This Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is a beloved dish in many families. It’s especially popular on holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. It’s easy to make ahead, perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches. Everyone in the family will love this hearty casserole.
Key Takeaways
- Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is a classic, family-favorite breakfast dish
- It’s an easy, make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches
- The casserole is a crowd-pleasing, hearty breakfast that the whole family will enjoy
- The dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight for easy morning baking
- Versatile recipe allows for customization with different bread, cheese, and vegetable options
Ingredients
This Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish. It combines a variety of flavorful ingredients. The key components include:
Bread
At the base of the casserole, you’ll find cubed sourdough bread. The bread cubes soak up the eggy custard mixture. This creates a rich and hearty foundation.
The recipe calls for 4 cups of dry bread cubes. These provide the perfect textural contrast and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Sausage
Pork sausage is a crucial ingredient, with 1 lb. of the meat being browned, drained, and crumbled. Before being added to the casserole. The savory sausage lends a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Cheese
To enhance the casserole’s cheesy goodness, 8 oz. of Crystal Farms Cheddar Cheese is incorporated. This locally produced, lactose-tolerant, and gluten-free cheese melts seamlessly into the casserole. It creates a creamy and indulgent texture.
Eggs and Milk
The casserole’s custard-like base is made with 10 beaten eggs and 3 1/4 cups of milk. This rich and custardy mixture binds the casserole together. It ensures a delightfully fluffy and moist end result.
Seasonings
To balance the flavors, the recipe includes 1 1/2 tsp. of salt, 1 1/2 tsp. of pepper, and 1 1/2 tsp. of dried mustard. These add a subtle kick and depth of flavor to the casserole.
“This Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast, perfect for holidays or special occasions. The convenience of preparing it the night before and simply baking it in the morning makes it a true lifesaver.”
Instructions/Process
Preparing the overnight sausage and egg casserole is easy and customizable. Start by placing bread cubes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, cook and crumble the sausage, spreading it over the bread. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
To make the egg mixture, whisk together eggs, milk, and seasonings. Pour this over the sausage and cheese, making sure it’s evenly spread. Cover the casserole and refrigerate it overnight for the flavors to blend.
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Take the covered casserole out of the fridge and bake for the first 30 minutes, still covered. This step helps the casserole set and firm up.
Step 2
After 30 minutes, remove the cover and bake until it’s fully cooked and the center is set. This might take another 20-30 minutes. The exact time depends on your oven and the casserole’s texture you prefer.
“The assembly instructions for this overnight sausage and egg casserole are straightforward, and the baking process is easy to follow. The result is a delicious and satisfying breakfast that can be prepared in advance.”
Serving and Storage Tips
The overnight sausage and egg casserole tastes best when warm. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the microwave for a quick breakfast or brunch.
To keep it creamy, don’t overcook the casserole. This will help it stay moist and delicious.
Tip 1: Checking for Doneness
To see if it’s done, stick a fork or knife into the center. It should be set but not too dry or runny. Adjust the baking time to get the right texture.
Tip 2: Reheating Tips
When reheating, warm it gently in the microwave. This keeps it creamy and prevents rubbery eggs. Reheat small portions for the best results.
Follow these tips to enjoy the overnight sausage and egg casserole anytime. It’s perfect whether it’s fresh or reheated.
Benefits/Advantages
The overnight sausage and egg casserole is perfect for holiday brunch and crowd-pleasing breakfast events. It’s great because you can make it the night before. This saves you time and stress, letting you enjoy the special occasion more.
This breakfast casserole is also great for feeding a lot of people. It serves 10-12, perfect for holiday brunches or family gatherings. Your guests will leave happy and impressed by your hosting.
The overnight sausage and egg casserole is also very nutritious. It has protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in each serving. With 349 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 21 grams of fat, it’s a filling and breakfast casserole benefits that lasts all day.
“This casserole is a game-changer for holiday brunches and family gatherings. The make-ahead convenience and crowd-pleasing nature make it an absolute must-try!” – Chef Sarah Johnson, renowned culinary expert.
Variations/Alternatives
The Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is a favorite for breakfast. It’s versatile, making it easy to try new things. You can change it up to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Try using gluten-free bread or hash brown potatoes as a base. Adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can boost nutrition and flavor.
Change the protein to ground turkey, bacon, beef, or chicken if you like. The cheese selection is also up for grabs. You can choose from cheddar, pepper jack, feta, or smoked gouda.
For a special touch, prepare the casserole the night before. Refrigerate it to let the flavors mix. This is great for busy mornings or big gatherings.
There are countless ways to make the breakfast casserole your own. Whether you stick to the classic or try something new, the overnight sausage and egg casserole can be tailored to your liking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole, avoid common mistakes. Overcooking makes it dry and rubbery. Undercooking makes it soggy and runny. Check the center with a fork or knife to get it just right.
Don’t use pre-shredded cheese. It can make the casserole watery. Shredding cheese fresh keeps it creamy. Also, watch the oven temperature and time closely. Wrong settings can make the casserole overcooked or undercooked.
- Avoid overcooking the casserole, which can lead to a dry, rubbery texture.
- Steer clear of undercooking, which can result in a soggy, runny dish.
- Refrain from using pre-shredded cheese, as it can contribute to a watery casserole.
- Be mindful of the oven temperature and cooking time to prevent overcooked or undercooked breakfast casserole mistakes.
By avoiding these mistakes and following the recipe, your Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole will always be perfect. It will have a delicious, satisfying texture. For more tips, check out the Allrecipes guide on common casserole mistakes to.
“The key to a great casserole is finding the right balance between moist and dry ingredients, and paying attention to the cooking time and temperature. Avoid common mistakes, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing.”
Helpful Notes
The Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole has been a favorite for over 40 years. It’s a tradition for the author’s family during holidays. Kathy, the author’s mother, has shared this recipe for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.
Expert Advice from Sara Wells
Sara Wells, a food blogger and friend, has added her own twist. She uses green chiles for extra flavor. Sara’s expertise makes this classic dish perfect for holiday meals.
Holiday Breakfast Tips from Kathy
Kathy, the author’s mother, has shared her secrets for the casserole. She advises on adjusting ingredients and baking times. Her tips ensure the dish is a hit, whether for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.