INTRODUCTION
This Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole is easy and full of flavor. You can make it the night before and bake it in the morning. It uses leftover biscuits, sausage, ham, eggs, and cheese. The mix soaks up the egg base and becomes soft and rich. This dish feeds a crowd and warms hands and hearts on busy mornings. For a quick drink to pair with this dish, try an easy coffee breakfast smoothie that keeps the breakfast simple and fast.
This casserole makes busy mornings calm. You will spend little time in the kitchen the next day. The flavors deep in the dish taste like they cooked for hours. You can change it to fit your taste or what you have on hand. It is hard to go wrong with biscuits, sausage, ham, and two kinds of cheese.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this casserole because it is simple and forgiving. You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning. It saves time and reduces morning stress. It also uses common fridge and pantry items. The sausage and ham bring us savory notes while the Parmesan and cheddar add rich cheese flavor. The eggs and milk make it tender and creamy inside.
This recipe works for many meals. Use it for holiday brunch, a family breakfast, or a potluck. It holds well on a serving table and still tastes great after a short time. If you like a warm, filling breakfast that you can start the night before, this dish will fit your routine easily. You can also enjoy it with a warm drink like a simple coffee breakfast smoothie to round out the meal.
HOW TO MAKE Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
This plan keeps steps clear and simple. First, cook the sausage and cube the biscuits and ham. Layer all pieces in a greased pan. Whisk eggs with milk and pour over. Cover and chill overnight. In the morning, bake covered until mostly set. Add cheddar, then finish baking until set and golden. Let rest, then top with scallions and serve.
Keep the pan covered while it chills so the flavors meld. Baking from cold helps the center cook evenly. Remove foil near the end so the top can brown and the cheddar can melt. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This will help the center firm up and make slicing easy. If you want more crisp at the top, bake uncovered for a few extra minutes.
In a rush? You can skip the chill time and bake right away but add 10-15 minutes to the bake time. The texture will change a bit, but it will still taste good. For a vegetarian version, leave out the sausage and ham and add mushrooms, spinach, and a touch more cheese to keep the bake hearty.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 9×13 inch baking pan or similar size
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Skillet to cook the sausage
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon to spread ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 4 cups cubes left over 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 degrees 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 plates. Serve hot or warm. Add fresh scallions on top for color and a mild onion taste. Offer hot sauce or ketchup for guests who like extra tang. A light green salad or fresh fruit on the side can make the plate feel fresher. For a full brunch, set out plates of sliced tomatoes, toast, or muffins.
To keep slices neat, use a wide spatula and wipe it between cuts. If you want a smoother look, let the casserole rest longer after baking until it is firmer. This dish goes well with a warm cup of coffee or tea and makes a filling weekend meal for family or friends. You can also serve it with a side of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warm. For best texture, reheat in the oven to keep the top slightly crisp.
To freeze, cool the casserole completely and wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, or place pieces in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also bake from frozen but add about 20-30 minutes to the covered bake time and check until the center reaches a safe temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve this casserole with fresh fruit like melon or berries to add brightness. A small green salad with lemon dressing also pairs well to cut the richness. For a hot drink, offer coffee, tea, or a warm milk drink. If you want cold drinks, iced tea or a fruit smoothie work well. For a full buffet, add a tray of pastries, fresh fruit, and a pitcher of juice.
For a balanced plate, add a side of steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes. For a brunch combo, set out small bowls of salsas, pickled jalapeños, or chopped herbs so people can top their slices. If you want to add a fast coffee drink, pair with a creamy coffee breakfast smoothie that some guests will enjoy with this hearty casserole.
VARIATIONS
- Sausage alternative: Swap sage breakfast sausage for turkey sausage or crumbled bacon for a different taste.
- Meat-free: Omit sausage and ham. Add cooked mushrooms, spinach, and extra bell pepper for a hearty vegetarian bake.
- Cheese swaps: Use Swiss, Gruyere, or pepper jack in place of cheddar for new flavors.
- Low-carb: Use torn low-carb bread or skip biscuits and add cooked cauliflower rice for a lighter base.
- Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeño, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mix.
- Herb twist: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for brighter notes.
Include changes to fit your home and what you have on hand. The recipe is forgiving, so small swaps work well and still give a tasty result.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought biscuits or make biscuits from scratch?
A: Yes. You can use store-bought biscuits that you cube, or make biscuits from scratch and cube them after they cool. Either works well.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free or egg-free?
A: For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese. For egg-free, you can try a tofu scramble base or an egg replacer, but texture will change and it may need testing.
Q: How long does it keep in the fridge after baking?
A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Q: Can I bake it from frozen?
A: Yes. If the casserole is frozen, add 20-30 minutes to the covered bake time and check that the center is fully hot. Remove foil and cook until cheese melts and top is set.
Q: Can I omit the ham or sausage?
A: Yes, you can omit them. Add more vegetables or cheese to keep the casserole full of flavor and texture.
Q: Is it safe to bake from the fridge when covered?
A: Yes. Placing a cold, covered casserole in a preheated oven is safe and helps cook evenly. Just follow the bake times and check that the center is set.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
- Assemble the casserole the night before and chill covered in the fridge.
- Cook sausage and cube ham in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Shred cheese and chop peppers the night before to save time.
- If you need to freeze before baking, assemble in a freezer-safe pan, wrap well, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
- Label the dish with the bake time and temperature so it is easy to heat later.
This casserole is a simple, flexible, and hearty breakfast that fits many mornings. It saves time, feeds a group, and tastes great with small sides and a warm drink.
Overnight Cheesy Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Butter a 9x13 or similar size baking pan.
- Evenly place biscuits in the 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 the egg mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Cover with aluminum foil and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Remove casserole from refrigerator and place the 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 and serve hot or warm.