions and serving warm for a satisfying breakfast.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute the bread with gluten-free bread if you need a gluten-free option.
- If you’d like to prepare this casserole entirely in the morning, skip the overnight soak and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully set.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage to make the recipe leaner or vegetarian-friendly respectively.
