There’s something magical about waking up to the tantalizing scent of a breakfast casserole wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made this Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole for my friends—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly morning! Imagine a dish that combines fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and crispy hash browns into one beautiful sunrise symphony. Trust me, this is a game-changer for your brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts.
What makes this recipe special
You might wonder why this casserole is my go-to. Picture this: the flavors mingle overnight, creating a blend that’s all but irresistible the next morning. The preparation? It’s as simple as pie—or should I say, as simple as casserole! Just a little hands-on time the night before means you’re free to enjoy leisurely coffee and chatter the next day. Plus, it’s packed with protein, perfect for feeding a crowd or fueling your family for a busy day ahead.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s chat about what makes this casserole truly shine—our star players, if you will:
Breakfast sausage (1 pound): The heart of the dish! I love using a spicy Italian sausage for that extra kick, but any breakfast sausage will do. It’s what adds that depth of flavor that’s so essential.
Frozen hash browns (about 30 oz): These are a life-saver! They bring in the crispy texture and heartiness without the fuss of slicing potatoes. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a shortcut now and then?
Large eggs (8): They provide the creamy base that binds everything together. Fresh farm eggs are lovely if you can get them!
Milk (1 cup): Just a splash to add creaminess, but if you’re feeling indulgent, go for half-and-half for a richer texture.
Sour cream (1 cup): This is my secret weapon! It adds a tangy punch and keeps the casserole moist as it bakes.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Because more cheese is always better, right? A sharp cheddar elevates this dish even more, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack for a creamy contrast.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential seasonings that bring everything together. Adjust according to your taste!
Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): A fresh finish that brightens up the rich flavors.
The cooking process explained
Ready to get down to business? Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this beauty to life.
Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage until it’s nicely cooked through—about 8-10 minutes. The smell will take you straight to breakfast heaven! Once done, drain any excess grease and let it cool a bit.
Whisk the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. You want it creamy, so give it a good stir—invite your inner whisking champion out to play!
Layer like a pro: Grease a 9×13 baking dish, then go ahead and layer half of the hash browns on the bottom. Follow that with half the sausage and a generous layer of cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, and don’t skimp on that last layer of cheese—trust me!
Pour that egg goodness: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered goodness in the dish. It’s the glue that holds this casserole together, and you want to make sure every bit of hash brown and sausage gets a little love.
Overnight magic: Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the fridge overnight. Letting it sit allows those flavors to meld beautifully—think of it like a culinary slumber party!
Bake it up: When morning comes, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole, covered, for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set. Oh, the aroma you’ll get!
Final touches: Once it’s out, sprinkle on those glorious green onions, and you’re ready to dig in!
Best way to enjoy it
Ah, serving suggestions! This casserole is great on its own, but why not elevate the experience? Serve it alongside fresh fruit, a light salad, or some crispy bacon for that classic breakfast feel. A dollop of salsa or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can bring a little zing too. Coffee, fresh juice, or mimosas make perfect breakfast companions!
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? First, pat yourself on the back for making such a great dish! To keep it fresh, simply cover leftover casserole and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, portion out slices into airtight containers—perfect for those busy mornings!
Extra tips and advice
To ensure your casserole is a hit, try adding roasted veggies for a veggie boost or some diced bell peppers for sweetness. You can totally switch up the protein: crumbled bacon or turkey sausage work beautifully as well. Maybe even experiment with different cheese blends. Just remember, the night before is your prep time, so make it count!
Creative Twists
Why not have a little fun? Consider adding spicy jalapeños for a bit of heat or mushrooms for an earthy touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, how about a Mexican twist with chorizo and pepper jack cheese? The only limit is your creativity—don’t be afraid to make this casserole your own!
Ingredients list
- 1 pound 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
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half the hash browns, half the sausage, and half the cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake, covered, for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until golden and fully set.
- Top with green onions and serve warm.
Your questions answered
- How long does prep take? About 30 minutes the night before.
- Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the sausage for cooked mushrooms and add extra veggies.
- Is it freezer-friendly? Yes! Portion and freeze for later enjoyment.
- What’s the best cheese to use? Cheddar is great, but experiment with a mix for fun flavors!
- How do I know when it’s fully cooked? It should be golden brown and set in the middle—no jiggle!
So, what are you waiting for? Don your apron, channel your inner chef, and dive into this delicious Overnight Breakfast Casserole! Your mornings will thank you, and your loved ones will sing your praises. And hey, I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment below with your feedback or any creative twists you try! Happy cooking!
The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Description
This Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole combines fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and crispy hash browns, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts.Main Ingredients
Breakfast Casserole
Preparation Instructions
Cooking the Casserole
Cook the sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage until nicely cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease and let cool.Whisk the egg mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.Layer ingredients
Grease a 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the hash browns, half of the sausage, and a generous layer of cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.Add egg mixture
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.Refrigerate overnight
Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.Bake in the morning
Preheat oven to 350°F, bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown.Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 320mg107%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 600 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
- Vitamin D 1 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Thiamin 0.5 mg
- Riboflavin 0.25 mg
- Niacin 1.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.4 mg
- Folate 50 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Biotin 0.2 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Iodine 0.05 mcg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 15 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.1 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.
