This Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is a classic breakfast in our house! I’ve been having it on holiday mornings since I was a kid and have carried the tradition into adulthood. It’s a wonderfully easy breakfast to share as a family on busy holiday mornings!
An Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Every Christmas for as long as I can remember, we’ve had this breakfast casserole for breakfast. We also tend to have it for Thanksgiving, Easter and any day it seems appropriate. Shoot, the hubs would happily have it all year long.
Of course since Christmas is also my birthday, I have added my own little tradition to the mix. Not only do we have this breakfast casserole for the savory lovers, but we also have this Cake Batter French Toast Casserole – and yes, I eat it with the frosting warmed up and poured all over it. 🙂 Oh my gosh, I’m drooling just thinking about having it again a week from today. Now if you head over and check out that casserole – and I hope you do – you’ll have to excuse the bad old photos. If you want to see where I started as far as photography, check that out. 🙂 Also, there’s a pretty long and hilarious story that we still talk about to this day. Good times.
But back to the savory casserole! This is the one that makes you feel a little healthier and like it’s ok to indulge in the birthday one. Even if you aren’t celebrating my birthday on Christmas, there’s Jesus’ birthday too. 😉
How to Make this Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Anywho, this casserole is maybe the easiest thing ever to put together. There are so many versions out there, but this is the one I use and love. It’s wonderful to wake up in the morning and have it ready to go straight into the oven. On Christmas, we often pop it the oven, then open some presents while it bakes.
To get started making it, there’s some bread. I don’t use fresh bread from the bakery in this one, like I would a french toast casserole, because I don’t want anything too firm or crunchy. I want the eggs and sausage to shine in here. I tend to use a regular loaf of bread, often of the sourdough variety because I love it. But really any should work just fine.
Sausage and cheese are sprinkled over the bread and let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with either of those. A full pound of sausage and two cups of cheese should be plenty, but if you feel the need for more you go for it!
Then we’ve got eggs, milk, and some dry mustard, salt and pepper for flavor. The whole casserole is covered and stored in the fridge overnight. Baking it the next morning couldn’t be easier!
You may need to bake it for a little more or less time depending on your oven and how soft or “runny” you prefer the casserole to be. I don’t really like it to be runny, but I also don’t want it to dry out. To check it, use a fork or knife to stick in the middle and see how soft it still is. When it’s done, you’ll definitely be rewarded!
Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serve 8-10 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole is a classic in our house! I’ve been having it on holiday mornings since I was a kid and have carried the tradition into adulthood.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bread, cubed*
- 1 lb sausage, browned and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Spread the bread evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the sausage and cheese evenly over the bread.
3. In a large measuring cup, combine the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt and pepper.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the pan.
5. Cover and chill overnight.
6. Prior to baking, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until set. Cover it loosely for the first 30 minutes or so, then bake uncovered for the reminder. You may need to bake it for a little more or less time depending on your oven and how soft or “runny” you prefer the eggs to be. I don’t really like it to be runny, but I also don’t want it to dry out. To check it, use a fork or knife to stick in the middle and see how soft it still is.
7. Remove from oven when done and serve warm.
*I like to use a little bit sturdier bread. Often I use the Pepperidge Farms Sourdough loaf.
Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, holiday brunch casserole, holiday breakfast recipe, sausage breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole recipe
Enjoy!
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Can I use ground pork in this recipe instead of sausage, will it taste the same? Thank you.
It won’t taste the same, since sausage has seasoning in it. But you could use regular pork.
Question – should I bake covered or uncovered? Thanks
I’m probably a little late in responding, but I just updated the instructions to make that more clear.
Can you freeze the leftovers?
I haven’t ever tried it, so I’m not sure if it affects the texture or not.
My wife is not a sausage eater, I would like to substitute bacon, how much do you think I would need
Having not tried it, it’s hard to say. My initial inclination is to use the same amount, which would be a pound of bacon. If that seems like too much though, feel free to reduce it.
Sausage and egg casserole! How long to bake 2 casseroles for 12 – 15 men
I’m not sure. But you would probably need to add more time.
This was excellent! I made just a couple tweaks; I added 1 tsp onion powder to the egg mixture, and I was feeding a pretty good size group so I increased to 16 eggs and 2 3/4 cup milk bc the ratio in the recipe didn’t cover the bread in the pan, and took a full hour to cook. It filled up my 9×13 perfectly. RAVE reviews this morning!
