
If you’re searching for the ultimate make-ahead brunch hero, this Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake absolutely steals the show. Packed with melty cheese, flavorful sausage, and a medley of veggies, this comforting casserole is assembled the night before—so you wake up to an effortless, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s 100% crave-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Morning Magic: Do the prep the night before and simply pop it in the oven—your morning self will thank you!
- Incredibly Satisfying: Cheesy, hearty, and brimming with sausage and eggs, every bite of this Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake feels like a warm morning hug.
- Crowd-Pleaser Approved: Serves a houseful without fuss, making brunches, holidays, or busy weekdays feel just a bit more special.
- Make-Ahead Versatility: Easily customized for different tastes and dietary needs, so everyone leaves the table happy and full.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the simple ingredients that transform this breakfast bake into something extraordinary! Each element plays a key role—giving you a perfect blend of soft, cheesy, savory, and just the right touch of spice. Here’s what brings the Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake to life.
- White Bread (6-8 slices): Removing the crusts creates a super fluffy base that soaks up all the eggy goodness—use any sturdy white bread you love.
- Freshly Shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar Cheese (4 cups): Fresh shredding gives you meltier, more luscious results (and better flavor and texture than pre-shredded).
- Pork Sausage (12 ounces): Go for your favorite breakfast sausage—mild or spicy both work beautifully for adding depth and savory punch.
- Onion (1/4 medium, chopped): Offers subtle sweet flavor that balances the richness of the casserole.
- Red Bell Pepper (1/2, chopped): Brings color, juiciness, and a pop of brightness in every bite.
- Diced Green Chiles (one 4-ounce can): Adds gentle heat and layered flavor—don’t worry, it’s not too spicy!
- Large Eggs (6): The star that binds together all the ingredients for a custardy, satisfying bite.
- Milk (2 cups): Gives the casserole its creamy, light texture—whole milk is best if you have it.
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the dish without overwhelming.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds color and a hint of warmth—you can try smoked paprika for a twist!
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with an herby note that’s not overpowering.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to add a hint of spice and depth.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers subtle, savory flavor without raw garlic’s bite.
- Dry Mustard (1/4 teaspoon): This secret ingredient adds a gentle tang that wakes up the eggs and cheese.
Variations
One of the things I adore most about the Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake is how forgiving it is—swap, add, or remove ingredients to truly make it your own! Here are a few ideas to help inspire your next creation or suit any special diet or taste preference.
- Loaded Veggie Version: Add sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or even zucchini for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers’ Twist: Try a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different cheese profile and a hint of heat.
- Meat-Free Morning: Swap sausage for plant-based crumbles or omit entirely—just amp up the veggies and seasonings.
- Salsa Flair: Replace the green chiles with your favorite chunky salsa, bringing zesty, tangy notes to the bake.
How to Make Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Layer
Begin by removing the crusts from your bread slices—this step is what gives the casserole its classic, fluffy texture. Lightly butter or grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then arrange the bread snugly across the bottom so there are no gaps. This becomes the pillowy base that soaks up all the tasty flavors!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Veggies
Brown the pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat, using your spoon to break it up into small bite-sized pieces. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and drain off any excess grease. In the same pan, toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper—sauté until they’re just soft and fragrant, then stir in the diced green chiles for a lovely, savory boost.
Step 3: Layer Cheese, Sausage, and Veggies
Generously sprinkle your freshly shredded cheese over the bread, making sure there’s an even layer in every nook and cranny. Next, scatter the sausage evenly on top, followed by the sautéed onions, bell pepper, and green chiles. This layering ensures every bite gives you a delicious mix of flavors and textures.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk until blended. Add in the milk, salt, paprika, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard. Whisk thoroughly so the spices get well incorporated. Slowly pour this custardy mixture all over the layered casserole, making sure everything gets nice and soaked.
