Description
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings. Packed with savory breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, cubed bread, cheddar cheese, and a tasty egg mixture, it’s assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning. Optionally, you can add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost flavor and nutrition. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- Optional: chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms (quantity to preference, about 1/2 cup each)
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 along with the chopped onions until the sausage is browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness in the casserole.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer ingredients: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Start by layering the cubed bread evenly at the bottom, then add the cooked sausage and onion mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and add any optional vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms if using.
- Pour egg mixture: Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid for a perfect custard texture.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This resting period helps the bread absorb the egg mixture fully, ensuring a moist and flavorful casserole.
- Preheat oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Remove the cover and bake the dish uncovered for 45-50 minutes. The casserole should turn golden brown on top and be set firmly in the center when done.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Notes
- You can substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a different flavor or dietary preference.
- Using stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten free, use gluten-free bread and ensure the sausage is gluten free.
