Description
This Fireman’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with savory ground pork sausage, fresh mushrooms, onion, green pepper, eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting casserole that cooks overnight in the fridge and bakes to golden perfection in the morning. Great for busy mornings or special brunches, this casserole combines creamy mushroom soup and whipping cream for extra richness and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean)
- 8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Egg Mixture
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 pound shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and green pepper. Sauté the vegetables with the sausage until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the egg custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs, whipping cream, milk, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and garlic powder until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, evenly spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture. Pour the egg and cream mixture over the top. Then sprinkle the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese evenly across the dish.
- Overnight refrigeration: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
- Bake the casserole: The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. To check doneness, insert a knife in the center and make sure it comes out clean.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm as a filling breakfast or brunch option that can easily feed 12 people.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared the night before, making it ideal for busy mornings or special occasions.
- Feel free to swap ground pork sausage with turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage alternative if preferred.
- If you want to add more vegetables, chopped spinach or diced tomatoes work well in this recipe.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
- For a lower fat option, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese, and consider turkey sausage.
