The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or family gatherings. Packed with eggs, cheese, sausage or bacon, and hearty bread, this casserole delivers comfort and convenience in every bite. By assembling everything the night before, you can wake up to a dish that’s ready to bake and serve—no morning stress required.
The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole:
This overnight method allows the bread to fully soak in the rich egg mixture, resulting in a perfectly fluffy, custard-like texture. The savory flavors meld together beautifully, creating a satisfying breakfast that feeds a crowd with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply want an easy family meal, this casserole is always a hit.
History:
Breakfast casseroles became popular in the mid-20th century as home cooks looked for ways to prepare hearty meals that could be made ahead of time. The overnight version gained popularity for its convenience, especially during holidays like Christmas and Easter. Today, it remains a beloved staple for brunch gatherings and weekend breakfasts.
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Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (or bacon/ham)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or 1 ½ cups milk + ½ cup heavy cream)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)
- 6 cups cubed French bread or brioche (day-old preferred)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or pepper jack
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread bread cubes evenly across the bottom.
- Scatter the cooked sausage evenly over the bread.
- Add bell peppers or green onions if using.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella over the top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture best.
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Letting the casserole rest before slicing gives cleaner portions.
- Leftovers reheat well for up to 4 days.
Tips for Breakfast Casserole:
- Use brioche or French bread for the fluffiest texture.
- Mix cheeses for maximum flavor.
- For a crisp top, uncover the casserole in the last 10 minutes.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Double the recipe for large gatherings—use two pans.
FAQ’s for Breakfast Casserole:
1. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes—freeze assembled (unbaked) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—skip the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
3. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes—sourdough, challah, or even sandwich bread works.
4. How do I know when it’s done?
The center should be set and no longer jiggly; a knife should come out clean.
5. Can I add potatoes?
Yes—frozen hash browns can be mixed in for more texture.
Conclusion:
The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. With rich eggs, savory sausage, melted cheese, and soft baked bread, it creates a memorable breakfast with almost no morning prep. Ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a reliable favorite everyone will love.