Step 5: Chill Overnight
Cover the baking dish tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours—overnight is ideal! This gives all the flavors time to meld and the bread time to absorb the egg mixture, ensuring a perfectly creamy texture in the morning.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
In the morning, uncover your casserole and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving—so it holds its shape and those melty, cheesy layers stay put when you cut into it. Dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake
- Cheese Selection: Always shred your own cheese if possible—the pre-shredded kind doesn’t melt nearly as creamily!
- Bread Placement: Overlap the bread slightly so you don’t have gaps (no one likes a bite without the fluffy base).
- Egg Mixture Coverage: Pour the egg mix slowly and evenly over the entire casserole to avoid dry corners.
- Golden Edges: If the top browns too quickly before the center sets, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
How to Serve Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the baked casserole makes it pop with color and freshness. For a little extra tang, add a dollop of sour cream or a handful of diced tomatoes. You could even dash on some hot sauce for those who like a kick!
Side Dishes
Pair your Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad for brightness and contrast. Buttery croissants, flaky biscuits, or even a side of crispy hash browns also round out this brunch feast to perfection.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the casserole into neat squares and serve on a platter for a buffet, or plate individual portions with a swirl of salsa and colorful garnishes for a restaurant-style touch. For special occasions, bake in individual ramekins for a personalized spin—so fun for holiday breakfasts or brunch parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover casserole into an airtight container—or cover your baking dish tightly with wrap. It’ll stay tender and tasty in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, ready to reheat for an easy breakfast or even a quick lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before baking as normal for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftover portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until heated through. If reheating the entire casserole, a low oven helps keep it moist and evenly warm—just watch it so the cheese doesn’t get too brown!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread for this breakfast bake?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread is classic for this recipe, sturdy sourdough, whole wheat, or even brioche all work well. Just ensure the slices aren’t too soft or thin, as you want them to hold their shape after soaking overnight.
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Can the Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake be made dairy-free?
Yes—substitute your favorite plant-based milk (unsweetened almond, oat, or soy), and use a dairy-free cheese that melts well. The casserole may be slightly less creamy, but the flavor and ease remain wonderful!
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Can I assemble the casserole the same day and still get great results?
For best texture, at least 6 hours of chilling is ideal, as it gives the bread time to soak up the egg mixture. If you’re in a hurry, 1–2 hours is the minimum—just know it may be a bit less custardy but still totally delicious.
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How do I know when the Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake is done baking?
The center should be just set and not jiggly, and a knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. The edges will puff up and turn golden brown—let it cool 10–15 minutes before cutting for best slices!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to treat yourself (and your favorite people) to this Savory Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake! It’s delicious, stress-free, and guaranteed to make any morning feel extra-special. Don’t forget to play with your own tasty twists and enjoy every bite!
PrintCheesy Sausage and Egg Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Egg and Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a delicious make-ahead dish perfect for feeding a crowd at breakfast or brunch. It’s loaded with savory sausage, cheese, and veggies, all baked together with a custardy egg mixture for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Bread Layer:
- 6–8 slices white bread, crust removed
Cheese Layer:
- 4 cups freshly shredded colby jack cheese or cheddar cheese
Sausage and Veggie Layer:
- 12 ounces pork sausage
- 1/4 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
Egg Mixture:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard
Instructions
- Prepare Bread Layer: Remove crust from bread slices. Lightly butter a 9×13” baking pan and arrange bread slices to cover the bottom.
- Cook Sausage: Brown sausage in a skillet, then remove to a plate. Saute onions, bell peppers, and green chiles in the same skillet.
- Layer Casserole: Sprinkle cheese over bread, top with sausage, veggies, and green chiles.
- Mix Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs with milk, salt, spices. Pour mixture over casserole.
- Chill Overnight: Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole uncovered for 50-60 minutes until set and golden.
- Serve: Allow to cool before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Prepare but don’t bake, freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight, then bake.
- Variations: Customize with more veggies, different cheeses, or salsa instead of green chilies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 170mg