Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole: Easiest Overnight Egg Bake

Make ahead breakfast casserole is the unsung hero of weekend brunches and holiday mornings. I remember my grandmother making a version of this every Christmas Eve, popping it in the fridge, and then baking it fresh on Christmas morning while we opened presents. The aroma alone was enough to make you forget all about the latest toy and focus on the deliciousness that was about to grace your plate. A warm, comforting overnight egg bake just sets the tone for a memorable day, and this recipe is no exception.

This particular make ahead breakfast casserole is my updated spin on that classic, incorporating my favorite cheeses and a few secret ingredients to make it truly unforgettable. It's easy enough for a weeknight prep and impressive enough for company!

Why You Will Love This make-ahead breakfast casserole Recipe

This make ahead breakfast casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and here’s why you’ll be reaching for it time and time again. It’s incredibly convenient. Simply assemble it the night before, and bake it in the morning. This saves you precious time, especially on busy weekends or holidays.

The flavors are out of this world! The combination of savory sausage, melty cheese, and perfectly seasoned eggs creates a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It's also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Swap out the sausage for bacon, add vegetables, or use a different type of cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Let’s not forget the comfort factor. This dish is warm, hearty, and satisfying just pure comfort food in every bite! It's the perfect way to start the day on a cozy and delicious note. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make. Even if you're not a confident cook, you can easily whip up this casserole with minimal effort.

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Ingredients Needed for This make-ahead breakfast casserole Recipe

• For the Casserole:
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 slices of bread, cubed (about 4-5 cups)
• Optional Toppings:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Hot sauce
  • Sour cream

How to Make This make-ahead breakfast casserole Recipe

1. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. In the same skillet, saute the chopped green bellpepper, and green onion for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cubed bread evenly over the bottom. Sprinkle the cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green bell pepper, and green onions over the bread.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour and Soak Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layer. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is submerged in the egg mixture.
5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Bake: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, hot sauce, or sour cream, if desired.

You can find more delicious egg recipes on our Scrambled Egg recipe.

How to Serve This make-ahead breakfast casserole Recipe

This make ahead breakfast casserole is a star on its own, but a few serving suggestions can really elevate it. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, as a centerpiece of your brunch spread.

Pair it with a light salad, fresh fruit, or a side of crispy bacon. For a festive touch, garnish individual slices with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Consider offering a variety of hot sauces for those who like a little extra kick.

For plating, cut the casserole into neat squares and arrange them artfully on a platter. A simple garnish of chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Store This make-ahead breakfast casserole Recipe

Proper storage will keep your make ahead breakfast casserole tasting its best.

To refrigerate, allow the baked casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For freezing, cut the cooled casserole into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat refrigerated casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may become slightly soggy. To reheat frozen casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Tips to Make This make-ahead breakfast casserole Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks to make sure your make ahead breakfast casserole is a success every time. Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the sausage. Cook it in batches to ensure it browns evenly.

Use day old bread. It soaks up the egg mixture without becoming mushy. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions.

Avoid overbaking the casserole. Overbaking can make it dry. Bake until it's set but still slightly wobbly in the center. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Helpful Notes for This make-ahead breakfast casserole Recipe

A few extra notes can make all the difference with this make ahead breakfast casserole.

For the bread, I prefer using a hearty rustic bread like sourdough or French bread, but any bread will work. If you don't have bread on hand, you can also use croissants or muffins.

The dry mustard adds a subtle tang that really enhances the flavor of the casserole. Don't skip it!

If you're short on time, you can use pre shredded cheese and pre cooked sausage. But I always recommend freshly grated cheese and freshly cooked sausage for the best flavor.

Variation of This make-ahead breakfast casserole Recipe

This make ahead breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile, offering plenty of room for customization.

For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add a mix of roasted vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or use hot sausage.

In the fall, try adding some cooked butternut squash or apple slices. In the spring, asparagus and peas would be delicious additions. For a festive holiday twist, add some dried cranberries and walnuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this make ahead breakfast casserole a try. It's a guaranteed winner for any occasion, from casual weekend brunches to special holiday gatherings. It will bring smiles and satisfied tummies. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your own variations, I'm confident that this overnight egg bake will become a new family favorite. Let me know in the comments below how it turns out!

Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole: Easiest Overnight Egg Bake

This make ahead breakfast casserole is the perfect dish for weekend brunches and holiday mornings. Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for a delicious and easy meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 420
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 28g

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 slices of bread, cubed (about 4-5 cups)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. In the same skillet, saute the chopped green bellpepper, and green onion for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cubed bread evenly over the bottom. Sprinkle the cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green bell pepper, and green onions over the bread.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour and Soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layer. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is submerged in the egg mixture.
5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Bake: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, hot sauce, or sour cream, if desired.

Notes

• For best results, use day old bread.
• You can substitute milk with almond milk.
• Add bacon instead of sausage for a different flavor.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, hot sauce, or sour cream, if desired.