Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Veggies Recipe

If you are searching for a hearty and delicious morning meal that feels like a warm hug, the Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Veggies Recipe is truly a game changer. This dish combines savory breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant veggies all soaked in a rich, custardy egg mixture that bakes into a golden, cheesy delight. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you want to impress guests without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it will become a beloved staple in your breakfast repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this casserole is in how simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each item serves an essential role, from the hearty sausage to the creamy custard, making the final dish irresistibly satisfying.

• Breakfast sausage: Provides a rich, savory base with juicy, browned crumbles that elevate the overall flavor.
• Bread cubes: Acts as the perfect soak-up agent for the egg mixture, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a melty, gooey texture that everyone loves.
• Eggs: The binding agent that creates a custardy, soft consistency once baked.
• Milk: Keeps the custard smooth and creamy while making the casserole light instead of dense.
• Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle tang that enhances the savory notes without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and deepen every flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and a delicate color tint on top.
• Diced bell peppers: Optional for a sweet crunch and vibrant color that brighten the dish.
• Diced onions: Optional aromatic touch that deepens the flavor with mild sweetness.
• Fresh herbs: Optional garnish that brings a fresh, herbal note to finish.

How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Veggies Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by warming your skillet over medium heat and cooking the crumbled breakfast sausage until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. Breaking it up as it cooks ensures small, bite-size pieces. Once done, drain any excess grease to avoid greasiness in your casserole, then set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step ensures the casserole won’t stick and will come out in clean, perfect slices when baked.

Step 3: Layer the Bread and Sausage

Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a fluffy but sturdy base. If you opt for sausage, sprinkle those golden crumbles evenly on top of the bread. This layering ensures every bite has a harmonious blend of bread and savory meat.

Step 4: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a sizable bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika until everything is smooth and thoroughly combined. This custardy mixture is what transforms the casserole into a luscious breakfast treat.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients in the Dish

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers. Gently press down on the cubes to make sure they’re absorbing all that rich liquid, which will yield an evenly soft and luscious texture.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Veggies

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that signature melty, golden layer. If using veggies like diced bell peppers and onions, scatter them at this point to add extra sweetness, crunch, and color that will brighten the casserole beautifully.

Step 7: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. Letting it sit overnight is the secret to that deeply infused flavor and perfect custard-like consistency.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top has a gorgeous golden-brown crust. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s done.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps everything settle, making serving easier and preventing it from falling apart.

How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Veggies Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous aroma that perfectly complements the richness of the casserole. You can also finish with a dash of hot sauce or a spoonful of sour cream to add a zesty or creamy layer to each bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands proud on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad for a light contrast or crispy breakfast potatoes for those who want extra comfort on their plate. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette can complement the savory flavors nicely, especially for brunch guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your casserole in individual ramekins for a charming brunch presentation, or slice it into squares and offer a buffet-style spread with various toppings like sliced avocado, salsa, or yogurt for a fun, customizable breakfast experience. This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, cover any leftover casserole with foil or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 4 days, ready to heat up for another quick breakfast or snack.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or store them in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its wonderful texture or flavor, making it a great meal prep option.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm your casserole slices either in a microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through, usually about 15 minutes in the oven, to recapture that freshly baked taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives a nice sharp tang and melts beautifully, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of a kick. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain the balance of flavors.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?

Yes, refrigerating overnight is key for the bread to soak up the egg mixture properly. This resting time transforms the dish from simple ingredients into a cohesive, custardy casserole with a perfect texture.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the sausage and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a flavorful meatless version. You might also consider adding a vegetarian sausage substitute for similar heartiness.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If Dijon mustard isn’t on hand, you can substitute with yellow mustard or even a small splash of Worcestershire sauce. The flavor enhancer is minor but adds depth—so don’t skip it if possible!

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown top and the center that is set and no longer jiggly. To be sure, insert a toothpick or knife in the center; it should come out clean without any raw egg mixture coating it.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage, Cheddar, and Veggies Recipe is one of those irresistible dishes that makes mornings easier and breakfasts cozier. It’s straightforward, deeply satisfying, and wonderfully adaptable to suit your tastes. Once you give it a try, I’m sure you’ll love waking up to the delicious aroma and comforting flavors every time. So, roll up your sleeves, prep this casserole the night before, and enjoy a perfect, stress-free breakfast the next day.

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