Description
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Golden Cheese Crust is the ultimate stress-free morning solution. Prepared the night before, it features savory sausage, tender bread, and a perfectly bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping that makes every bite satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups dried French bread or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for richness)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat on paper towels.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut bread into cubes. If fresh, toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until dry to prevent sogginess.
- Whisk the Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until frothy and fully combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the bread cubes, followed by the cooked sausage, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Add Liquid and Soak: Pour the egg mixture over the layers. Press down gently to submerge bread. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and the crust is golden-brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes. Fluff slightly with a fork and garnish with fresh green onions before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the sausage. Resist stirring the casserole during the soaking phase to ensure proper texture. For extra brightness, serve with a side of fresh salsa or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/8th of dish)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 210mg