The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and hearty way to start your day. Packed with savory sausage, crispy hash browns, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.

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 extra flavor, try adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sausage before browning.
• Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a creamier cheese texture.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option without losing creaminess.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing sausage with cooked plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or until heated through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole without sour cream?

Yes, you can omit the sour cream or substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or additional milk, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives, and replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt to keep the creamy consistency.

The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 51 reviews

This Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Made with layers of crispy hash browns, savory breakfast sausage, rich eggs, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a warm, flavorful start to your day.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 11 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 pound breakfast sausage

Vegetables

• 1 package frozen hash browns (about 30 oz)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Dairy & Eggs

• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Spices

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside to cool.
2. Mix the Egg Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and for easy serving later.
4. Layer Ingredients: Begin by layering half of the frozen hash browns evenly in the baking dish, followed by half of the cooked sausage, and then a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining hash browns, the rest of the sausage, and top again with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, creating a second complete layer.
6. Add Egg Mixture: Pour the egg, milk, and sour cream mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring it covers all the layers evenly.
7. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
8. Bake the Casserole: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered casserole for 45 minutes.
9. Finish Baking: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully set in the center.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve the casserole warm and enjoy your delicious breakfast meal.

Notes

• Make sure the hash browns are fully thawed before layering to ensure even cooking.
• You can substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage alternative for a different twist.
• Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sausage layer for extra veggies.
• Covering the casserole tightly when refrigerating prevents it from drying out overnight.
• This casserole can be assembled and baked on the same day, but the flavor is enhanced with the overnight chilling.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: overnight breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole, hash browns casserole, sausage casserole, make-ahead breakfast, cheesy breakfast bake