Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipe

If you are searching for the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole, you have come to the right place. This recipe is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s a dependable, crowd-pleasing, make-ahead meal that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience together in one baking dish. Whether you are hosting a holiday brunch, preparing breakfast for busy weekday mornings, or feeding a hungry family on the weekend, this casserole delivers every single time.

The beauty of the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients—bread, eggs, milk, sausage, and cheese—you can create a hearty breakfast that tastes like it took hours of work. The real magic happens overnight, when the bread soaks up the seasoned egg mixture, resulting in a fluffy, custardy texture once baked.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole, including ingredient tips, step-by-step instructions, variations, storage advice, nutrition insights, and serving ideas. By the end, you’ll understand exactly why this dish deserves a permanent place in your breakfast rotation.

Why This Is the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

There are countless breakfast casseroles out there, but very few earn the title of Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole. This one stands out for several reasons:

1. Make-Ahead Convenience
   Assembling the casserole the night before saves you time and stress in the morning. Just bake and serve.

2. Perfect Texture
   Overnight refrigeration allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, creating a creamy, fluffy interior with a lightly crisp top.

3. Balanced Flavor
   Savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and subtly seasoned eggs come together in perfect harmony.

4. Versatile and Customizable
   You can adapt this casserole with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables without compromising the final result.

5. Feeds a Crowd
   One pan serves up to eight people, making it ideal for family breakfasts, brunch parties, and holiday mornings.

Simply put, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and reliability—everything you want in the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
Course: Breakfast / Brunch
Servings: 8
Calories: ~2100 kcal (entire casserole)

Ingredients for the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

The ingredient list is intentionally simple, but each component plays an important role in achieving the best results.

Base

• 6 slices bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  Sturdy bread such as white sandwich bread, sourdough, or brioche works best. Day-old bread is ideal because it absorbs liquid without becoming mushy.

Toppings

• 1 lb cooked sausage, crumbled and browned
  Breakfast sausage adds rich, savory flavor. Pork sausage is classic, but turkey sausage also works well.

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  Cheddar provides sharpness and melts beautifully, helping bind the casserole together.

Egg Mixture

• 8 large eggs
  Eggs form the custardy base of the casserole.

• 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
  Whole milk ensures richness, but 2% can be used if needed.

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  This adds depth without making the dish taste mustardy.

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole every time.

1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.

2. Add the Bread Base
   Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This forms the foundation of the casserole.

3. Layer the Sausage and Cheese
   Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes. Follow with the shredded cheddar cheese, distributing it as evenly as possible.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture
   In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, ground mustard, and black pepper until completely combined.

5. Pour and Soak
   Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Press down gently to ensure all bread cubes are moistened.

6. Refrigerate Overnight
   Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This step is essential for the best texture and flavor.

7. Bake the Casserole
   When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45–55 minutes, covering loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes, then uncovering to finish baking.

8. Check for Doneness
   The casserole is done when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out mostly clean.

9. Rest and Serve
   Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Helpful Tips for the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

• Use day-old bread to avoid sogginess.

• Toast fresh bread lightly if you don’t have day-old bread.

• Brown the sausage thoroughly to enhance flavor and remove excess grease.

• Allow the casserole to rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking if it’s very cold from the fridge.

• Cover with foil early to prevent over-browning, then uncover for a golden top.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the reasons this dish earns the title of Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is its adaptability.

Vegetable Add-Ins

• Bell peppers

• Onions

• Spinach

• Mushrooms

Cheese Swaps

• Colby-Jack

• Swiss

• Monterey Jack

• Pepper Jack for a spicy kick

Meat Alternatives

• Turkey sausage

• Chicken sausage

• Bacon or ham (fully cooked)

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make-Ahead

This casserole is designed to be made ahead, making it perfect for holidays and busy mornings.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Bake, cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Reheat slices in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipe

Print Recipe

This Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is a hearty, comforting breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or brunch gatherings. It’s assembled the night before, allowing the bread to soak up the creamy egg mixture, then baked until golden, fluffy, and full of savory sausage and melted cheese flavor.

• Author: salah

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 6 slices bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (sturdy bread works best)

Toppings

• 1 lb cooked sausage, crumbled and browned

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Egg Mixture

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground mustard

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Spread the cubed bread evenly over the bottom of the dish.

3. Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread, followed by the shredded cheese.

4. In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, ground mustard, and pepper until fully combined.

5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers.

6. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. This step is key for the best texture and flavor.

7. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and place it in the preheated oven.

8. Bake for 45–55 minutes. Cover loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove foil to finish baking.

9. The casserole is done when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out mostly clean.

10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use day-old or toasted bread to prevent sogginess.

• Swap cheddar for Colby-Jack, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition.

• If baking straight from the fridge, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 260

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

This balance of protein and fats helps keep you full and energized throughout the morning.

When to Serve the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

This dish shines on many occasions:

• Christmas morning

• Easter brunch

• Weekend family breakfasts

• Baby showers and brunch gatherings

• Meal prep for busy weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole without sausage?

Yes, simply omit the sausage or replace it with vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Can I use dairy-free milk?

Yes, unsweetened almond or oat milk can work, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The center should be firm, and a knife inserted should come out mostly clean.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The success of the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole comes down to balance. The ratio of eggs to milk creates a custard that is rich but not heavy. The bread absorbs flavor without disintegrating. The sausage adds savory depth, while the cheese provides creaminess and structure. Letting everything rest overnight ensures even cooking and consistent texture.

Final Thoughts

The Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a reliable solution for stress-free breakfasts that don’t sacrifice flavor. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and endless customization options, this casserole has earned its place as a breakfast classic.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead for busy mornings, this dish delivers warmth, comfort, and satisfaction in every bite. Once you try it, you’ll understand why so many home cooks consider it the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole and return to it again and again.