The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Packed with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and melted cheddar, it’s easy to prepare ahead and bake fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

The image shows a square piece of layered lasagna on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The lasagna has clear layers: a browned top layer of melted golden cheese sprinkled with green chopped chives, beneath that is a creamy white layer, followed by a thick layer of crumbled cooked ground meat mixed with sauce. The layers repeat, showing alternating textures of meat sauce and creamy cheese. The edges of the lasagna piece expose all these layers clearly. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the lasagna slice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Grease a 9×13 baking dish and layer half of the hash browns, half the sausage, and a layer of cheese.
  4. Step 4: Repeat the layers with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
  5. Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the layered ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
  7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F in the morning and bake the casserole, covered, for 45 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until golden and fully set.
  9. Step 9: Top with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
  • Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
  • Make sure to fully thaw and drain the hash browns to avoid excess moisture.
  • Add diced ham or cooked bacon for extra protein and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a slice of lasagna placed on a white plate, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a thick, brown ground meat sauce mixed with melted cheese; the middle layer is made of soft, creamy white cheese spread; the top layer is golden melted cheese with small green onion pieces sprinkled on top, adding a fresh green color contrast. The edges of the lasagna are slightly browned and crispy. The background is a white marbled surface, blurred slightly to keep focus on the lasagna. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the morning of instead of overnight?

Yes, you can assemble and bake it immediately, but allowing it to sit overnight helps the flavors meld and the casserole set better when baked.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, after baking, allow it to cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave before serving.

Print
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The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: overnight plus 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Made with savory breakfast sausage, crispy hash browns, a rich blend of eggs, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, this casserole is assembled the night before and baked to golden perfection in the morning for a delicious, comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Hash Browns

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 1 package frozen hash browns (about 30 oz)

Egg Mixture

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
  2. Mix the Eggs and Dairy: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Begin layering by spreading half of the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom.
  4. Layer the Sausage and Cheese: Over the hash browns, sprinkle half of the cooked sausage, then cover with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining hash browns, sausage, and cheese.
  5. Add the Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring it seeps through all layers.
  6. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
  7. Bake the Casserole: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 45 minutes to cook thoroughly without drying out.
  8. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully set in the center.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for freshness and serve the casserole warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch.

Notes

  • You can substitute breakfast sausage with ground turkey or a vegetarian sausage alternative if preferred.
  • Make sure to use thawed or partially thawed hash browns for even cooking and layering.
  • The casserole can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms can add extra veggies and flavor.
  • For a spicier version, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole with sausage, hash brown casserole, make ahead breakfast, easy brunch recipe, cheesy breakfast bake

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