Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole
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)
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
- 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