The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese, creating a second set of layers.
- Add Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg, milk, and sour cream mixture evenly over the layered ingredients to soak through.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
