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Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage

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This easy make-ahead breakfast casserole features savory sausage, cheddar cheese, and golden bread soaked in a creamy custard. Assemble it the night before for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing brunch that’s perfect for holidays or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups bread, cubed (white sandwich bread, French bread, or sourdough; slightly stale preferred)
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (bulk pork sausage, spicy or mild)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred, or mix with Monterey Jack or Colby)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
  • 1/2 cup extra shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes. If fresh, dry out on a baking sheet for 30 minutes or toast in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
  2. Brown sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat, breaking into crumbles. Sauté until cooked through and browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the bread cubes, half the sausage, and half the shredded cheddar. Repeat with remaining bread, sausage, and cheese.
  5. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, pressing down gently to soak the bread. Sprinkle extra cheddar and paprika on top.
  6. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours).
  7. Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature while preheating oven to 350°F.
  8. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20-25 minutes, until top is golden and center is set (knife inserted should come out clean).
  9. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For best texture, use slightly stale bread and let the casserole soak overnight. You can substitute gluten-free bread or plant-based milk and cheese for dietary needs. Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. Let the casserole rest before baking for a creamy, soufflé-like texture. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, sausage breakfast casserole, make-ahead brunch, easy breakfast, holiday breakfast, cheddar casserole, breakfast bake, brunch recipe

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