Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 8 jumbo eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
optional
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
or 1 tablespoon fresh sliced chives
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups yellow shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup extra sharp white cheddar cheese
- 10 slices butter bread or sandwich bread
cubed
Directions
- 1
Cook and crumble sausage until no longer pink. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain of excess grease.
- 2
For the custard, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground mustard, dried sage, dried chives and half-and half until well combined.
- 3
To a buttered 13"x9" baking dish, layer the bread, sausage, then the cheeses. Pour the custard over the top. Ensure all of the bread pieces are submerged. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight.
- 4
Next day, while the oven preheats oven to 350˚F, allow the casserole to sit at room-temperature. Bake 45-50 minutes or until light golden brown and cooked through. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
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About this Recipe
Imagine waking up on a holiday morning to the comforting aroma of a hearty breakfast, without having to lift a finger until it's time to serve. This Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole delivers exactly that: a delicious, stress-free start to any special day or weekend brunch.
The genius of this recipe lies in its thoughtful combination of ingredients and the make-ahead convenience. By assembling it the night before, you allow the flavors of savory breakfast sausage, rich cheeses, and aromatic herbs to meld beautifully, creating a depth that freshly prepared dishes often lack. It’s the ultimate solution for feeding a crowd without the morning rush.
Expect a casserole that's wonderfully rich and satisfying, with a tender texture from the cubed bread soaking up the creamy egg mixture and the robust flavors of sausage, sharp cheddar, and a delicate blend of sage and chives. The optional hint of cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth that brightens every bite, ensuring it's never bland. This dish is designed to be a substantial, comforting meal that will keep everyone feeling full and happy.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust this casserole to your family's preferences. For a different flavor profile, you could experiment with a spicy Italian sausage instead of breakfast sausage, or swap the sharp cheddar cheeses for Gruyère or smoked gouda. If you're not a fan of sage, dried thyme makes a lovely alternative, or you can omit the cayenne pepper for a milder dish. The chives can be fresh or dried, depending on what you have on hand.
This generous casserole, yielding 12 servings, is perfectly suited for festive holiday brunches, family gatherings, or anytime you need a substantial and impressive breakfast that largely takes care of itself. Serve it alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a complete meal.