Overnight Breakfast Casserole - Dinner in 321 (2024)

Published Dec 23, 2023 | Updated Jan 12, 2024 | By Laura

Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the best make-ahead breakfast for holidays. Sausage, eggs, cheese, dry mustard, and herbs make this so delicious!

When I'm hosting family or guests, I like serving them something delicious to get their day off to the right start. However, the last thing I want to do is muck up the kitchen and rush to make something. I want to casually sip my morning coffee and I catch up on what's new without breakfast distraction! Enter the Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole!

This sausage and egg casserole is loaded protein and your favorite savory breakfast flavors. Served with a side of toast, bagels, or an oatmeal bar, it's the perfect solution for breakfast entertainment.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Convenience: The name says it all! You prepare this casserole the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and voilà – a hot, hearty breakfast is ready in no time.
• Versatility: This casserole is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your tastes, adding your favorite ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Leftovers Friendly: Leftovers? No problem! This casserole reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for several mornings in a row.
• Feeds a Crowd: Planning a brunch or breakfast gathering? This casserole recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a large group, making it perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients in Sausage, Egg and Cheese Casserole

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Breakfast Sausage: The star of the show, providing the main flavor and hearty, meaty texture of the casserole.
• Jumbo Eggs: The binding agent in the casserole. When mixed with milk, they create a custard-like texture that holds the other ingredients together.
• Seasonings: Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne (optional), Ground Mustard, Dried Sage, Dried Chives: Enhance the overall flavor of the casserole adding depth and complexity.
• Half-and-Half: Contributes moisture to the casserole and, when combined with the eggs, creates a creamy, custard-like consistency.
• Yellow Sharp and Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheeses: Adds richness, creaminess, and a delightful cheesy flavor to the casserole. They melt beautifully and form a golden crust on top.
• Butter Bread or Sandwich Bread: Serves as the base and structure of the casserole absorbing the liquid mixture and become soft and flavorful as they bake.

Tools You'll Need

• 13"x9" Baking Dish
• Meat Chopper
• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cheese Grater
• Cutting Board
• Bread Knife

Refrigerating Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole Overnight

Refrigerating the sausage and egg breakfast casserole is not only a matter of convenience but also an essential step in ensuring that the flavors meld together, the bread fully absorbs the liquid, and the dish bakes to perfection. It's a time-saving, flavor-enhancing technique that makes breakfast preparation a breeze.

How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole

1. Cook and crumble sausage until no longer pink. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain of excess grease.

2. For the custard, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground mustard, dried sage, dried chives and half-and half until well combined.

3. To a buttered 13"x9" baking dish, layer the bread, sausage, then the cheeses.

4. Pour the custardover the top. Ensure all of the bread pieces are submerged. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight.

5. Next day, while the oven preheats oven to 350˚F, allow the casserole to sit at room-temperature. Bake 45-50 minutes or until light golden brown and cooked through. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tips and Substitutions

Remember that while substitutions can accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions, they may affect the final taste and texture of the casserole, so be prepared for some variations in flavor. Feel free to get creative and tailor the casserole to suit your taste and dietary needs.

• Customize with Your Favorites: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the casserole. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and diced tomatoes are all excellent additions that can add color, flavor, and nutrition.
• Use the Right Bread: While this recipe calls for sandwich bread, you can also use other types of bread like French bread, sourdough, or whole wheat bread. Choose a bread that you enjoy, but keep in mind that some types may require different soaking times to achieve the desired texture.
• Variety of Sausage: You can use different types of sausage, such as pork, turkey, or chicken sausage. Each type will bring its own unique flavor to the casserole.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses. Besides cheddar, you can use Monterey Jack, Swiss, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a varied taste.
• Seasoning Options: Don't hesitate to get creative with seasonings. Add herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for extra flavor. You can also experiment with spices like smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Make it Vegetarian: If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add more vegetables or a plant-based sausage substitute.
• Plan for Toppings: Consider toppings like salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce to serve with the casserole for added flavor and customization.

If you didn't think of whipping this up the night before, a great morning-of breakfast is this Breakfast Pizza! It has a crescent roll crust topped with all your breakfast favorites!

What to serve with Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Besides being delicious, the next best thing about this overnight sausage and egg casserole is the ease it gives for breakfast prep. I like to keep it simple by serving it with a couple options. Here are my go-to sides:

• A toaster with an array of baked goods like toast, bagels, or English muffins along with cream cheese spreads, butter, and/or jam
• Cinnamon rolls, danishes, or monkey bread
• Fresh fruit bowl
• Plain oatmeal with a variety of topping options
• Yogurt with a variety of toppings options
• Lightly dressed green salad

Storage and Freezing

You can assemble this casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Once it's prepared, if you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature after baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, foil, or in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze the baked casserole for longer storage, it can be stored in a freezer-safe container up to 3 months.

When you're ready to reheat a serving from the refrigerator, simply place it in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through. To reheat a slice from the freezer, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet.

FAQs

Try these other Breakfast Recipes

• Sausage Muffins Recipe
• Amish Baked Oatmeal
• Bacon Cheese Quiche
• Cranberry Biscuits