If you’re looking for a breakfast that practically makes itself, you’ve come to the right place. This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution when you want a warm, hearty, and delicious breakfast that requires little to no effort on the morning itself. Simply prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven the next day, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish that’s great for holidays, weekends, or even busy weekdays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a game-changer! Imagine waking up to the smell of sizzling sausage, melting cheese, and savory eggs, all perfectly blended with hearty bread. It’s like a comforting, delicious hug in a casserole dish. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite add-ins, whether it’s bacon, veggies, or extra cheese. What’s not to love about a breakfast that’s both easy and versatile?
Ingredients
For the full list of ingredients, you can check below, but here’s a quick peek at the main players in this tasty dish:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Bread (use your favorite kind—sourdough, whole wheat, or even a buttery croissant!)
- Cooked sausage or bacon
- Shredded cheese
This combo of ingredients creates the ultimate comforting, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that everyone will love. Keep reading for the full details!
Directions
1. Prepare the Casserole Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. I usually use butter or cooking spray to make sure the casserole slides out easily once it’s baked. You want to make sure the dish is well-coated so nothing sticks, and clean-up is a breeze!
2. Layer the Bread and Meat
Tear your slices of bread into chunks and scatter them evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. If you’re using sausage or bacon, now’s the time to sprinkle it over the bread. The combination of crispy, savory sausage and soft, absorbent bread is what makes this casserole so comforting.
3. Whisk the Eggs and Milk
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. This is the base for the casserole’s delicious, custard-like texture. For extra flavor, I love adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder, but you can skip those if you prefer a more neutral taste.
4. Pour the Egg Mixture Over the Bread
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and meat layer. Make sure to press down gently on the bread with a spatula or spoon so it soaks up all the egg mixture. This is crucial for achieving that perfectly moist and fluffy texture!
5. Refrigerate Overnight
Now, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the fridge overnight. This step is essential because it allows the bread to soak up all the flavors and moisture from the eggs and milk, resulting in a tender, custardy casserole in the morning.
6. Bake the Casserole
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop the casserole into the oven (don’t forget to uncover it!) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set in the center. You’ll know it’s done when the top is slightly puffed and the edges are crispy.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use day-old bread: If you have some bread that’s a day or two old, it works great in this casserole. It absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a soft, custardy texture.
- Add extra cheese: If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), sprinkle a little more cheese on top before baking for an extra gooey, cheesy layer.
- Cook the sausage ahead of time: If you’re making this for a crowd, pre-cook the sausage and keep it in the fridge overnight to save time in the morning.
- Try different meats: Bacon, ham, or even a vegetarian sausage can be used instead of the traditional pork sausage for different flavor profiles.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the meat: You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian version if you want to keep it lighter.
- Add some veggies: Spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms make wonderful additions. Just sauté them first before layering them in the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
- Gluten-free option: You can easily make this casserole gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up in the casserole.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is fantastic all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, crispy breakfast potatoes, or a side of yogurt. For a complete brunch spread, add some freshly brewed coffee or mimosas, and you’re set for the perfect morning meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered, until warmed through.
4 FAQs
Can I make this casserole without meat?
Yes, you can skip the meat and add more veggies like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Just assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.
Can I freeze Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
What’s the best type of bread to use?
Day-old bread works best, and any kind will do. Sourdough, French bread, or a hearty whole wheat loaf are excellent choices.
Conclusion
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is one of those recipes that’s so easy and so delicious, it’s bound to become a regular at your breakfast table. It’s perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or whenever you want to feed a crowd without all the fuss. With just a few ingredients and a little planning, you can create a warm, comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try – your family will thank you!
Print
Overnight Breakfast Casserole: The Easiest Way to Make Breakfast for a Crowd
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (not including overnight refrigeration)
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including prep and bake time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for a crowd. With a combination of eggs, milk, bread, sausage, and cheese, it offers a comforting and savory start to your day. Simply prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a warm, delicious breakfast that’s perfect for holidays, weekends, or busy weekdays.
Ingredients
- Eggs: 8 large eggs
- Milk: 2 cups whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
- Bread: 6-8 slices (about 4 cups cubed) of your choice of bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or buttery croissant)
- Cooked sausage or bacon: 1 lb cooked sausage or 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (or a mix of both)
- Shredded cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- Salt: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Pepper: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Optional seasonings: 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Bread and Meat: Tear bread into chunks and layer it in the casserole dish. Add cooked sausage or bacon on top.
- Whisk the Eggs and Milk: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder).
- Pour Over Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and meat. Press down gently so the bread soaks up the liquid.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked the following morning.
- Use Day-Old Bread: It absorbs the egg mixture better and gives a custardy texture.
- Optional Add-ins: Add extra cheese, vegetables (spinach, peppers), or different meats like turkey sausage or ham.
- Freezing: Can be frozen before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge if freezing before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 175mg