The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole

There are those mornings when you want to impress your family or friends without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Enter my Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole — a dish that practically cooks itself! This recipe is one of those treasured finds that’s been passed down through my circle of friends. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or even a cozy Saturday just for you (and trust me, you deserve it!). The beauty of it is you can prepare everything the night before, so you can roll out of bed and slide it right into the oven.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This casserole speaks to the heart of breakfast lovers everywhere. Picture this: crispy hash browns that cradle chunks of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and a generous sprinkle of melted cheese, all topped off with vibrant green onions. It’s like a breakfast hug for your taste buds! And let’s not forget, it’s packed with protein and good fats to keep you energized throughout the day. One of the best parts? It feeds a crowd! Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to ensure you have breakfast for the week, this casserole has your back. It’s versatile and endlessly customizable, so buckle up; I’m about to share my secrets!

Gather these ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage: This is where the flavor starts. Choose your favorite brand; I love a nice, spicy variety to give the dish a bold kick! If you’re feeling adventurous, turkey sausage works too — just a tad leaner but still oh-so-delicious.

• 1 package frozen hash browns (about 30 oz): The ultimate shortcut! These crispy little potatoes offer a convenient way to get that perfect base. If you’re feeling fancy and have the time, fresh grated potatoes are divine as well!

• 8 large eggs: The heart and soul of the casserole. Farm-fresh eggs not only taste better but also brighten this dish with a rich color.

• 1 cup milk: Creamy and dreamy! Whole milk brings the richness, but feel free to use almond milk or any other non-dairy substitute if you prefer.

• 1 cup sour cream: This gives that indulgent creaminess and balances out the flavors. Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute if you’re in the mood.

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheese is life! Go bold with sharp cheddar for a strong flavor, or mix in a little mozzarella for extra stretch.

• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Because what’s flavor without a little salt? Adjust this based on your taste and diet.

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A hint of spice! You can kick it up a notch with some cayenne or smoked paprika if you like a bit of heat.

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Fresh, bright, and an essential pop of color. They’re the cherry on top of this savory masterpiece!

How this recipe comes together

1. Brown the sausage: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Cook the breakfast sausage until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink inside. Trust me on this: letting the sausage cool a bit before layering is crucial!

2. Mix the egg base: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until silky smooth. This is where the magic begins — imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen!

3. Layer it up: Grab your greased 9×13 baking dish, and layer half of the hash browns on the bottom. Then, add half of the cooked sausage, and a hearty sprinkle of cheese over that.

4. Repeat the layers: Now, do it again! Ah, the rhythm of cooking! The second layer will be a mirror of the first — hash browns, sausage, then cheese.

5. Pour the egg mixture: Gently pour the egg mixture over your glorious layers. Let it seep through like a warm embrace.

6. Refrigerate overnight: Cover with foil and let it chill in the fridge overnight. This allows all the flavors to mingle and marry, creating pure harmony.

7. Bake in the morning: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole, covered, for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and cook it for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen is about to smell like a dream!

8. Finish with green onions: The final touch? Sprinkle those fresh green onions on top just before serving. It adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color.

Best way to enjoy it

Slice and serve warm, allowing the cheesy goodness to ooze out as you dish up. Pair it with a simple fruit salad or freshly squeezed orange juice for a wholesome brunch spread. Feeling fancy? A dollop of hot sauce on top adds a delightful tang!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge — it will keep for up to four days. For those busy mornings, simply slice a piece, pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, and voila! You can also freeze portions individually for those days when cooking feels like a chore. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it should happily live in your freezer for about 2-3 months.

Helpful cooking tips

• Sauté with pan drippings: Don’t rinse the skillet after cooking the sausage! Scrape up those bits; they add depth of flavor to the casserole.

• Customize: Add your favorite veggies! Bell peppers, spinach, or even jalapeños can be tossed in during the layering process for added nutrition and flavor.

• Experiment with cheese: Mixing cheeses can create delightful variations. Try adding feta or pepper jack for an unexpected twist.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Why not try a southwestern spin with chorizo and pepper jack cheese? Or, embrace a veggie lover’s dream by using sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach instead of sausage. The possibilities are endless, and they all lead to breakfast bliss!

Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 package frozen hash browns (about 30 oz)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Directions to follow

1. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half of the hash browns, half the sausage, and a layer of cheese.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top.
6. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F in the morning. Bake covered for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until golden and set.
9. Top with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Your questions answered

• Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes! That’s the beauty of this dish; it’s designed to be prepared the night before.

• How long does it keep? This casserole stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for 2-3 months.

• Can I make it gluten-free? Absolutely! Ensure your hash browns are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

• What can replace the sour cream? Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you want a healthier option.

• Is there a vegetarian version? You bet! Swap the sausage for a mix of sautéed veggies or even some plant-based sausage.

With this Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole, the mornings will never be the same! Its ease, flavor, and versatility make for a show-stopping dish that you’ll want to whip up again and again. Dive in, enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: Dairy Freezer Meals Gluten Free High Protein Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 70 mins Rest Time 8 mins Total Time 1 hr 33 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or even a cozy Saturday. Packed with crispy hash browns, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (Choose your favorite brand, spicy for extra flavor.)
• 30 oz frozen hash browns (Can use fresh grated potatoes if desired.)
• 8 large eggs (Farm-fresh eggs are recommended.)
• 1 cup milk (Whole milk is preferred, non-dairy options are fine.)
• 1 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar adds strong flavor.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt (Adjust according to taste.)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper (Add cayenne for extra heat if desired.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped green onions (Use as a fresh garnish.)

Instructions

Preparation

1. Brown the sausage

   Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
   Let the sausage cool before layering.
   Mark as complete

2. Mix the egg base

   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
   Mark as complete

3. Layer the casserole

   Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Layer half of the hash browns, half the sausage, and a layer of cheese.
   Repeat the layers.
   Mark as complete

4. Pour the egg mixture

   Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
   Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
   Mark as complete

5. Bake

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until golden.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Top with chopped green onions and serve warm.
   Pairs well with fruit salad or orange juice.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 27g42%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 200mg67%

Sodium 1100mg46%

Potassium 450mg13%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 1g

Protein 24g48%

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Vitamin A 20 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 25 mg

Iron 10 mg

Vitamin D 10 IU

Vitamin E 4 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 5 mg

Riboflavin 10 mg

Niacin 8 mg

Vitamin B6 8 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 12 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0 mg

Phosphorus 15 mg

Iodine 3 mcg

Magnesium 8 mg

Zinc 10 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Adapt this recipe with different ingredients to suit your tastes.

Keywords: breakfast, casserole, overnight, easy, brunch