Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Imagine waking up to the aroma of savory sausage, tangy cheese, and a custardy baked goodness. This incredible Breakfast Casserole Recipe delivers just that! It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish, transforming simple ingredients into a brunch masterpiece with minimal morning effort.

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole

This overnight breakfast bake isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it will become your new go-to for lazy weekends and festive mornings:

• Effortless Entertaining: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning, making hosting a breeze.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with savory ground sausage, rich cheeses, and fluffy bread, it keeps you full and happy.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sharp Gruyère, nutty Parmesan, and a hint of Dijon mustard creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• Custardy Perfection: The overnight chill allows the bread to soak up the creamy egg mixture, resulting in an irresistibly tender texture.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite meats, vegetables, or cheeses to suit any preference.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or a gathering of friends, it’s always a hit!
• Golden Brown Finish: Emerges from the oven beautifully puffed and golden, ready for its close-up.

Ingredients Needed

Gather these essential ingredients to bring this sensational Breakfast Casserole to life. Choosing fresh, quality components will elevate every bite.

• Ground Breakfast Sausage: 1 lb (450g) – Choose a good quality, seasoned sausage for optimal flavor.
• Large Yellow Onion: 1, chopped (about 200-250g) – Adds a sweet, aromatic base.
• Sourdough or Country-Style Bread: 1 (1-pound / 450g) loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8-9 cups) – Stale bread works best for maximum absorption.
• Gruyère Cheese: 2 cups (8 oz / 225g) shredded – Its nutty, earthy notes melt beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated – Offers a salty, umami depth.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped – For a burst of fresh flavor and garnish.
• Large Eggs: 8 – The foundation of our rich, custardy base.
• Whole Milk: 2 cups (480ml) – Contributes to the creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) – Adds an extra layer of richness and indulgence.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) – A secret ingredient that brightens and balances the flavors.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) – Enhances all the other ingredients.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) – For a subtle kick.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) – A touch of warmth that pairs wonderfully with dairy and eggs.

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Essential Equipment

A few key tools will ensure your overnight breakfast bake comes out perfectly, from browning the sausage to baking it to golden perfection.

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning the ground sausage and softening the onion evenly.
• Large Bowl: You’ll need two – one for combining the casserole layers and another for whisking the rich egg custard.
• Whisk: To ensure your egg custard is smooth and fully combined, preventing any lumps.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for this generous breakfast casserole, allowing for an even bake.
• Plastic Wrap or Foil: Crucial for covering the casserole tightly during its overnight chill, locking in moisture and flavor.

Recipe Overview

Get ready for a delicious breakfast with minimal fuss. Here’s a quick glance at what to expect:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 8 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus chilling)
• Servings: 10 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this delicious breakfast casserole is incredibly straightforward, involving just six simple steps from start to finish. Follow these detailed instructions for a perfectly baked, savory morning treat!

1. STEP 1: Brown the Meat and Onion
   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage. Use a spoon to break it apart into small pieces as it browns.
   • Once the sausage is nicely browned, add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and turned translucent.
   • Drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent a soggy casserole. A leaner sausage will require less draining.
2. STEP 2: Prepare the Casserole Layer
   • In a large bowl, combine the cubed sourdough or country-style bread. Ensure the bread cubes are evenly sized for consistent texture.
   • Add the cooked sausage and onion mixture, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Gruyère cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Transfer this flavorful mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
3. STEP 3: Mix the Egg Custard
   • Using the same large bowl (no need to wash if it’s still clean from the bread mixture), whisk together the 8 large eggs until light and frothy.
   • Pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
   • Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are fully combined. The Dijon adds a subtle tang that truly elevates the flavor!
4. STEP 4: Combine and Chill Overnight
   • Pour the prepared egg custard evenly over the bread and meat mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes with the back of a spoon to help them absorb the liquid. This is crucial for a moist, custardy result.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful golden crust.
   • Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling time is essential for the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, preventing a dry or unevenly cooked casserole.
5. STEP 5: Bake the Casserole
   • The next morning, remove the covered casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This helps ensure even cooking.
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Uncover the baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the breakfast casserole is beautifully puffed, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
6. STEP 6: Rest and Serve
   • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the custard to set, making it easier to cut and preventing it from falling apart.
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful, make-ahead breakfast casserole!

