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A delicious, prepared stress-free overnight breakfast casserole ready to bake.

Classic Stress-Free Overnight Breakfast Casserole

This classic breakfast casserole is perfect for a stress-free morning, prepared the night before and baked fresh. It features day-old bread, savory sausage, and cheesy eggs, making it a hearty and satisfying start to your day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • plastic wrap or aluminum foil
  • large bowl
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 8-10 slices day-old bread (challah, brioche, or sturdy sandwich bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 0.5 lb cooked sausage, crumbled

Seasonings

  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • garlic powder Pinch

For Greasing

  • 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the dish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  • Layer half of the bread cubes evenly in the greased dish, then spread the crumbled sausage over the bread.
  • Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage, and top with the remaining bread cubes.
  • Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl, then pour this mixture over the casserole ingredients, ensuring all bread is saturated.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours.

Baking

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) the next morning.
  • Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
  • Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, allow the casserole to chill overnight to fully absorb the egg mixture. You can substitute other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for cheddar. Ensure the sausage is fully cooked and crumbled before adding to the casserole. To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it is ready. If the top Browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last part of baking.