If you’ve ever wanted a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, then the Egg Bake (Overnight Breakfast Casserole) Recipe is just the thing you need in your life. This dish effortlessly combines savory sausage, fresh veggies, and fluffy eggs into a comforting casserole that you can prepare the night before and wake up to pure morning bliss. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping your breakfasts, delivering layers of flavor and texture with such ease that it quickly becomes a family favorite. The best part? It’s highly customizable and incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned food lovers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet fresh ingredients is what makes this Egg Bake (Overnight Breakfast Casserole) Recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s adding hearty protein, vibrant veggies, or creamy cheese, creating a balanced and flavorful casserole you’ll want to make again and again.
- Sausage (10 to 12 ounces): Choose your favorite type, and remove the casing for an easy crumble that adds meaty richness.
- Olive oil: Just a splash for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle depth of flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Offers a fragrant kick that complements the savory sausage perfectly.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups): Adds a fresh, tender green element that wilts down and blends beautifully.
- Bell peppers (2 large, diced): Their sweetness and crunch bring vibrant color and texture.
- Yellow onion (½ medium, diced): Provides a mild pungency and savory base for the vegetable mix.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor in the dish.
- Large eggs (12): The binding star that holds it all together in a fluffy, rich custard.
- Milk (½ cup): Any kind – whole, skim, or plant-based – to make the egg custard tender and creamy.
- Shredded cheese (½ cup, divided): Pick your favorite flavor to add melty, savory goodness both inside and on top.
How to Make Egg Bake (Overnight Breakfast Casserole) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Casserole Dish
Start by spraying a 7 x 11″ or 9 x 13″ casserole dish with non-stick spray. This ensures your bake lifts out easily after baking. If you’re baking immediately, preheat your oven to 375ºF (191ºC) so it’s ready to go when you are.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your sausage thoroughly. Even if your sausage is pre-cooked, a quick browning step adds extra flavor and texture that makes a noticeable difference. Once browned, spread it evenly in your prepared casserole dish to form a savory foundation.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet, or simply use the sausage drippings for extra richness. Cook the minced garlic, fresh spinach, bell peppers, and diced onion until the vegetables become tender and the spinach is nicely wilted—about 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during the last minute to coax out the natural flavors.
Step 4: Combine Sausage and Vegetables
Once off the heat, mix your sautéed vegetable medley into the sausage layer with a gentle stir. This gets your savory components evenly distributed across the casserole, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and half of your shredded cheese until fully combined. Pour this luscious egg custard evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top along with a bit of extra salt and pepper. This is where the golden topping that keeps everyone coming back forms.
Step 6: Bake or Chill Overnight
If you’re baking right away, slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and set. Alternatively, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to bake fresh the next morning—talk about a brilliant time saver!
How to Serve Egg Bake (Overnight Breakfast Casserole) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Egg Bake (Overnight Breakfast Casserole) Recipe to restaurant-quality, consider fresh garnishes like chopped chives, a sprinkle of parsley, or even a dollop of sour cream. These small touches add vibrant color and a fresh burst of flavor that perfectly balance the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad, tangy fruit salad, or even crispy roasted potatoes. These accompaniments add dimension to your meal, keeping it balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your casserole straight from the baking dish for cozy family breakfasts, or cut it into neat squares for a brunch buffet. You can also layer it into individual ramekins for a fancy presentation—anything that invites sharing and conversation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making the next-day bite even more satisfying.
Freezing
This Egg Bake (Overnight Breakfast Casserole) Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap your unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual for a fuss-free future breakfast or brunch.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through, or place the entire dish in a 350ºF (177ºC) oven for around 20 minutes to bring back that freshly baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! Pork, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausages work perfectly. Just adjust cooking times if using pre-cooked varieties to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage before adding to the casserole?
Browning the sausage develops deeper flavor and a satisfying texture, but if you’re short on time and your sausage is fully cooked, you can skip this step and still have a delicious meal.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are wonderful additions. Just be mindful of moisture content—sautéing watery veggies first helps avoid a soggy casserole.
What cheese works best for this egg bake?
Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a sharp Swiss provide great flavors. You can mix cheeses to create your own signature taste.
How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
You can safely refrigerate the prepared casserole for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes your mornings easier and breakfast more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and rewarding about waking up to a homemade Egg Bake (Overnight Breakfast Casserole) Recipe that’s ready to bake or already baked and waiting to be devoured. It’s a dish that brings people together, makes busy mornings simpler, and fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s one of those beloved classics that stays in regular rotation for good reason.
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Egg Bake (Overnight Breakfast Casserole) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
This hearty Egg Bake Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping. Featuring savory sausage, fresh vegetables, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, this casserole can be made ahead and baked fresh or frozen for later use. It’s an easy, family-friendly breakfast that offers flexibility with ingredients like choice of cheese and milk.
Ingredients
Meat
- 10 to 12 ounces (280-340g) sausage (casing removed)
Vegetables
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach
- 2 large bell peppers (diced)
- ½ medium yellow onion (diced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Dairy & Eggs
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup (120g) milk (any type)
- ½ cup (56g) shredded cheese (any flavor; divided)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Spray a 7 x 11″ or 9 x 13″ casserole dish with non-stick spray. If baking immediately, preheat the oven to 375ºF (191ºC).
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, removing casing beforehand. If sausage is fully cooked, this step is optional but recommended for flavor. After browning, spoon sausage evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add a small amount of olive oil to the same skillet (skip if enough grease from sausage remains). Sauté minced garlic, fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, and diced onion until vegetables are tender and spinach has wilted, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during the last minute.
- Combine Sausage and Vegetables: Remove skillet from heat. Add cooked vegetable mixture to the sausage in the casserole dish and stir roughly to evenly distribute.
- Mix Eggs and Cheese: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetable layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese over the top and add a little more salt and pepper if desired.
- Bake or Refrigerate: You can bake the casserole immediately by placing it in the preheated 375ºF (191ºC) oven for approximately 45 minutes or until the edges start to brown. Alternatively, cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to bake later.
- Cool and Store: Allow the baked casserole to cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave as needed.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze the casserole either baked or unbaked. For unbaked freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350ºF (177ºC) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Notes
- You can use any type of milk and shredded cheese to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Fully cooked sausage can be used; browning is optional but enhances flavor.
- Vegetables can be varied—try mushrooms, zucchini, or kale for different flavors.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives and check sausage ingredients.
- Cover casserole tightly when freezing to prevent freezer burn.
- Letting the casserole cool before slicing helps it set and improves texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
