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
Scale
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
