Overnight Breakfast Casserole: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Morning Meal

Overnight Breakfast Casserole: A Delicious Start to Your Day

Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution for busy mornings when you still want to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal. Imagine waking up to the enticing aroma of a warm, cheesy casserole that’s ready to serve! This dish not only simplifies your morning routine but also brings a sense of comfort and indulgence to your breakfast table.

The origins of breakfast casseroles can be traced back to the need for a convenient, make-ahead meal that could feed a crowd, making it a staple in many households, especially during holidays and family gatherings. People love this dish for its incredible versatility; you can customize it with your favorite ingredients, whether it’s savory sausage, fresh vegetables, or a medley of cheeses. The combination of fluffy eggs, crispy bread, and rich flavors creates a delightful texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

With Overnight Breakfast Casserole, you can enjoy a delicious, stress-free breakfast that’s as easy to prepare as it is to savor. So, let’s dive into this recipe and discover how to create a dish that will surely become a beloved favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Sausage Mixture

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
2. Cook the sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly while you prepare the egg mixture.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 large eggs. Whisk them together until they are well combined.
2. Add the 2 cups of milk to the eggs and whisk until smooth.
3. Season the egg mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried mustard, and paprika. Whisk again to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Assembling the Casserole

1. In a large greased baking dish (9×13 inches works well), layer half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.
2. Next, spoon half of the sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes, spreading it out evenly.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sausage mixture.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, sausage mixture, and cheese. You should have two layers of each component.
5. Finally, pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring that all the bread is soaked in the egg mixture.

Chilling the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help the bread absorb the egg mixture overnight.
2. Refrigerate the casserole for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the egg mixture.

Cooking the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 30 minutes before you plan to bake the casserole.
2. Once the oven is preheated, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and take off the cover.
3. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Serving the Casserole

1. Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
3. Serve warm, and enjoy this hearty breakfast with your family or friends!

Storage Tips

1. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
3. This casserole can also be frozen before baking. Just cover

   

   Conclusion:

   If you’re looking for a breakfast option that is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, this Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a must-try! It combines the rich flavors of eggs, cheese, and your choice of meats or vegetables, all baked to perfection. The best part? You can prepare it the night before, allowing you to wake up to a warm, hearty meal without any morning stress. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends when you want to impress family and friends with minimal effort.

   For serving suggestions, consider pairing your casserole with a fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon for a complete breakfast experience. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley to elevate the flavors even further. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different ingredients to customize your casserole. Swap out the traditional breakfast sausage for turkey sausage or even a plant-based alternative for a healthier twist. You can also experiment with various cheeses, such as feta or pepper jack, to give your dish a unique flair.

   Don’t hesitate to make this Overnight Breakfast Casserole your own! The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a classic combination of eggs and cheese or want to incorporate seasonal vegetables, the possibilities are endless.

   I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of waking up to a delicious breakfast that’s ready to go. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. It’s always exciting to see how others put their spin on a recipe.

   So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time to prepare this Overnight Breakfast Casserole, and enjoy the delightful flavors that await you. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your breakfast rotation. Happy cooking!

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   Overnight Breakfast Casserole: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Morning Meal

   This Breakfast Casserole combines savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and fluffy eggs, all layered with bread and cheese for a delicious brunch option. Perfect for preparing ahead of time, it bakes to golden perfection, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or special occasions. Enjoy warm, garnished with fresh parsley!

   Prep Time20 minutes

   Cook Time55 minutes

   Total Time495 minutes

   Category: Breakfast

   Yield: 8 servings

   Save This Recipe

   Ingredients

   • 1 pound breakfast sausage
   • 1 medium onion, diced
   • 1 bell pepper, diced
   • 8 large eggs
   • 2 cups milk
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon dried mustard
   • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
   • 6 cups cubed bread
   • 2 cups shredded cheese
   • Fresh parsley, chopped

   Instructions

   1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
   2. Cook the sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
   3. Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
   4. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly while you prepare the egg mixture.
   5. In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 large eggs. Whisk them together until well combined.
   6. Add the 2 cups of milk to the eggs and whisk until smooth.
   7. Season the egg mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried mustard, and paprika. Whisk again to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
   8. In a large greased baking dish (9×13 inches works well), layer half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.
   9. Spoon half of the sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes, spreading it out evenly.
   10. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sausage mixture.
   11. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, sausage mixture, and cheese.
   12. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring that all the bread is soaked.
   13. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to help the bread absorb the egg mixture overnight.
   14. Refrigerate the casserole for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
   15. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 30 minutes before baking.
   16. Once preheated, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and take off the cover.
   17. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
   18. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
   19. Once done baking, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
   20. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
   21. Serve warm and enjoy!

   Notes

   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
   • Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
   • This casserole can also be frozen before baking. Just cover tightly and freeze.