Sausage and Egg Casserole best for breakfast
There’s something magical about waking up to the scent of a warm, cheesy breakfast casserole filling the house. Growing up, many of us remember our parents or grandparents making a hearty casserole, especially during the holidays.
But sometimes, the long wait for that comforting dish to bake can leave everyone staring at the clock with rumbling stomachs.
That’s where the beauty of the Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole comes in—it’s prepped the night before, making the busy mornings so much easier to handle. Simply pop it into the oven, and you’re ready to serve a delicious and hearty breakfast.
This casserole has become a beloved family favorite, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday brunch, a lazy Sunday morning, or even a quick and satisfying weekday breakfast.
Let’s dive into the details of why this Sausage and Egg Casserole is a game-changer and how you can make it your new go-to breakfast dish.
Why You’ll Love the Sausage and Egg Casserole
A Stress-Free Morning
The Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is the ultimate time-saver. The beauty of this dish lies in its make-ahead nature. Instead of scrambling around in the morning to get breakfast ready, you can prepare everything the night before.
This means no more hungry faces staring at the clock while you wait for the casserole to bake. Simply assemble the casserole, pop it in the fridge, and let the flavors meld overnight. The next morning, all you need to do is bake it, and you’ll have a comforting breakfast ready to go.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the best features of the Sausage and Egg Casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or your family’s preferences.
Not a fan of sausage? No problem—swap it for bacon, diced ham, or even plant-based sausage alternatives. Prefer a different cheese? Feel free to experiment with varieties like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend. The possibilities are endless, and this casserole always delivers a delicious result.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
This casserole is ideal for feeding a group, whether it’s your family or a gathering of friends. It’s a filling, hearty dish that will keep everyone satisfied until lunch.
With a combination of eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread, it’s a meal in itself, and there’s no need to prepare multiple dishes for a large group. You can even double the recipe for larger crowds, making it a stress-free choice for special occasions like holidays, brunches, or any time you need to feed a crowd.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Despite its richness and indulgence, the Sausage and Egg Casserole uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Eggs, bread, sausage, cheese, and milk come together to create a flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
The simplicity of the ingredients proves that you don’t need exotic spices or difficult-to-find items to create something delicious and comforting.
Meal Prep Friendly
This casserole is a fantastic option for meal prep. If you’re someone who likes to have breakfast ready in advance, you can make the casserole ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
It reheats beautifully and remains flavorful, making it an excellent choice for quick and easy breakfasts. If you’re looking to freeze it for later, the casserole can be assembled, frozen, and baked when needed, saving you even more time in the future.
Essential Ingredients for Sausage and Egg Casserole
This Sausage and Egg Casserole is made with a few key ingredients that come together to create the perfect dish. Let’s break them down:
For the Casserole Base:
- Bread: Any type of bread works here—white, whole wheat, sourdough, or even leftover hamburger buns. The key is to use slightly stale bread, as fresh bread doesn’t absorb the egg mixture as well. Sturdier breads like sourdough or French bread hold up better and provide a nice texture.
For the Protein:
- Sausage: Ground sausage is a classic choice for this casserole. You can use pork sausage for a rich, savory flavor, or opt for turkey sausage if you’re looking for a lighter version. Feel free to use cooked bacon, diced ham, or even plant-based alternatives for a twist.
For the Creamy Filling:
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the go-to for this casserole, but you can switch it up based on your preferences. Swiss, Monterey Jack, and even a Mexican cheese blend work beautifully here.
- Milk: Whole milk, 2%, or half-and-half will give the casserole the creamiest texture. If you want an even richer result, heavy cream works, but keep in mind it’ll increase the calorie content. For a lighter option, non-dairy milks are not recommended as they may affect the way the eggs set.
For the Binding and Flavor:
- Eggs: Eggs are the binding agent that holds everything together. They create a rich, creamy base for the casserole.
- Seasoning: Ground mustard adds a subtle depth of flavor, while salt and pepper balance everything out.
How to Make the Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole
Making this casserole is a breeze, and it only takes a few simple steps. Here’s how to prepare the Sausage and Egg Casserole:
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. If you’re using sturdier bread like sourdough or French bread, it will absorb the egg mixture beautifully, giving the casserole a satisfying texture.
Step 2: Add Sausage and Cheese
Sprinkle the cooked sausage and shredded cheese evenly over the bread layer. Make sure both the sausage and cheese are well distributed so that every bite is packed with flavor. The cheese will melt as it bakes, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that binds everything together.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as the binding agent, infusing the casserole with flavor while holding the bread, sausage, and cheese together. Make sure to whisk everything until well combined, ensuring that the mustard is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
This resting period is crucial because it allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, ensuring a cohesive texture when baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes.
For the first 30 minutes, loosely cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Then, remove the foil for the remaining baking time.
The casserole is done when the center is firm, and a knife or fork inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the casserole to firm up, making it easier to slice into neat squares. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this hearty breakfast dish!
Storing and Freezing the Sausage and Egg Casserole
If you have leftovers, or if you’d like to make this casserole in advance, here’s how to store and freeze it:
Refrigerate:
Once the casserole has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast.
Make Ahead:
This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake it fresh for minimal effort.
Freeze:
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking it as directed. This is a great option if you’re preparing for a big event or want to have a ready-to-go breakfast on hand.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of Sausage and Egg Casserole:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
These values are approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. This casserole is a balanced breakfast option, providing protein, healthy fats, and some carbs to keep you fueled throughout the morning.
Final Thoughts
The Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is a simple, versatile, and delicious breakfast option that will quickly become a family favorite.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or preparing it for a busy weekday breakfast, this casserole checks all the boxes.
With its rich flavor, customizable ingredients, and make-ahead convenience, it’s a dish that will delight your taste buds and make mornings a little bit easier. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to breakfast recipe.
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