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Tips for Success

Achieve breakfast casserole perfection every time with these expert tips:

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard better without becoming overly soggy. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it in the oven beforehand.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: The overnight refrigeration is key! It allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, creating that desirable custardy texture and preventing dry spots.
• Drain Grease Thoroughly: Ensure you drain all excess grease from the ground sausage and onion mixture. Too much grease can make the casserole oily.
• Room Temperature Start: Letting the casserole sit out for 30 minutes before baking helps it cook more evenly from edge to center.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste a tiny bit of the egg custard before adding it to the bread (without raw egg!) to ensure the seasoning is to your liking.

Variations & Substitutions

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This Breakfast Casserole Recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with these ideas:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground breakfast sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or kale.
• Cheese Swaps: Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or even a smoked gouda would be delicious in place of or in addition to Gruyère.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the egg custard for a little heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread for the base.
• Herb Boost: Incorporate other fresh herbs like chives or thyme for a different aromatic profile.

Serving Suggestions

While this Breakfast Casserole is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of berries, melon, and citrus provides a refreshing contrast.
• Crisp Green Salad: A light, simple green salad with a vinaigrette can cut through the richness.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds a lovely texture and healthy fats.
• Hot Beverages: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee, strong black tea, or a comforting mug of herbal tea.
• Juice: A glass of orange juice or cranberry juice is always a classic breakfast accompaniment.

Health Benefits

This savory casserole offers more than just deliciousness. Here’s a look at some of its nutritional highlights:

• Protein-Packed: With ground sausage, eggs, and cheese, it’s an excellent source of protein, keeping you feeling full and energized.
• Calcium Rich: The milk, cream, and cheeses contribute a significant amount of calcium for bone health.
• Source of Vitamins: Eggs provide essential vitamins like B12 and D, while onions offer Vitamin C.
• Fiber: Sourdough bread and onions contribute some dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
• Balanced Meal: It offers a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying start to your day.

Storage & Reheating

Enjoying your delicious Breakfast Casserole leftovers is easy with these storage and reheating tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, cool the baked casserole completely. Cut it into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating (Oven): For best results, reheat individual slices or the entire casserole in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes for slices, longer for a whole casserole.
• Reheating (Microwave): Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Be careful not to overcook, which can make it rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about making the perfect Breakfast Casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole without chilling it overnight?

While you can bake it immediately, chilling it overnight is highly recommended. It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, leading to a much more moist and flavorful casserole.

What kind of sausage can I use?

Feel free to use any ground breakfast sausage you prefer, whether it’s mild, spicy, chicken, or turkey. Just ensure it’s cooked and drained properly.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked diced potatoes would be delicious additions. Add them with the sausage and onion mixture.

My casserole top is browning too quickly, what should I do?

If you notice the top browning too much before the center is cooked, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will protect the top while the inside finishes baking.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The casserole should also be puffed and golden brown around the edges.

Can I reduce the dairy for a lighter version?

You can use 2% milk instead of whole milk and omit the heavy cream, replacing it with additional whole milk. However, this will impact the richness and texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. You’ll likely need two 9×13-inch baking dishes, and the baking time might need to be adjusted slightly, so always check for doneness.

More Delicious Dishes

Looking for more amazing meal ideas? Check out these fantastic recipes:

• Overnight Pancake Breakfast Bake – Enjoy the sweetness of pancakes in a convenient overnight casserole form.
• Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole – A crispy, cheesy, and hearty option perfect for any breakfast or brunch.
• Easy Breakfast Egg Muffins – Portable, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep on the go!

Conclusion

This Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a game-changer for stress-free, delicious mornings. With its rich flavors and make-ahead convenience, it’s bound to become a beloved family tradition. Happy cooking! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration.

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