Description

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings. It combines savory breakfast sausage, cubed bread, cheddar cheese, and a flavorful egg mixture with optional bell peppers and onions. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it offers a convenient, comforting breakfast that feeds a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb breakfast sausage, crumbled

Base

8 slices of bread, cut into cubes

Dairy

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 large eggs
2 cups milk

Seasonings

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika

Vegetables (optional)

1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup diced onions

Garnish (optional)

Fresh herbs for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the bread and sausage: Evenly spread the bread cubes in the baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread if using.
Mix the egg base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
Combine layers: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the egg mixture thoroughly.
Add cheese and veggies: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. If desired, add diced bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and texture.
Refrigerate overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
Preheat oven: The next morning, remove the plastic wrap and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

The casserole can be customized with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavor.
Vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach can be added along with or instead of bell peppers and onions.
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add extra veggies or meat substitutes.
Make sure to press the bread gently to ensure full absorption of the egg mixture for best texture.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.