If you’ve ever dreamed of a brunch recipe that lets you set it and forget it, then this Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Eggs (Make-Ahead Brunch Bake) is about to become your new best friend. Imagine waking up to a golden, cheesy, perfectly cooked casserole brimming with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty Colby Jack cheese—all prepared the night before to save you time and stress. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a budget-friendly way to deliver a hearty and comforting meal that feels special without requiring any morning fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each chosen for a specific role: from the tender-crisp English muffins to the rich texture of eggs and cheese, plus the bright pops of bell pepper and the satisfying zip of sausage. Together, they create a symphony of flavors and textures that make this breakfast casserole sing.
- English Muffins, 6 halved and cubed: Provide a sturdy, yet soft base that soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without getting soggy.
- Breakfast Sausage, 16 oz roll: Adds meaty, savory depth—choose original or spicy for a subtle kick.
- Large Eggs, 12: The backbone of the casserole, making it rich, fluffy, and filling.
- Colby Jack Cheese, 2 cups: Offers creamy, melty goodness that ties all the flavors together.
- Red or Green Pepper, ½ cup diced: Adds color and a gentle crunch with a fresh, sweet note.
- Onion, ½ cup chopped: Brings a mild pungency and sweetness once baked that balances the sausage.
- Butter, ¼ cup melted: Used to coat the muffins for a golden, buttery flavor and texture.
- Milk, 2 cups: Lightens the eggs and maintains a moist, custard-like consistency.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- Ground Mustard, ½ teaspoon: Brings subtle tang and complexity.
- Parsley (optional): A fresh garnish to brighten the finished dish.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Eggs (Make-Ahead Brunch Bake)
Step 1: Prep the Base
Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the halved and cubed English muffins evenly across the bottom, then drizzle the melted butter over the top. This first layer is crucial—it gives the casserole its structure and introduces a golden, buttery touch that enhances every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage until fully cooked and slightly crisp. Be sure to drain the excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily. This savory sausage layer will inject the dish with concentrated flavor and a pleasing meaty texture.
Step 3: Layer the Veggies and Cheese
Sprinkle the browned sausage evenly over the buttered English muffins. Follow with the diced peppers and chopped onions, distributing them to ensure every slice has a burst of freshness and sweetness. Top everything generously with the shredded Colby Jack cheese—a perfect melt that binds all the ingredients lovingly together.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. This step creates the custard that will soak into the muffins and other ingredients, delivering a tender and fluffy texture once baked. The ground mustard adds a secret layer of savory complexity that makes the flavor pop without overpowering.
Step 5: Assemble and Refrigerate Overnight
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole layers, letting it seep down and fill every corner. Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. This make-ahead magic allows the muffins to absorb the custard fully, ensuring a cohesive, luscious texture once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Bake the casserole for 45 to 50 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible, promising a breakfast that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to set up perfectly.
How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Eggs (Make-Ahead Brunch Bake)
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lively green pop and a hint of herbal brightness that balances the richness of the casserole. Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra dimension if you love a little zest with your morning meal.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a medley of fresh fruit—think juicy berries or crisp apple slices—and a side of creamy yogurt to add coolness. For drinks, orange juice or a light herbal tea complements the savory profile beautifully, rounding out your brunch with refreshing notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings, which looks charming and makes portion control easy at parties. Alternatively, serve it alongside a colorful salad or offer a toppings bar with salsa, avocado slices, and fresh herbs so guests can customize each bite to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated, making it an easy grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully if you want to make a double batch. After baking and cooling completely, cut it into portions and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. When hunger strikes, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your casserole back to its just-baked glory, reheat portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or in a 350ºF oven for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Adding a splash of water when microwaving helps keep it moist and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of English muffins?
Absolutely! Sturdy breads like sourdough, French bread, or even biscuit dough cubes can work wonderfully, just make sure the bread is firm enough to hold up when soaked in the egg mixture.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage first?
Yes, browning the sausage not only ensures it is fully cooked but also adds a deep, caramelized flavor that’s hard to beat. Plus, draining the grease keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Totally! Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a vegetarian sausage alternative to keep that hearty feel without meat.
What kind of cheese can I substitute for Colby Jack?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and gouda can all work nicely, depending on your favorite flavors and how melty you want the casserole to be.
How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
Ideally, you want to refrigerate it for at least 6 hours for bestseller results, but overnight refrigeration of up to 24 hours is perfect for allowing full flavor development and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Eggs (Make-Ahead Brunch Bake) is a total game-changer for busy mornings and leisurely weekend brunches alike. Its simplicity, flavor, and make-ahead convenience make it one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever managed brunch without it!
PrintOvernight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Eggs (Make-Ahead Brunch Bake)
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Sausage & Eggs is a delicious and convenient make-ahead brunch bake perfect for feeding a crowd. Loaded with savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and veggies on a bed of English muffins, it’s easy to prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning. Serve with fruit, yogurt, and orange juice for a complete, budget-friendly breakfast.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins plus overnight refrigeration
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base
- 6 English Muffins, halved and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Sausage & Vegetables
- 16 oz roll of Breakfast Sausage (original or spicy)
- 1/2 cup red or green pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
Egg Mixture
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Cheese & Garnish
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese
- Optional: parsley to top
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread the English muffin cubes evenly in the pan and drizzle with melted butter. Set aside to absorb the butter.
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess grease.
- Assemble the casserole: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the English muffin cubes. Add the diced peppers and chopped onions on top, then sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the layers.
- Make the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine and refrigerate: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled ingredients in the baking pan. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld and the mixture soak into the bread.
- Bake the casserole: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, optionally sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish, and cut into 12 servings. Serve warm with your favorite breakfast sides like fruit, yogurt, and orange juice.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use spicy breakfast sausage.
- You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours in advance for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to swap Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or a cheese blend of your choice.
- Ensure the egg mixture fully covers the bread and sausage for a custardy texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month; reheat thoroughly before serving.