The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Packed with sausage, cheese, and crispy hash browns, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you prepare the night before and simply bake in the morning.

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 1 package frozen hash browns (about 30 oz)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Step 3: Grease a 9×13 baking dish and layer half of the hash browns, half the sausage, and a layer of cheese.
4. Step 4: Repeat the layers with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
5. Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the layered ingredients.
6. Step 6: Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F in the morning and bake the casserole, covered, for 45 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until golden and fully set.
9. Step 9: Top with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• You can substitute bacon or ham for the sausage for a different flavor.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a healthier version.
• Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess.
• Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole without freezing it overnight?

Yes, you can bake it immediately after assembling, but the flavors will meld better and the texture will improve after chilling overnight.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Fresh potatoes can be used if peeled and shredded, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole.

The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings. This savory casserole features layers of crispy hash browns, flavorful breakfast sausage, and melted cheddar cheese bound together with a creamy egg and sour cream mixture. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it offers a delicious and comforting start to your day with minimal effort.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (including overnight refrigeration and baking time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 pound breakfast sausage

Vegetables

• 1 package frozen hash browns (about 30 oz)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Dairy & Eggs

• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked through. Once done, drain excess fat if necessary and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Layer Ingredients: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly. Begin by spreading half of the frozen hash browns evenly on the bottom. Then layer half of the cooked sausage over the hash browns, followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese, creating a second set of layers.
5. Add Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg, milk, and sour cream mixture evenly over the layered ingredients to soak through.
6. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
7. Bake Covered: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes to cook through gently and retain moisture.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking the casserole for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is fully set.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute bacon or ham for the breakfast sausage to vary the flavor.
• Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach makes this casserole healthier and adds extra texture.
• For a creamier texture, use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking before slicing to help it hold its shape better.

Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole, hash brown casserole, sausage casserole, make ahead breakfast, cheesy breakfast bake