Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole: A Heartwarming Start to Your Day
There’s something magical about waking up to the comforting aroma of a freshly baked casserole, isn’t there? The warm, buttery scent wafts through the house, enticing sleepy little ones to emerge from their cozy blankets. Memories of family gatherings flood my mind—like the ones where laughter intertwined with the sizzling sounds of breakfast cooking. That’s why I’m excited to share my favorite recipe: Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole. This dish not only fills the belly but also warms the heart, making it a beloved family favorite for both special occasions and everyday meals.
Why Make This Recipe?
Let’s take a moment to talk about why this Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole deserves a prime spot in your recipe box:
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Quick to Prepare: Spend just a few moments assembling it the night before, so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your morning.
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Cozy Flavors: With rich cheese, hearty sausage, and fluffy eggs, this recipe wraps you in a comforting embrace with every bite.
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Crowd-Pleaser: It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
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Versatile Ingredients: Customize the casserole with whatever you have on hand—perfect for using up leftovers or creating something new.
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Easy to Scale: Whether you’re feeding a small family or a crowd, this dish can easily adjust to fit your needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious casserole, along with some substitution ideas:
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Eggs (6 large): These provide a fluffy, savory base. You could use egg whites for a lighter version.
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Milk (2 cups): Choose whole milk for creaminess or almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.
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Breakfast Sausage (1 pound, crumbled): Feel free to use turkey sausage, or omit meat altogether for a vegetarian option.
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Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack or mozzarella.
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Bread (6-8 slices, cubed): A hearty bread like sourdough or whole grain works well here. Gluten-free bread is also a great substitute!
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Bell Peppers (1 cup, diced): Add color and crunch; frozen mixed peppers are an easy substitute.
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Onion (1, diced): Fresh onions bring flavor; shallots could add a sweeter touch.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for flavor—season to taste!
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
This dish is both quick to prepare and well worth the wait to savor its rich flavors.
How to Make Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole
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Prep the Night Before: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
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Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned and cooked through. As the garlic sizzles, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste!
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Combine Ingredients: In the mixing bowl with the egg mixture, add in the diced bell peppers, onions, cooked sausage, and cubed bread. Gently fold in the shredded cheese until everything is well coated.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Chill Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture overnight.
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Bake to Perfection: In the morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish and bake for about 45 minutes until golden and set.
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Serve and Enjoy: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and watch smiles light up as family and friends dig in!
Tips and Creative Variations
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Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top before serving for an added burst of flavor.
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Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
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Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and cheese to make this casserole compliant with dairy-free diets.
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Mix and Match: Try different vegetables in the casserole, like spinach or tomatoes, depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Serving Ideas
Picture this: The casserole is out of the oven, and as steam rises, you place it on the table surrounded by vibrant fresh fruit, crispy bacon, and a pot of steaming coffee. It’s the centerpiece of a cozy Sunday brunch, or perhaps a quick but hearty weekday breakfast before school. Pair with fresh orange juice or a bloody Mary for a festive touch.
Storing and Reheating
To maximize leftovers (if there are any!), allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. For a quick microwave option, heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Pro Tips for Success
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Preparation is Key: Pick an evening when you have a little extra time, and prepare the casserole without rush.
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Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts and better serving.
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Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Use a generous amount of cheese for a deeply comforting flavor.
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Get Creative: Don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or season.
FAQs
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Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just ensure it’s well covered before freezing. -
What’s the best substitute for sausage?
You can use cooked bacon, diced ham, or even beans for a vegetarian option. -
Can I prepare it vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and tofu instead of eggs.
Conclusion
There you have it—your guide to crafting the perfect Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole. This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of mornings spent together, laughter over shared meals, and the joy of nurturing those we love. So, gather your ingredients, whip this comforting creation up, and watch as it transforms any breakfast into a cherished memory. Don’t forget to share it with loved ones, because good food tastes even better when shared!
Contents
Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 large Eggs Use egg whites for a lighter version.
- 2 cups Milk Whole milk for creaminess or almond milk for dairy-free.
- 1 pound Breakfast Sausage, crumbled Turkey sausage or omit for a vegetarian option.
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella can be used.
- 6-8 slices Bread, cubed Sourdough or whole grain, gluten-free bread works as well.
- 1 cup Bell Peppers, diced Frozen mixed peppers are a convenient substitute.
- 1 Onion, diced Shallots provide a sweeter flavor.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned and cooked through.
- In the mixing bowl with the egg mixture, add in the diced bell peppers, onions, cooked sausage, and cubed bread. Gently fold in the shredded cheese until everything is well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture overnight.
Cooking
- In the morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Uncover the dish and bake for about 45 minutes until golden and set.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest