The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Packed with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and melted cheddar cheese, 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
- Step 1: Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the hash browns evenly on the bottom. Add half of the cooked sausage over the hash browns, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 4: Repeat the layers with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
- Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Step 7: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered for 45 minutes.
- Step 8: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until the casserole is golden on top and fully set.
- Step 9: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite vegetables.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and a bit of heat.
- Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.
- Make sure the sausage is fully cooled before layering to prevent the egg mixture from cooking prematurely.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole without sour cream?
Yes, you can omit the sour cream and replace it with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or increase the milk slightly for a similar creamy texture.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Fresh potatoes can be used but make sure to grate them and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy casserole. Also, partially cook the grated potatoes before layering for the best results.
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The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 11 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and convenient make-ahead breakfast dish featuring layers of golden hash browns, savory breakfast sausage, creamy egg custard, and melted cheddar cheese. Prepared by combining cooked sausage and hash browns with an egg, milk, and sour cream mixture, then refrigerated overnight and baked to perfection in the morning, it offers a delightful, flavorful start to any day.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
Vegetables
- 1 package frozen hash browns (about 30 oz)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Dairy
- 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: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the sausage to a bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy custard base.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Start by layering half of the frozen hash browns evenly on the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the cooked sausage. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining hash browns, followed by the remaining sausage, and topping again with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Add the custard mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, allowing it to seep down and coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and place it in the refrigerator to chill and allow the flavors to meld overnight.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake it covered with foil for 45 minutes to cook through.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, mild onion flavor. Serve the casserole warm for a satisfying breakfast meal.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- Use full-fat dairy products for a richer texture, but low-fat versions will reduce calories.
- Make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before layering to ensure proper texture and flavor.
- Frozen hash browns do not need to be thawed before layering.
- You can customize the casserole by adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or other favorite breakfast veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole, baked breakfast dish, sausage hash brown casserole, make ahead breakfast, easy breakfast recipe
