Description
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings. Featuring savory breakfast sausage, sautéed onions, eggs, milk, and cheese layered over cubed bread, it soaks overnight to create a hearty, flavorful meal ready to bake in the morning. Optional veggies add extra nutrition and color, making it ideal for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Ingredients
- Chopped bell peppers
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
Instructions
- Cook sausage and onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage along with chopped onions until the sausage is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Mix egg base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined for a smooth custard.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cubed bread evenly on the bottom, then spread the cooked sausage and onion mixture over it. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, adding any optional chopped veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms as desired.
- Pour egg mixture: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring it saturates the bread cubes evenly for the perfect soak.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Preheat oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake casserole: Remove the cover and bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is firm and set.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing into portions and serving warm for a satisfying breakfast.
Notes
- Using stale or day-old bread helps absorb the egg mixture better.
- You can substitute breakfast sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add any favorite vegetables or swap cheddar with other cheese types.
- Cover tightly when refrigerating to prevent odors from other foods.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
