Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is the perfect solution for a stress-free breakfast or brunch. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it saves time and feeds a crowd with hearty, comforting flavors. It’s easy to make, customizable, and deliciously satisfying.

A white plate holds a square piece of a layered dish, with three visible layers: the bottom layer is crumbly cooked sausage in light brown, the middle layer is creamy scrambled eggs in pale yellow, and the top layer is melted golden-brown cheese with a lightly crispy texture, garnished with small green parsley pieces. In the blurred background, there are white bowls with cut yellow fruit and dark grapes, placed on a white marbled surface with a pale green cloth underneath the plate on the front edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 6 cubed slices of bread (e.g. Pepperidge Farms Sourdough loaf)
  • 1 pound cooked and drained sausage
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle the cooked and drained sausage evenly over the bread, then top with the grated cheddar cheese to cover the layers completely.
  3. Step 3: In a large measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the mixture.
  5. Step 5: In the morning, bake the casserole for 45–55 minutes. Cover loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning, then remove the foil for the remaining time. Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean without any raw egg.
  6. Step 6: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving warm.

Tips & Variations

  • Use sturdier bread like sourdough to soak up the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
  • Swap sausage for cooked bacon, ham, or plant-based sausage for different flavors.
  • Try different cheeses such as Swiss or Monterey Jack for a new twist.
  • Let the cooked sausage cool before adding to the casserole to avoid prematurely cooking the eggs.
  • Don’t skip the ground mustard—it adds subtle depth without overpowering the dish.

Storage

After baking and cooling, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm. You can also assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a baked casserole in a white rectangular dish. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese mixed evenly with browned bits of cooked ground meat, giving a textured and slightly bubbly surface. Small pieces of fresh green herbs are scattered on top for color contrast. The edges of the dish show some crispy browned cheese where it meets the white sides. The casserole looks thick with layers underneath the cheese not visible, suggesting a rich, dense filling. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a light green cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why does the bread need to be cubed?

Cubing the bread creates the ideal texture by allowing the egg mixture to soak evenly. Approximately 1-inch cubes work best to avoid mushiness and maintain structure.

Do I need to let the sausage cool before adding it to the casserole?

Yes, letting the cooked sausage cool for about 10 minutes prevents it from cooking the eggs prematurely and helps maintain the right texture and flavor balance.

Print
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Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 65 minutes plus overnight chilling
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x

Description

This Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is a make-ahead breakfast dish that combines savory cooked sausage, cubed bread, rich eggs, and melted cheddar cheese. Prepped the night before, it offers a stress-free, hearty, and protein-packed start to your morning, perfect for holiday breakfasts or weekend brunches. The casserole bakes to a golden brown perfection with a satisfying fluffy texture and can be customized with different cheeses, breads, or meats to suit your taste.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6 cubed slices of bread (e.g., Pepperidge Farms Sourdough loaf)
  • 1 pound cooked and drained pork breakfast sausage
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2% preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish, ideally using a sturdier bread like sourdough for optimal texture.
  2. Add the Sausage and Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the cooked and drained sausage over the bread layer. Then, spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage to cover the layer thoroughly, ensuring a balanced flavor throughout.
  3. Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined. This mixture serves as the binder and flavor enhancer for the casserole.
  4. Assemble and Chill: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This soaking step allows the bread to absorb the eggs, giving the casserole a cohesive texture.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Remove the casserole from the fridge and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, covering loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning. Remove the foil for the remaining bake time. The casserole is done when the center is set (no jiggle) and a knife inserted comes out clean. The top should be light golden brown with fully melted cheese.
  6. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes after baking to set fully, then cut into squares and serve warm. This delicious, hearty dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.

Notes

  • Use bulk breakfast sausage for easier breaking into pieces and better distribution in the casserole.
  • Let cooked sausage cool completely before adding to avoid prematurely cooking the eggs.
  • Substitute turkey sausage or bacon for a lighter or alternative meat option.
  • Any sturdy bread will work; avoid fresh bread to prevent sogginess.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat individual portions in the microwave.
  • Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
  • If desired, swap cheddar cheese with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blends.
  • Non-dairy milk alternatives are not recommended as they affect the egg’s ability to set properly.
  • Ground mustard adds subtle depth to the egg mixture without the tang or texture of prepared mustard.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, make ahead breakfast, egg casserole, holiday breakfast, brunch recipe, savory breakfast bake

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