If you’re craving a hearty and comforting breakfast that you can prepare the night before, this Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole is your dream come true. Packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, it’s an easy, make-ahead dish that wakes up your taste buds and saves you precious morning time. Whether it’s for a busy workday, a lazy weekend brunch, or feeding a crowd, this casserole strikes the perfect balance of convenience and deliciousness that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Time-Saving Convenience: Prepare everything the night before and simply bake in the morning, making busy mornings stress-free.
Flavor-Packed Layers: Sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread soak together for a rich, savory breakfast treat.
Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or meats to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Feeds a Crowd Effortlessly: Large casserole size means it’s perfect for family breakfasts or entertaining guests.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Classic breakfast ingredients combined into one simple, satisfying dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These straightforward ingredients come together to create a casserole that is bursting with flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and hearty goodness.

Breakfast Sausage: Provides a savory, slightly spicy flavor that’s essential for a rich casserole base.
Eggs: Create a fluffy, protein-packed binding layer that melds all ingredients.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, ensuring a tender, moist casserole.
Shredded Cheese: Melted cheese adds gooey, salty richness to every bite.
Bread Cubes: Absorb the egg mixture while providing a soft yet slightly crisp texture after baking.
Onion and Garlic: Build aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that perfectly enhance all ingredients.
Optional Herbs: Parsley or chives brighten the flavor and add a fresh pop of color.

Variations for Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to switch up ingredients for dietary reasons or simply mix flavors, these variations will keep this casserole exciting every time you make it.

Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version.
Spice It Up: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the egg mixture for a kick of heat.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and vegan cheese for a lactose-friendly bake.
Additional Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or even feta for different flavor twists.

Easy Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

How to Make Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by browning your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles with a spatula and cook until no longer pink and slightly crispy. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any fresh herbs you’re using. The milk keeps things moist, and the seasoning boosts flavor throughout the casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then evenly spread half of the bread cubes on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and shredded cheese over the bread, then layer the remaining bread cubes and sausage on top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything so it soaks into the bread. Top with any remaining cheese.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to let the bread absorb the egg mixture and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Bake in the Morning

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better than fresh bread.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep the casserole light and fluffy.
Drain Sausage Well: Remove excess grease to avoid a soggy casserole.
Add Texture: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for extra crunch.
Make It Ahead: This casserole refrigerates well and can be assembled days in advance.

How to Serve Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream brightens up the rich casserole, adding fresh and creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

Complement this hearty casserole with fresh fruit salad, crispy hash browns, or buttery toast for a perfectly balanced breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a personal touch or cut into squares for easy grab-and-go servings at brunch gatherings and potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warm all the way through.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm a larger portion in a 350 degrees F oven until heated through and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works perfectly and makes the casserole a bit leaner without sacrificing flavor.

How long can I keep the casserole in the fridge before baking?

You can refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking, which makes it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining plans.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free bread cubes to ensure it fits your dietary needs.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole without cheese?

Definitely. While cheese adds richness, you can omit it or use a dairy-free alternative to suit your preferences.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat covered in the oven or microwave with a small cup of water nearby to help maintain moisture and keep the casserole tender.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole truly transforms how you approach breakfast—making it easy, delicious, and customizable. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever managed busy mornings without it. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a cozy, flavorful start to your day with minimal fuss.

Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Print Recipe

Overnight Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, savory, and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Made with breakfast sausage, fluffy eggs, shredded cheese, and bread cubes, this casserole is assembled the night before and baked in the morning for a satisfying, flavorful breakfast that feeds a crowd with minimal fuss.

Author: Gloria
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: Overnight plus 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bread substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

1 pound breakfast sausage
8 large eggs
2 cups milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or your choice)
6 cups bread cubes (day-old bread recommended; substitute gluten-free bread if needed)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Herbs and Add-ins

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Additional veggies such as bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes (optional)
Spices like jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce (optional for heat)

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: Start by browning your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles with a spatula and cook until no longer pink and slightly crispy. Drain the cooked sausage on paper towels to remove excess grease and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and any fresh herbs or spices you’re using. This mixture will keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and half of the shredded cheese over the bread. Layer the remaining bread cubes and sausage on top, then pour the egg mixture evenly over everything so it soaks into the bread. Finish by topping with the remaining cheese.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture and the flavors to meld together.
Bake in the Morning: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use slightly stale or day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
Don’t overmix the egg mixture to keep the casserole light and fluffy.
Drain the cooked sausage thoroughly to avoid a soggy casserole.
For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
This casserole can be assembled days ahead and stored refrigerated before baking.
Leftovers keep airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
Reheat covered in the oven or microwave with a small cup of water nearby to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 220 mg

Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, sausage casserole, make-ahead breakfast, savory breakfast bake, brunch recipe, easy breakfast casserole, gluten-free breakfast