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Quick Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole – The Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast!

Have You Ever Wished for a Stress-Free Morning with a Delicious Breakfast ?

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of a savory, cheesy, and hearty breakfast casserole—without any morning prep! This Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is the ultimate solution for busy mornings, holiday breakfasts, or feeding a crowd. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare this dish the night before and pop it in the oven when you wake up.

Whether it’s for Christmas morning, a family brunch, or meal prep for the week, this easy casserole is packed with protein, rich flavors, and a comforting texture.

Let’s dive into the best make-ahead breakfast recipe you’ll ever try!

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

✔ No Morning Prep – Just bake and enjoy!
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Keeps well for quick breakfasts all week.
✔ Feeds a Crowd – Great for gatherings or holiday mornings.
✔ Customizable – Add veggies, swap sausage for bacon, or go low-carb!
✔ Beginner-Friendly – No special skills required.

🥚 Key Ingredients and Their Roles

The secret to a flavorful and hearty Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s how each one contributes:

🥩 Breakfast Sausage

Provides a rich, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with eggs and cheese.
Choose from mild, spicy, or maple-flavored sausage for different variations.

🥚 Eggs

The base of the casserole, giving it a fluffy and creamy texture.
High in protein and helps bind everything together.

🧀 Cheese

Melts into the casserole, adding gooey, cheesy goodness.
Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss all work well.

🍞 Bread (or Hash Browns – Your Choice!)

Soaks up the egg mixture, creating a deliciously soft and flavorful base.
Try French bread, crescent rolls, or even hash browns for different textures.

🥛 Milk (or Heavy Cream for a Creamier Texture)

Helps create a smooth, rich custard that makes the eggs tender and fluffy.

🧅 Vegetables (Optional, But Adds Color & Nutrition!)

Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or onions add extra flavor and texture.

Seasonings

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika enhance the taste.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: Overnight (at least 8 hours)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 9 hours
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 lb breakfast sausage (mild, spicy, or maple-flavored)
8 large eggs
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups whole milk (or 1 ½ cups heavy cream for extra richness)
4 cups cubed bread (French bread, sourdough, or crescent rolls) OR 3 cups hash browns
½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
½ cup diced onions (optional)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp paprika

For Garnishing:

Fresh parsley or green onions
A dash of hot sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.
Drain excess grease and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)

Using the same pan, sauté the bell peppers and onions for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread (or Hash Browns)

If using bread, cut it into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
If using hash browns, layer them in the dish instead of bread.

Step 4: Mix the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Evenly distribute the cooked sausage and sautéed veggies over the bread or hash browns.
Sprinkle cheese generously on top.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.

Step 6: Cover & Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Casserole

✔ Use Stale Bread – If using bread, slightly stale works best because it absorbs the egg mixture well.
✔ Let It Rest After Baking – This makes slicing easier and enhances flavor.
✔ Check for Doneness – The center should be firm and not jiggly.
✔ For a Crispy Top – Sprinkle extra cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Presentation Tips

Serve on warm plates for a restaurant-quality feel.
Pair with fresh fruit, avocado slices, or toast for a balanced meal.
Add a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa for a spicy kick.

Creative Twists on the Recipe

🌟 Keto & Low-Carb Version – Skip the bread and use more sausage and veggies.
🌟 Bacon & Sausage Combo – Mix crispy bacon with sausage for extra flavor.
🌟 Spicy Mexican Style – Add jalapeños, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
🌟 Veggie-Packed Casserole – Load it with mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.

Pro Tip for Customization

For an even fluffier texture, separate the egg whites and yolks. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the egg mixture before baking. This creates a lighter, soufflé-like texture!

FAQs About Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

1. Can I make Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This is designed to be made the night before and baked fresh in the morning.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.

4. Can I use turkey sausage instead?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works great as a leaner option.

5. How do I make it dairy-free?

Use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Have Questions? Contact Us!

We’d love to hear how your Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole turned out! Have questions? Contact us at [email protected], and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

Final Thoughts – Your Go-To Breakfast Casserole!

This Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is a game-changer for stress-free mornings! Whether you’re preparing for Christmas breakfast, a family brunch, or just an easy meal prep option, this dish will never disappoint.

👉 Try it out and let us know how it turns out! 🥚🧀🍞