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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the Egg Mixture: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring it seeps through all layers.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
