Description
This make-ahead overnight breakfast casserole transforms hectic mornings into effortless gourmet experiences. Packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and tender bread, this hearty bake comes together the night before for stress-free mornings and guaranteed crowd-pleasing flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- Essential Components:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 8 jumbo eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp dried chives (or 1 tbsp fresh chives)
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups yellow sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 cup extra sharp white cheddar, shredded
- 10 slices butter or sandwich bread, cubed
- Smart Substitutions: Try turkey sausage, whole grain bread, or almond milk for lighter variations.
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Brown sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, breaking it into crumbles. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix Custard: Whisk eggs, salt, pepper, cayenne, mustard, sage, chives, and half-and-half until smooth and frothy.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Layer cubed bread, cooked sausage, and both cheeses evenly.
- Add Custard: Pour egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing down bread until submerged.
- Chill Overnight: Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Bake: Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and set.
- Rest and Serve: Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Make up to 24 hours in advance. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and low-fat milk. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze portions up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 333
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, sausage egg bake, holiday brunch, easy breakfast recipe