Oh, busy mornings! They can be a real whirlwind, can’t they? Between getting everyone ready and out the door, the last thing you want is to spend precious time cooking breakfast. That’s where my *overnight breakfast casserole* swoops in like a superhero! Trust me, this dish is a game-changer. You prepare everything the night before, and in the morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven. It’s like having a warm hug of a breakfast waiting for you without the hassle!
There’s something so comforting about a hearty breakfast casserole, especially when it’s filled with fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and gooey cheese. It reminds me of those weekends spent with family, gathered around the table, laughter mingling with the aroma of something delicious baking in the oven. This casserole is perfect for those cozy gatherings or even just a regular weekday when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.
So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic *overnight breakfast casserole*. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious breakfast:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
It’s a simple list, but trust me, it packs a punch when it all comes together! Feel free to get creative with your bread choices or add in some veggies if you’re feeling adventurous. Let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!
How to Prepare the Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s jump right into making this delicious *overnight breakfast casserole*! I promise, it’s simpler than you think, and I’ll walk you through each step to set you up for success.
Step 1: Grease the Baking Dish
First things first, you’ll want to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a little bit of butter or cooking spray—it helps the casserole come out easily after baking. Just give the dish a nice coat, making sure to cover the bottom and sides. Trust me, you don’t want your masterpiece sticking to the dish!
Step 2: Layering the Bread
Next up, grab that cubed bread and layer it evenly in your greased dish. I like to spread it out as much as possible, so every piece can soak up that delicious egg mixture later. This step is super important for ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. So go ahead and make it look pretty!
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. I can’t stress enough how important it is to whisk thoroughly here! You want everything well combined—no one wants a bite of just egg or just seasoning. The mixture should be smooth and a lovely golden color when you’re done.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Egg Mixture
Now it’s time to pour that beautiful egg mixture over the bread. Make sure to cover all the bread pieces evenly—this is key for making sure everything gets that delicious flavor. You can gently poke the bread down with a fork if you need to help it soak up the goodness. Just don’t go too crazy, we want it to stay somewhat intact!
Step 5: Add Sausage and Cheese
Alright, next comes the fun part! Sprinkle the crumbled sausage and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. I love this step because it smells amazing! Make sure every corner gets a little love—this way, every slice will have that perfect balance of flavors.
Step 6: Refrigerate Overnight
Now, cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. This is where the magic happens! Allowing the casserole to sit helps the flavors meld together and gives the bread a chance to soak up all that eggy goodness. So, don’t skip this step—it’s essential!
Step 7: Preheat and Bake
When morning rolls around, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s warmed up, bake the casserole for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible! Just let it sit for a few minutes after baking before you dive in—this helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
And there you have it! A simple, straightforward process that results in a comforting breakfast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every bite of your hard work!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your *overnight breakfast casserole* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my best tips to help you achieve breakfast bliss:
- Choose the Right Bread: I love using a hearty sourdough or challah for added flavor and texture. But really, any bread you have on hand will work! Just avoid super soft white bread—it can get too mushy.
- Mix Up the Meats: Don’t have sausage? No problem! You can easily swap it for crispy bacon or even some diced ham. If you want a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a delicious twist!
- Get Creative with Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to experiment! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or how about some creamy mozzarella? The world is your cheesy oyster!
- Season to Taste: The beauty of this casserole is in its versatility! If you love a bit of heat, throw in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Or if you want to keep it simple, just stick to salt and pepper—whatever suits your palate!
- Prep Ahead for Busy Days: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh!
- Let It Rest: After baking, give your casserole a few minutes to rest before serving. This helps it firm up and makes slicing so much easier. You’ll thank me later!
With these tips in your back pocket, I know your *overnight breakfast casserole* will be a hit! Just remember to have fun and make it your own. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Knowing the nutritional breakdown of your *overnight breakfast casserole* can be super helpful, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your diet. Here’s an estimated nutritional profile for one slice of this delicious casserole:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with! Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re fueling your day with a hearty breakfast that’s both satisfying and delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this *overnight breakfast casserole* is that it’s perfect for prepping ahead. You can assemble it the night before and just let it chill in the fridge overnight. If you want to make it even earlier, you can put it together up to two days in advance. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—no need to let it sit out first!
What can I substitute for the sausage?
Great question! If sausage isn’t your thing or you’re looking for something different, there are plenty of tasty alternatives. You can use crispy bacon for that smoky flavor, or diced ham for a heartier twist. For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead. You can even throw in some crumbled tofu seasoned with your favorite spices for a plant-based protein boost. The possibilities are endless!
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheating your *overnight breakfast casserole* is super easy! Just slice out the portion you want and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly again. Just be careful not to overheat it in the microwave, as that can make it a bit rubbery. Enjoy those leftovers—they’re just as delicious the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a little effort the night before, you can have a delicious breakfast ready to bake in the morning!
- Easy Clean-Up: One dish is all you need! Less time washing up means more time enjoying breakfast with your loved ones.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match! Change up the meats, cheeses, or even throw in some veggies to suit your taste!
- Hearty and Filling: This casserole is a complete meal in itself, packed with protein and flavor to keep everyone satisfied!
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy brunch with friends, this dish is sure to impress and feed everyone with ease!
Trust me, once you try this *overnight breakfast casserole*, it’ll become your go-to recipe for busy mornings and special occasions alike!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this delicious *overnight breakfast casserole*, let’s talk about how to store those tasty leftovers! Proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful for the next day or even a few days later.
To store your casserole, let it cool completely after baking. Once it’s cooled, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you have any leftovers, I recommend transferring them to an airtight container. This way, they’ll stay nice and moist without drying out. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days—perfect for those busy mornings when you want a quick breakfast fix!
If you want to save some for later, you can also freeze portions of the casserole. Just slice it into individual servings, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Now, let’s talk reheating! You have a couple of options here. For a quick and easy method, pop a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Just be careful not to overdo it, as that can make it a bit rubbery. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, until it’s warmed up and the edges are slightly crispy.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your *overnight breakfast casserole* for days to come! It’s such a comforting dish, and I know you’ll love having those tasty leftovers waiting for you!
Imprimer
Overnight breakfast casserole: 7 tips for a cozy meal
- Temps Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A hearty overnight breakfast casserole perfect for busy mornings.
Ingrédients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the cubed bread in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage and cheese on top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden brown.
Notes
- Can substitute sausage with bacon or vegetables for a different flavor.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 50 minutes
- Catégorie: Breakfast
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 200mg
Mots-clés: overnight breakfast casserole
