Discover a delicious Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole that’s simple to prepare, perfect for busy mornings and family gatherings. This hearty, savory dish combines flavorful sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and bread, all soaked overnight and baked to golden perfection. Whether you want a stress-free breakfast or an impressive brunch dish, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an easy way to start your day right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the casserole the night before and wake up to a hassle-free, ready-to-bake dish.
Family-Friendly Flavor: Packed with savory sausage and gooey cheese, it’s a breakfast that everyone will request again.
Versatile Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that come together quickly with minimal effort.
Perfect for Gatherings: Easy to scale up, making it ideal for holidays, brunches, or weekend breakfasts with friends.
Comfort Food Classic: Warm, cheesy, and filling—it’s a nostalgic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients combine to create layers of flavor and texture in your Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Each component adds something special—from the savory sausage to the soft bread and creamy cheese, making every bite deliciously balanced.

Ground Sausage: Choose breakfast sausage for a flavorful, slightly spicy base that cooks nicely.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness, binding the ingredients together.
Milk: Adds moisture and ensures the casserole stays tender.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or a blend offers gooey, melty goodness.
Day-Old Bread: Cubed bread soaks up the egg mixture perfectly, giving the casserole body without becoming soggy.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh aromatics to boost the savory notes.
Salt and Pepper: Vital for balancing flavors.
Optional Herbs: Such as parsley or chives for freshness and color.

Variations for Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Feel free to switch up ingredients to suit dietary needs, taste preferences, or whatever you have on hand in your pantry or fridge.

Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper in the egg mixture for heat.
Cheese Choices: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even feta for a different flavor experience.
Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice or omit bread and add extra eggs and sausage.
Sweet Twist: Swap sausage for breakfast ham and add a touch of maple syrup drizzle before baking.

Easy Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

How to Make Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread Cubes

Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Stale bread works best because it absorbs moisture without turning mushy overnight.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs until fully combined and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish

Layer the bread cubes, cooked sausage, and cheese into a greased baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently to soak all the bread.

Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.

Pro Tips for Making Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread is too soft and will become soggy when soaked overnight.
Don’t Skip Draining Sausage: Excess grease can make the casserole greasy and heavy.
Cover Tightly: Keep moisture and flavors locked in while the casserole soaks overnight.
Even Layering: Distribute sausage and cheese evenly to get every bite flavorful.
Test Doneness: Insert a knife in the center after baking; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

How to Serve Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a bright pop of color and freshness that complements the savory casserole beautifully. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add just a hint of heat if desired.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance out the richness. Crispy breakfast potatoes or air-fried hash browns also make a satisfying accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a fancy brunch, or layer it in clear glass dishes to showcase the casserole’s delicious layers. Top with dollops of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole reheats well and maintains its flavor and texture when stored properly.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked casseroles wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed for a no-fuss breakfast on a busy morning.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap ground pork sausage with chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage according to your taste and dietary needs.

How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?

It’s best to refrigerate the casserole overnight or up to 24 hours for optimal soaking and flavor absorption.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the bread with gluten-free bread cubes or use a low-carb alternative like cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Is it okay to use fresh bread?

Day-old or stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without turning soggy; fresh bread tends to become too mushy.

Can I prepare this casserole without cheese?

Yes, though cheese adds richness and flavor, you can omit it or substitute with dairy-free cheese for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a true lifesaver on busy mornings, a cozy recipe that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Its simplicity, flavor, and convenience make it a kitchen classic worth adding to your recipe collection—give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s so beloved!

Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Print Recipe

A delicious and hearty Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole combining flavorful sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and day-old bread soaked overnight and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, family gatherings, and impressive brunches, this versatile and comforting casserole is packed with savory flavors and easy to prepare.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (including overnight refrigeration)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread or substitute is used)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground breakfast sausage
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
6 cups cubed day-old bread (about 1-inch cubes)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Herbs & Add-ins

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
Optional: diced jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper for spice

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Stale bread works best because it absorbs moisture without turning mushy overnight.
Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs until fully combined and slightly frothy.
Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish, then layer the bread cubes, cooked sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, and shredded cheese evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the layers, pressing gently to soak all the bread thoroughly.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set. Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Notes

Use day-old or stale bread to prevent sogginess after soaking overnight.
Drain excess grease from sausage to avoid a greasy casserole.
Cover the casserole tightly while refrigerating to lock in moisture and flavors.
Distribute sausage and cheese evenly throughout the casserole for balanced flavor in every bite.
For reheating, cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat in a 350°F oven or microwave portions for 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 220 mg

Keywords: overnight casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, family brunch, savory breakfast, easy casserole, sausage and egg casserole