Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty breakfast that can be prepared ahead of time, then the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is the perfect dish for you. This savory casserole is packed with seasoned sausage, tender eggs, melted cheese, and a buttery, flavorful bread base. It’s a foolproof recipe that can be made the night before, so you can enjoy a delicious and filling breakfast without the morning rush. This recipe is ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or even a casual weekend brunch.

In this article, we’ll walk you through why this casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser, provide detailed instructions on how to make it, and share helpful tips and variations so you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to make breakfast easier, this Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of this casserole is that it can be prepared the night before. This makes it an ideal option for busy mornings, holidays, or whenever you need to get breakfast on the table quickly.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, melted cheese, and bread makes for a satisfying meal that keeps you full until lunchtime.
• Customizable Ingredients: While the recipe is delicious as written, you can easily swap out ingredients to fit your dietary preferences, such as using a different type of sausage or adding vegetables.
• No Pork or Bacon: This version is fully halal, using chicken or turkey sausage and no bacon, so everyone can enjoy it without worry.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving a large family, hosting a brunch, or having guests over, this casserole is an excellent choice because it can feed a lot of people and is loved by all ages.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 12 hours (15 minutes for prep, 45 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 380, Protein: 24g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 24g.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb halal sausage (chicken or turkey): Choose your favorite brand of halal sausage or use your own homemade mixture. Ground turkey sausage or chicken sausage will work great.
• 6 large eggs: The eggs are the base of this casserole, binding all the ingredients together to create a creamy, flavorful texture.
• 3 cups of cubed bread: A crusty bread such as French bread, sourdough, or challah works well. It’s best if the bread is a day or two old, so it can absorb the custard without getting soggy.
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Choose your preferred cheese. Sharp cheddar gives a rich flavor, while mozzarella adds a gooey, stretchy texture.
• 1 cup milk: This adds creaminess to the egg mixture and helps create a soft texture in the casserole.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory flavor to the egg mixture.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and enhances the savory flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard: This adds depth and tang to the dish.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a mild spice that balances the richness of the casserole.
• ½ teaspoon salt: To season the dish and bring out the other flavors.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For greasing the baking dish and for added richness in the casserole.

Optional Add-ins and Variations:

• Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives can be sprinkled on top for added freshness.
• Different Sausage: While chicken and turkey sausage are great halal options, you can also experiment with lamb sausage or beef sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CASSEROLE

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the halal sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Grease the Baking Dish: While the sausage is cooking, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and help give it a golden crust.
3. Layer the Bread: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. If the bread cubes are very fresh, you can leave them out for a few hours to dry out a little, or toast them lightly in the oven.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE EGG MIXTURE

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until fully blended. Add the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk again to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, even mixture.
2. Add the Sausage: Stir the cooked sausage into the egg mixture. This ensures the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
3. Add the Cheese: Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheese into the egg and sausage mixture. The cheese will melt into the casserole as it bakes, creating pockets of cheesy goodness.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

1. Pour the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and sausage mixture over the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down into the egg mixture, ensuring that all the bread is soaked.
2. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.
3. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the casserole for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, making it soft and custardy when baked.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE CASSEROLE

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 30 minutes before baking the casserole. This ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Bake the Casserole: Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the casserole, and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The casserole should be set in the middle, with a slight golden crust on top.
3. Cool Before Serving: Once baked, let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Slice and Serve: Slice the casserole into squares or rectangles and serve hot. You can enjoy it as-is or pair it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a side salad for a complete breakfast.

How to Serve Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole

Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your preferences and the occasion:

1. Perfect for Family Gatherings

This casserole is ideal for family breakfasts or brunches, especially on weekends, holidays, or when hosting guests. Its easy preparation and large serving size make it a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

2. Pair with Fresh Fruit

To add a fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole, serve it alongside a fruit salad or fresh fruit like berries, melon, or citrus slices. The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory casserole perfectly.

3. Serve with a Side Salad

For a lighter breakfast or brunch, pair the casserole with a simple side salad made with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. This will balance out the richness of the dish and add a fresh element to the meal.

4. Top with Hot Sauce or Salsa

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, serve the casserole with a side of hot sauce, salsa, or even a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add a flavorful kick and contrast nicely with the creamy eggs and sausage.

Additional Tips

1. Make-Ahead: This casserole is a great make-ahead dish that can be assembled the night before. Just refrigerate it overnight, and bake it the next morning.
2. Freezing: You can freeze leftovers by wrapping the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake it from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes until heated through.
3. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based sausage. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
4. Make it Spicy: For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a spicy sausage to the mixture. This will add a bold kick to the casserole.

Recipe Variations

While the Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is delicious as written, there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes:

1. Change the Cheese

You can switch up the cheese to suit your flavor preferences. Try using mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta for a different taste.

2. Add Vegetables

Add sautéed vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole for added flavor, texture, and nutrition.

3. Use a Different Sausage

While this recipe calls for halal chicken or turkey sausage, you can use lamb sausage or beef sausage for a different flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers, the casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout.

Special Equipment

You don’t need many special tools to make Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole, but here are a few kitchen essentials that can make the process easier:

• Large Skillet: For cooking the sausage.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for baking the casserole.
• Whisk and Mixing Bowls: For combining the egg mixture.
• Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole overnight while it refrigerates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground beef instead of sausage? Yes, you can use ground beef or chicken as a substitute for sausage, though it may lack the same flavor. Add more seasonings to enhance the flavor if needed.
2. Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I freeze the casserole before baking? Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen as directed.

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Conclusion

The Best Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole is the perfect breakfast for any occasion. With its rich flavors, make-ahead convenience, and customization options, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just looking for a hearty meal to start your day, this casserole will impress your guests and leave everyone satisfied. Enjoy the comforting flavors and versatility of this delicious recipe!