Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Morning Delight

Whipping up a delectable breakfast casserole brings pure morning magic to your kitchen table.

Layers of cheesy goodness and savory ingredients create a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Mornings can feel hectic, but this simple dish makes everything better.

Crispy edges and soft, fluffy centers promise a delightful start to your day.

Packed with protein and flavor, this recipe works for lazy weekends or quick weekday meals.

Busy families will love how easily it comes together with minimal prep.

You’ll want to slice into this warm, golden delight and savor every single bite.

Easy Breakfast Casserole Snapshot

• Perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick, filling meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
• Easily swap ingredients to match your family's taste preferences or use up leftover vegetables and meats from the fridge.
• Feeds a hungry group with minimal effort, making it ideal for weekend gatherings, potlucks, or family brunch celebrations.

Ingredients for Breakfast Casserole

• Breakfast Sausage: A savory protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Eggs: The binding agent that creates a smooth, custardy texture for the breakfast dish.
• Hash Browns: A crispy potato base that provides a delicious foundation for the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty, creamy ingredient that adds richness and depth to the breakfast bake.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the casserole.

• Milk: A creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and tender egg mixture.
• Cooking Spray: A non-stick agent used to prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, green herb that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Assembling the Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Toss breakfast sausage into a large skillet and cook over medium heat.

Keep stirring until the meat turns a gorgeous golden brown and cooks through completely.

Drain away any extra grease and set the sausage aside.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Spread those thawed hash browns across the bottom of your greased baking dish.

Make sure they create an even, delicious foundation.

Sprinkle the cooked sausage on top, then add a generous layer of shredded cheese.

Step 4: Blend the Liquid Magic

• Eggs
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Keep whisking until everything is beautifully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Breakfast Masterpiece

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns, sausage, and first cheese layer.

Top with another sprinkle of cheese for extra yumminess.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Let it rest for a few minutes after pulling it out.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Optional: Scatter some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Slice and serve this warm, comforting breakfast that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Tips for a Great Breakfast Casserole

• Squeeze excess moisture from hash browns using a clean kitchen towel to ensure a crispy, golden base that holds up perfectly.
• Replace breakfast sausage with crispy bacon, ham, or vegetarian sausage crumbles to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Choose high-quality, freshly shredded cheese for maximum melting and flavor – pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Prepare the entire casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast that's ready in minutes.
• Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and flavor that will wake up your taste buds.

Saving Leftover Breakfast Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole whole or slice into portions before storing.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Pairing Ideas for Breakfast Casserole

• Boost Breakfast Flavor Companions
• Pair Fresh Citrus Juice: Bright orange or grapefruit juice cuts through the casserole's richness, balancing the hearty sausage and cheesy flavors.
• Complement Crispy Bacon Sides: Add extra crispy bacon strips on the plate for additional protein and a satisfying crunch that enhances the sausage's smoky taste.
• Match with Smooth Coffee: Dark roast or medium blend coffee provides a robust counterpoint to the creamy egg and cheese textures, creating a perfect morning meal experience.
• Drizzle Hot Sauce Option: Serve with mild jalapeño or classic tabasco sauce for guests who enjoy a spicy kick, allowing personalized heat levels for each bite.

Fun Takes on Breakfast Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace sausage with sautéed bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a plant-based breakfast casserole packed with nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular hash browns for sweet potato hash or cauliflower rice to create a gluten-free version that's equally satisfying.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Use cauliflower rice instead of hash browns and add extra eggs with crumbled bacon or diced chicken for a protein-rich, low-carbohydrate alternative.
• Spicy Mexican Breakfast: Mix in diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and top with salsa and chopped cilantro to give the casserole a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and bake as directed.

• Is it possible to use different types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute breakfast sausage with bacon, ham, or chorizo. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the sausage with vegetarian sausage, mushrooms, or extra vegetables like bell peppers and spinach. Keep the rest of the recipe the same.

• How can I tell if the casserole is fully cooked?

Insert a knife or toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean without wet egg mixture, the casserole is done. The top should also be golden brown and the eggs set.

Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican Breakfast Casserole brings zesty flavors and comforting layers to your morning table, blending spicy chorizo, melted cheese, and crisp tortillas. Savory aromas will draw family and friends to enjoy this delightful southwestern-inspired dish that satisfies morning hunger with bold, memorable tastes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (or turkey sausage)
• 8 large eggs

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Render the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, eliminating excess grease, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Create the foundational layer by spreading thawed hash browns across the greased baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
4. Distribute the cooked sausage uniformly over the potato base, followed by sprinkling the first portion of shredded cheese.
5. Craft the liquid binding by whisking eggs with milk, incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and homogeneous.
6. Cascade the egg mixture evenly across the layered ingredients, guaranteeing complete coverage of the potato and sausage foundation.
7. Crown the casserole with the remaining cheese, creating a golden, melty topping.
8. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 35-40 minutes until the eggs set and the surface transforms into a rich, golden-brown landscape.
9. Extract from the oven and permit a brief resting period to stabilize the casserole’s structure.
10. Optional: Embellish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch before serving this robust morning feast.

Notes

• Customize the Protein: Swap breakfast sausage with crispy bacon, ham, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences and exciting flavor variations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast solution that saves precious morning time.
• Veggie Boost: Enhance nutritional value by adding chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms directly into the egg mixture for extra texture and hidden vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free hash browns and verify sausage ingredients to transform this recipe into a celiac-safe breakfast that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 210mg