Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole

Start your morning on the right note with this game-changing breakfast casserole! Perfect for busy families or weekend brunches, this dish lets you do all the prep work the night before. Wake up to heavenly aromas and a restaurant-worthy breakfast that practically makes itself.

Loaded with savory sausage, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and crowd-pleaser. The overnight rest allows the bread to soak up all those delicious flavors, creating layers of texture that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

Equipment Needed

• 13×9-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork sausage
• 10 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced red pepper (optional)
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. Thoroughly grease a 13x9x2-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Any missed spots could cause sticking issues later.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Look for no pink remaining and nice golden-brown edges.
3. In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, milk, and salt until the mixture is completely uniform and slightly frothy (about 1 minute). This ensures even egg distribution throughout the casserole.
4. Layer half the bread cubes in the prepared dish. They should just cover the bottom. Top with half portions of cheese, black pepper, red pepper (if using), and cooked sausage. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
5. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring even distribution. Gently press down on the top layer with a spatula to help absorption.
6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. The bread needs this time to properly soak up the egg mixture.
7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove casserole from refrigerator while oven heats.
8. Bake uncovered for 60-75 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer. The top should be golden brown and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Smart Swaps

• Use whole grain bread for extra fiber
• Substitute turkey sausage to reduce fat
• Try dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives (1:1 ratio)

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use low-carb bread (reduces carbs by 50%)
• Choose unsweetened almond milk (saves 8g carbs per cup)
• Add extra vegetables to increase fiber
• Serve with a side of fresh berries to balance blood sugar

Pro Tips

• Stale bread works better than fresh
• Let casserole rest 10-15 minutes before serving
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days