★★★★★
I’ve made this many times from a nearly identical recipe my MIL uses. One thing I’ve never known is are you supposed to keep it covered while it cooks? I think every Christmas I talk myself into covered one year, and uncovered the next and I never can remember which way I did it or which was best. 😂 How do you do it?
I bake it uncovered.
My sister gave me a version of this recipe. She adds cream of mushroom soup on top right before cooking it. I have never done it that way, but sounds good. My variation is link sausages. I fry them so they are browned and then I cut them into bite size pieces. It’s my favorite. I also add chopped green chili’s or jalapeños. This has been a tradition now for about 5 years and I hope my kids will carry it on. Thank you for sharing.
★★★★★
I actually make a casserole almost exactly like this but you mix just 1 cup of milk with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. Oh my goodness, it’s to die for!
★★★★★
What is the benefit of waiting overnite. I forgot once to make so did it right befor I made it and it still turned out great. Great recipe.
Convenience more than anything, I suppose. I’ve never actually baked it right away.
Does this really have to sit overnight or can it be cooked immediately and have the same result?
I honestly never baked it immediately. I would think it should be fine.
I’m putting this on my Traeger smoker I n the morning. Can’t wait to try it.
★★★★★
Do you have a gluten free version of this yummy recipe?
Want to make for hubby on Fathers Day.
I don’t, I’m sorry.
This looks amazing. I’m wondering if it is possible to add fresh spinach? And would you add it the night before or maybe right before baking?
That should be fine. I’d add it the night before with everything else.
If I made this into individual ramekins instead of a big casserole dish, how long would you bake them? Thank you!
I’m sure it would work but I haven’t tried it so I’m not sure how long it would take to bake. I think it’d be fairly quick.
Awesome breakfast casserole. Just made it on Thursday for my office of 15 people. Everyone loved it. Now am gonna make a half recipe for my family of four. Any thoughts on how long I should bake it if it is a half recipie? Thanks!
★★★★★
I haven’t ever cut it in half. I’m guessing it be roughly 30 minutes but I would check it before you take it out of the oven. Glad to hear everyone enjoyed it!
Can the casserole be made a few days ahead and frozen until ready to bake?
I have honestly never tried to freeze something like this so I’m not sure.
Hi!! Made this casserole and it was amazing – big hit at brunch!
Quick question – we have a bit leftover – how long will it keep in the fridge??
Thanks!
So glad it was a hit! We’ve kept it in the fridge for 4-5 days before and it was fine. Doesn’t usually last that long though!
Looking for two different recipes: one for cheesy hash browns bake and sausage egg bake…after much research on several sites I decided your site would do quite nicely! My favorite Auntie Madeline would make a sausage egg bake every Christmas morning with NO recipe from an Amazing cook!
She would use SAGE stuffing mix bread crumbs And regular or herb bread crumbs and regular SAGE sausage. Truly my husband’s favorite breakfast and he requests it EVERY Christmas! Auntie would have been 90 this year and we are carrying on the tradition with our kids and grandchildren.
Great memories from a special lady! Thanks for letting me share our story,
I hope you enjoy both recipes! The stuffing mix sounds like a very fun and tasty addition to the breakfast casserole!
Could you make it 3 days in advance?
I haven’t ever tried it sitting that long uncooked. That seems like a long time for it to sit and I don’t know if it would break down the bread too much.
A wonderful recipe and definitely one I will make again, thank you so much! Anything I can make ahead and just pop in an oven at the right time is a blessing to me. I used a thermometer (recommended temp 160°) which took about 60 minutes. It still seemed a bit moist but after setting for about 10 minutes it was perfect. Thanks for the make-ahead help!
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it!
Can you substitute regular mustard for the dry? Too lazy to go to the store!
I would think that’d be fine.
Do you cut the crust off the bread?
I do not, but you could if you prefer no crust.
What do you think about using turkey instead of pork sausage?
I’ve never tried, but that should be fine. I hope you enjoy!
I make this many times. I have used left over hot dog buns, hamburger buns, Texas toast. Any of them work! I add a can of chopped Green Chilis, and have a little salsa on the side to top with for those who like a little Tex Mex in the morning!
★★★★★
Those additions sound delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed!
Can this be cooked then frozen?
I haven’t tried, but it should be okay.
I honestly haven’t ever tried it. I would think freezing it might change the texture a bit and maybe even make it a little soggy, but you could try it.
I am thinking to add onions and mushrooms to this. Any suggestions on best way to prep them for the casserole? Thanks
That’d probably depend on the texture you want – if you cook them a little before adding them, they’d be a little softer.
