Description
A hearty and convenient Overnight Breakfast Casserole featuring savory sausage, cubes of bread soaked in an egg and milk mixture, layered with cheddar cheese and optional veggies. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it makes a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish for families or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 8 slices of bread, cut into cubes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Bread and Sausage: Evenly distribute the cubed bread in the baking dish. If using, sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers. Press down gently on the bread cubes to help absorb the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Veggies: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Optionally, add diced bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture.
- Preheat Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Casserole: Remove plastic wrap and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center to check doneness; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
- Feel free to substitute the breakfast sausage with vegetarian sausage or omit for a vegetarian version, but adjust the protein content accordingly.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from sausage to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Customize with your favorite cheese or add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and kept refrigerated for convenient baking in the morning.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
