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Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a convenient, hearty, and delicious dish that combines crumbled Italian sausage, eggs, cheese, bread cubes, and sautéed vegetables. Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a warm, comforting breakfast perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed brunches.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
  • 8 large eggs

Dairy

  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk

Vegetables

  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers

Bakery

  • 6 cups bread cubes (preferably slightly stale)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage: Brown the crumbled sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and nicely browned. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Vegetable Mix: In the same pan, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until soft and fragrant to bring out their natural sweetness.
  3. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined to create a creamy custard base.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer bread cubes evenly on the bottom, then sprinkle the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables over the bread. Pour the egg mixture evenly over all and top with shredded cheese.
  5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard and develop flavor and texture.
  6. Bake the Casserole: In the morning, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use stale bread for better custard absorption without becoming mushy.
  • Gently fold ingredients; avoid overmixing to keep a light texture.
  • Allow casserole to rest briefly after baking for easier slicing and improved flavor.
  • Fully assembled casserole can be prepped up to 24 hours ahead for convenience.
  • Adjust spices as desired; herbs like thyme or paprika add great aroma and flavor.

Nutrition

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