What kind of sausage works best/do you use? Sorry- silly question here!
I usually just buy regular ground sausage. I hope that helps!
Hi Lindsay. I used to make a version of this for my husband & growing son. We have enjoyed it for 46 years of our 50 year marriage. Haven’t done it for awhile but it is going in the oven in the am, for 1st day of the new year! Will pass it on to my daughter in law if it works us! Thanks! And Happy New Year! Pat
★★★★★
All I can say is … this is PERFECT – so easy AND so delicious!!!!! My hubby is taking this in today to share with coworkers and I guarantee you they’re going to think it’s Christmas! Thanks for sharing and – – – Christmas isn’t that far off. Got other great recipes/ideas for us?!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! You can find other Christmas recipes in my Christmas category. I hope you see something you like!
Have you ever tried using Texas Toast for the bread?
No, I haven’t tried that yet.
I have made this casserole with a variety of breads – Italian, French Baguette, leftover dinner rolls, even brioche. They all work.
Do you cook the casserole uncovered the whole time?
Yes, uncovered. If you noticed it browning on top a lot though, you could cover it.
HI Lindsey,
This recipe was delicious! I made it Christmas morning. I liked it so much that I made it again using left over everything and sesame seed bagels from Panera. It was amazing. I would recommend it.
Best,
Dana
Lindsay this casserole looks like something my wife has made but hers doesn’t have sourdough bread. We are retired but recently started an e commerce business so we are on the computer every morning this would be a great breakfast to start the day and a break from the same old routine. I think I’ll try individual casseroles. Thanks for the idea and the pictures are great.
This was soooo good! I decided to use sausage in my turkey stuffing so decided to cook the sausage needed for both recipes at the same time. That included adding chopped onion, celery and apple to the pan. I split the needed amount and it kept well in the fridge. I was so tired at Christmas that I didn’t put it together or make it for two days. Just heated the sausage mixture for a few seconds in the microwave before adding it to the bread, Finished as instructed and let it sit in the fridge overnight. It was a tiny bit tricky trying to decide when it was ready formed, tiniest bit runny but wonderfully soft and fluffy. (Misc tip: I also tend to use 1/2 & 1/2 for recipes calling for milk during th the holidays.). This casserole was filled with so much flavour…it was like a party in my mouth!! My on regret is that I did t make it earlier. Thanks for sharing.
Made this last night and brought it in to work this morning. They loved it – I’ve had 3 requests for the recipe! Loved your Christmas update and pictures. You look SO happy and healthy! I’m so excited and thrilled for you guys!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much Teija! 🙂
Should this be baked covered or uncovered?
★★★★★
Uncovered
There is a recipe exactly like this on all recipes with just 4 eggs. Can you tell me the benefits to using more eggs?
★★★★★
I’m not really sure what other recipes you’re referring to. If mine has more eggs then it’s just a different ratio of eggs to other things. I suppose it may just be a preference.
I have been thinking about this casserole for weeks! My aunt used to make it every Christmas when our whole family would get together at my grandparents’ house. 20+ people sleep’n on floors and everything. I miss it so much. I want to restart (part of) the tradition (can’t find the exact recipe, but this one is the closest). My aunt used part-Velveeta, and it made it soooo rich!
ALSO, OMG I am going to try YOUR (b-day) “french toast” recipe…this may fit in to a perfect new tradition. My son’s b-day is the day before Christmas eve, and my dad’s b-day is the day after Christmas. My dad would LOVE this, instead of cake, for sure!
Gosh, I might have to take this one up to my aunt, an additional spin on her “traditional” egg and sausage casserole. THANK YOU! You just pieced together my new-and-old tradition. Just what I was looking for!
It’s certainly a fun tradition for us to have both casseroles, so I hope you enjoy them! Thanks Sarah! Merry Christmas!
We have this for Christmas every year. We sub half the cheese for swiss. Yum!
★★★★★
I’m so glad you enjoy it!
Do you toast the bread first or just put it in there “soft”?
Just add it “soft” 🙂
This looks amazing. I will be making this tonight for breakfast tomorrow morning.
I Make this for our Christmas morning brunch. This was our 2nd year making it…delicious.
★★★★★
We call this the Christmas morning casserole at my house. We have had it on Christmas morning for more than 20 years.
This will be my new go-to for Christmas morning for sure. I added fire roasted green chilies to rave reviews!
★★★★★
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!