Here is a simple and clear guide for a hearty breakfast casserole you can make ahead.
INTRODUCTION
This Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole is easy, warm, and full of flavor. You can make it the night before and bake it in the morning. This dish uses leftover biscuits, cooked sausage, ham, peppers, and two kinds of cheese to make a dense, soft meal. It fits a family morning or a small party. If you like other baked breakfast dishes, you might also enjoy a similar savory bake like the autumn butternut squash and Italian sausage casserole, which uses fall flavors to make a great meal autumn butternut squash and Italian sausage casserole.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this casserole because it is simple and fills your kitchen with a good smell. It needs small hands and few steps. You can mix it and leave it in the fridge. In the morning the oven does the work. The dish is rich from the cheese and eggs, and it has salty bites of sausage and ham. It also uses simple pantry items. You can change it to add more veggies or more cheese. This makes it a flexible and warm start to the day.
HOW TO MAKE Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is built the night before and baked fresh in the morning. The base uses cubed biscuits and a mix of meats and cheeses. The egg and milk soak into the bread and set while baking. The top gets golden and the cheese melts well. After baking, rest it for a few minutes so it cuts cleanly.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 9×13 or similar baking pan
- Mixing bowl (medium)
- Fork or whisk for beating eggs
- Spoon or spatula to spread layers
- Aluminum foil to cover the pan
- Knife and cutting board for chopping bell pepper and scallions
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 4 cups cubes leftover biscuits
- 1 pound sage breakfast sausage, cooked
- 2 cups cubed ham
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces mild cheddar, shredded
- butter to grease the baking dish
- chopped scallions to garnish
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Butter a 9×13 or similar size baking pan. Evenly place biscuits in pan. Add sausage, ham, peppers and Parmesan cheese in an even layer over the top. In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Beat with a fork until well combined. Evenly pour over top of casserole. Cover with aluminum foil and chill in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to, 350 F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and place cold covered casserole in preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove aluminum foil. Scatter cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes until casserole is set. Allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with scallions. Serve and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Cut the casserole into squares and place on a warm plate. Serve with a small green salad or simple fruit for a bright note. A warm slice goes well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, add soft butter, jam, or hot sauce for those who like spice. If you want a crisp side, try a toasted bread recipe such as the best cheesy garlic bread recipe which matches well with the rich cheese in this casserole best cheesy garlic bread recipe.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let the casserole cool to room temperature before you cover it tightly with foil or put it in an airtight container. For freezing, cut the cooled casserole into portions. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place pieces in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat from the fridge, warm in a 350 F oven until hot, about 15–20 minutes for a slice. From frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat, or bake from frozen at 350 F until hot, adding extra time as needed.
You can find more breakfast ideas and recipes in the breakfast category for more simple morning meals breakfast recipes and ideas.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Top with extra chopped scallions or fresh herbs like parsley.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit such as berries or orange slices to cut the richness.
- Offer hot sauce, salsa, or ketchup so each person can add what they like.
- Add a dressed green salad for a light side.
- Pair with warm rolls or toasted bread to soak up any extra egg mixture.
VARIATIONS
- Swap meats: Use bacon or turkey sausage instead of sage breakfast sausage for a milder or leaner taste.
- Use different cheeses: Colby, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack add new flavors.
- Add vegetables: Fold in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini for a veggie boost.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meats and add more veggies plus a bit more cheese for flavor.
- Use bread: If you do not have leftover biscuits, use cubed day-old loaf bread, French bread, or croissants.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the egg mix for a smoky heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh biscuits instead of leftover biscuits?
A: You can use fresh biscuits if you cut them into cubes and let them dry a bit so they soak the egg mix properly. Day-old or slightly stale bread soaks the custard best.
Q: Do I have to cook the sausage before adding it to the casserole?
A: Yes, cook the sausage first. Raw sausage will not cook properly in the time given and may make the casserole greasy.
Q: Can I make this casserole low-carb or gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a low-carb bread or a gluten-free biscuit recipe and follow the same steps. The texture will differ but it will still be tasty.
Q: Can I bake it the same day instead of chilling overnight?
A: Yes. If you bake it the same day, let the egg mixture rest for at least 30 minutes so the bread can absorb some liquid. Overnight chilling gives the best texture.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is set?
A: The center should not jiggle when you move the pan. A toothpick or knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Q: Can I add more eggs or milk?
A: You can add a small extra egg if you want a richer texture, but do not add much more liquid or the casserole may not set well.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
- Assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge until morning.
- Label the casserole with the bake time and oven temp so anyone can bake it if you are busy.
- If you plan to transport the casserole, wrap the pan tightly and keep it cold until ready to bake.
- For a shorter morning, shred the cheese and chop the peppers and scallions the night before and store separately in covered containers.
- If you want to freeze an unbaked casserole, cover it tightly and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, then follow the bake steps.
This casserole is a simple way to feed a group or to give your family a warm, filling start. It is flexible and forgiving, so you can change meats, cheese, and vegetables to match what you have on hand. Enjoy the ease of a make-ahead breakfast that bakes into a golden, cheesy dish in the morning.
Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Butter a 9x13 or similar size baking pan.
- Evenly place the cubed biscuits in the pan.
- Add the cooked sausage, cubed ham, chopped peppers, and shredded Parmesan cheese in an even layer over the top.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Beat with a fork until well combined.
- Evenly pour the egg mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Cover with aluminum foil and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and place it cold and covered in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the aluminum foil.
- Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes until the casserole is set and golden.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with chopped scallions and enjoy!