Easy Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole: A Make-Ahead Morning Delight

Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This hearty sausage breakfast casserole is the perfect make-ahead morning meal for busy families, holiday gatherings, or weekend brunches. With savory pork sausage, eggs, and gooey cheese, this crowd-pleasing dish can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a stress-free, satisfying breakfast experience.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Breakfast Casserole

There’s something magical about waking up knowing breakfast is practically ready to go. This make-ahead breakfast casserole does exactly that! Here’s why it deserves a spot in your morning meal rotation:

• Make-ahead convenience – Prep tonight, bake tomorrow!
• Perfect for hosting – Feed a crowd without morning stress
• Customizable – Add vegetables or swap cheeses to make it your own
• Hearty and satisfying – Keeps everyone full until lunch

Ingredients for the Best Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• 1 pound ground pork sausage
• 6 slices white bread, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make the Perfect Sausage Breakfast Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease.
3. Arrange the cubed bread in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread layer.
5. Distribute the shredded cheese over the sausage layer.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, making sure all bread pieces are moistened.
8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours.
9. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
11. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
12. If desired, sprinkle with paprika and fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

• Choose your sausage wisely: Spicy, sage, or maple sausage all work beautifully and give different flavor profiles.
• Don’t skip the overnight soak: This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, creating a custard-like texture.
• Add vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach make delicious additions.
• Cheese variations: Try pepper jack for spice, gruyere for nutty flavor, or a blend of cheeses.
• Test for doneness: Insert a knife in the center – it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked.

Variations to Try

Southwestern Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Add 1 diced bell pepper, 1 small diced jalapeño, 1/2 cup corn, and substitute pepper jack cheese. Serve with fresh avocado and salsa.

Italian-Style Breakfast Casserole

Use Italian sausage, add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms, and replace cheddar with mozzarella and parmesan. Sprinkle with Italian herbs before baking.

Veggie-Loaded Breakfast Casserole

Add 2 cups of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully! Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat larger portions covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Why This Sausage Breakfast Casserole Is Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether you’re hosting a holiday breakfast, planning a special brunch, or just want to treat your family on the weekend, this sausage breakfast casserole delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal morning effort. The overnight preparation means you can enjoy your coffee and family time while a delicious breakfast bakes to perfection.

This hearty sausage breakfast casserole has become a staple in many homes for good reason – it’s simple, customizable, and absolutely delicious!