Effortless Morning Delights: The Ultimate Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of a hearty breakfast, knowing that most of the work was done the night before. This Sausage Breakfast Casserole, brimming with savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a kick of green chiles, offers just that – a truly satisfying and incredibly convenient start to any day.

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Are you searching for a breakfast recipe that truly shines, whether for a festive holiday brunch, a relaxed long weekend, or simply to make a weekday morning feel special? Look no further than this exquisite Sausage Breakfast Casserole. It stands proudly alongside other beloved morning meals like a classic Quiche Lorraine or comforting Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, promising warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

Why an Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a Game Changer

For many families, breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s a cherished ritual. Whether it’s fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, or warm muffins, the joy of a leisurely morning feast is undeniable. However, those lazy mornings often come with the caveat of spending a significant amount of time in the kitchen. That’s where the magic of an overnight breakfast casserole truly shines. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who loves a substantial breakfast but doesn’t want to sacrifice precious morning hours to prep and cook.

While a sweet Overnight French Toast Casserole holds a special place in many hearts, there’s a growing appreciation for savory breakfast options. This Sausage Breakfast Casserole, packed with robust flavors, caters perfectly to those who prefer a more savory start to their day. The combination of seasoned sausage, tender mushrooms, and a hint of spice from green chiles creates a depth of flavor that sweet dishes simply can’t replicate. The added benefit of overnight refrigeration allows all these wonderful ingredients to meld together, deepening the flavors and ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful casserole.

Crafting Your Perfect Sausage Breakfast Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious overnight breakfast casserole is surprisingly straightforward, with most of the hands-on work completed the evening before. This allows the bread to thoroughly soak in the egg mixture, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful finished dish. Follow these simple steps to assemble your masterpiece:

Prepping the Savory Base

• Begin by browning your bulk breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks until it’s fully cooked through and no pink remains. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving behind any rendered fat. Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl.
• In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook them until they are beautifully browned and softened, absorbing all the savory flavors left in the pan.
• Next, stir in the chopped green chiles, cooking for another minute or two to warm them through and release their aromatic essence.
• Finally, return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the mushrooms and green chiles. Stir everything together to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. Turn off the heat and set aside this savory mixture.

The Essential Egg and Milk Mixture

• In a separate, generously sized bowl, crack the large eggs and lightly beat them until the yolks and whites are just combined.
• Pour in the milk and half-and-half, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until well incorporated. This creamy mixture will be the custardy binder for your casserole.

Assembling the Casserole for its Overnight Rest

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly spread your cubed French or Italian bread across the bottom of the prepared dish.
• Spoon the cooled sausage and mushroom mixture over the bread cubes, distributing it as evenly as possible.
• Generously sprinkle your chosen shredded cheese over the sausage and bread layers.

• Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring that all the bread cubes are thoroughly saturated. You can gently press down on the bread with your hands or a spatula to help it soak up the liquid. This crucial step ensures a moist and cohesive casserole.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This resting period is key to allowing the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, creating that signature custardy texture.

Baking to Golden Perfection

• The next morning, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
• Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.
• After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, the edges are golden brown, and the center is set (a knife inserted into the center should come out clean).
• Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the casserole set further, making it easier to serve clean slices.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Breakfast Casserole

Achieving a truly outstanding Sausage Breakfast Casserole involves a few simple considerations. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choosing Your Sausage: For this recipe, bulk breakfast sausage (the kind found in a roll) works best as it crumbles easily and distributes well throughout the casserole. If you opt for sausage links, remember to remove the casings and chop them into small pieces. While breakfast sausage provides a specific spice profile that complements this dish perfectly, feel free to experiment with Italian sausage if you prefer its distinct flavor.
• Selecting the Right Bread: The foundation of any great breakfast casserole is the bread. I highly recommend using a sturdy bread like French or Italian bread. Its denser texture holds up well to soaking in the egg mixture overnight, preventing it from becoming soggy during baking. You’ll need approximately 2/3 to 3/4 of a 16 oz loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes. Staling the bread slightly by letting it sit out for a few hours (or even overnight) can also help it absorb the liquid without falling apart.
• Green Chile Preference: I personally adore green chiles and typically use a full 8 oz can for a noticeable kick. However, if you prefer a milder flavor or are not as keen on the heat, a smaller 4 oz can will suffice. Adjust to your family’s taste!
• Cheese Choices: Monterey Jack is a fantastic choice for its meltability and mild, creamy flavor, but cheddar cheese also works wonderfully and adds a sharper tang. Most easy-melting cheeses, such as Colby, havarti, or a blend of Mexican cheeses, will yield excellent results. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
• The Overnight Advantage: While it is technically possible to bake this casserole immediately after assembly, refrigerating it overnight is strongly recommended. This extended soaking time allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more cohesive, tender, and flavorful casserole with a custardy texture. It’s a small wait for a significant improvement.
• Topping Sensations: Elevate your casserole with a variety of toppings! My personal favorites include a dollop of cool sour cream, a spoonful of zesty salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Other fantastic additions could be sliced avocado, a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick, or even some diced fresh tomatoes for added freshness.
• Freezing for Future Meals: This casserole is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it ideal for meal prep. Instead of refrigerating it overnight, tightly wrap the assembled (but uncooked) casserole in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before following the baking instructions.

More Irresistible Breakfast Casserole Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of make-ahead breakfast casseroles, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic recipes:

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Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Refrigeration Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 16 oz bulk breakfast sausage
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 8 oz canned chopped green chiles
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup half and half
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 10 cups French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2/3 to 3/4 of a 16 oz loaf)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend)
• Sour cream, salsa, cilantro, etc. for serving

Instructions

1. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl.
3. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook until browned and softened. Add the green chiles to the skillet and cook another minute or two. Add the sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. Turn off the heat.
4. Add the eggs to a bowl and lightly beat them. Add the milk and half and half, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Whisk until combined.
5. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Top with the sausage and mushroom mixture. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the cheese, making sure the bread all gets saturated by the egg mixture. Use your hands to press the bread down into the liquid to make sure it is all saturated, if desired.
7. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight.
8. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
9. Bake the casserole, covered, for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is baked through and set, another 10-20 minutes.
10. Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving.
11. Serve with sour cream, salsa, and cilantro, if desired.

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information does not include toppings.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/12 of recipe
Calories: 346kcal (17%)
Carbohydrates: 23g (8%)
Protein: 22g (44%)
Fat: 22g (34%)
Saturated Fat: 22g (138%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 180mg (60%)
Sodium: 790mg (34%)
Fiber: 1g (4%)
Sugar: 7g (8%)

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