If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that lets you wake up to a ready-made, savory breakfast, look no further than this Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole. It’s a glorious medley of fluffy eggs, flavorful sausage, creamy cheddar, and tender bread—brimming with color and comfort. With minimal prep the night before and zero morning stress, this dish brings warmth and flavor to holidays, special gatherings, or lazy Sunday brunches. There’s magic in how simple ingredients transform into such a satisfying, make-ahead meal, and you’ll want to keep this recipe on rotation!

Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole shines thanks to familiar staples you already love. Each ingredient is picked not only for flavor, but because it adds its own special something—be it creaminess, heartiness, or a pop of freshness. Here’s what goes into the magic:

Breakfast sausage: Brings rich, savory flavors and a protein-packed punch. Browning the sausage builds extra depth and coziness in every bite.
Large eggs: These form the custardy backbone of the casserole, binding everything together while staying light and fluffy.
Milk: Whole or 2% gives the custard luscious creaminess, making every forkful tender.
Salt and black pepper: A simple seasoning combo that wakes up all the other flavors in the dish.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These two pantry favorites keep the casserole deeply savory and aromatic, with no extra chopping needed.
Day-old bread (French or sourdough): Cubed bread soaks up the egg mixture, turning golden and pillowy once baked—day-old is best for absorbing flavors without turning mushy!
Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey ribbons and provides rich, irresistible cheesiness on top and within every layer.
Bell peppers (optional): Dice a bit for added sweetness and color for a veggie-enhanced casserole.
Green onions (optional): Thinly sliced, they add a mild, fresh crunch and a hint of sharpness at the finish.
Nonstick cooking spray: Makes for easy cleanup and helps your casserole release cleanly from the baking dish.

How to Make Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Begin by generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole won’t stick and makes serving (and cleaning up) a breeze—especially useful when you’re feeding a hungry group in the morning!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook your breakfast sausage until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside. This step packs the casserole with richness and depth.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creamy egg mixture will soak into the bread, making your casserole fluffy and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine & Layer

Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and the optional bell peppers and green onions into the bowl with the egg mixture. Use a sturdy spatula to fold everything together, making sure each cube of bread is coated for an even bake.

Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. This final cheesy layer will turn bubbly and golden as the casserole bakes.

Step 6: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 6 hours). This important step lets the bread fully absorb all the rich, savory custard—ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the cover from your casserole and bake, uncovered, for 45–55 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the center should feel set and slightly puffed when done. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Now you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Bring extra color and freshness to each plate by sprinkling sliced green onions or chopped parsley over the top after baking. A little dollop of sour cream or a few dashes of hot sauce adds a creamy or spicy twist that perfectly complements the comforting flavors of Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, seasonal fresh fruit, or crispy hash browns. For a brunch feast, serve alongside fresh-squeezed orange juice or coffee for a complete, satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re cooking for a special occasion, consider baking the Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole in individual ramekins for personal-sized portions. Or, cut the casserole into bite-sized squares and skewer them with cherry tomatoes or roasted veggies for a fun brunch buffet or breakfast bar presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole should be cooled completely, then covered or transferred to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, retaining its flavor and texture for easy breakfasts all week long.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual pieces or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—this keeps the egg and bread texture just right.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices of casserole on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual pieces for 1–2 minutes until hot. A quick sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating never hurts!

FAQs

Can I prepare the Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole without refrigerating overnight?

Absolutely! If you’re pressed for time, let the casserole rest for at least 15–20 minutes after assembling to allow the bread to soak—but overnight is ideal for the deepest flavor and best texture.

What type Breakfast, Brunch

French or sourdough bread that’s a day old works beautifully, as it absorbs the custard without turning soggy. Fresh bread can work in a pinch, but it may be softer and less structured once baked.

Can I use a different meat or make it vegetarian?

Yes! Swap in cooked bacon, diced ham, or vegetarian sausage for the same method. For a veggie twist, increase the vegetables or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

How far ahead can I assemble the casserole?

You can assemble the Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Beyond that, the bread may become a bit too soft, so bake within a day for best results.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly before baking?

It is! Prepare and assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed the next morning.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole recipe is a pure joy, because it means more stress-free mornings, more smiles around the table, and more memories made—one delicious bite at a time. Whether it’s for a holiday, a family gathering, or just a cozy weekend, give this make-ahead classic a try and let it become your new breakfast tradition!

Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chill)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy overnight breakfast casserole is a delicious make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Packed with savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, it’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 lb breakfast sausage
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Ingredients:

1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 cup sliced green onions
nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the Sausage: Brown and cook the sausage in a skillet, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add bread, sausage, 1 cup of cheese, and optional vegetables and mix well.
Assemble and Chill: Pour the mixture into the baking dish, top with remaining cheese, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F, bake the casserole for 45–55 minutes until set and golden. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.