Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. It combines savory breakfast sausage, bread cubes, eggs, milk, and cheddar cheese, with optional vegetables like bell peppers and onions for added texture and taste. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, this casserole offers a convenient, delicious, and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled
Base
- 8 slices of bread, cut into cubes
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled breakfast sausage until it is browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the base: Evenly distribute the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread.
- Mix the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika until thoroughly combined.
- Add egg mixture to casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers in the baking dish. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the egg mixture fully.
- Add cheese and vegetables: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. If desired, add the diced bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture completely.
- Preheat oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole: Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes.
- Using stale bread can help it absorb the egg mixture better.
- Make sure to drain the sausage well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
