Overnight Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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Looking for the ultimate overnight breakfast casserole that is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd? This Overnight Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is the answer! Made with crispy hash browns, savory sausage, eggs, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is a comforting and hearty breakfast option that requires minimal effort.

Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, celebrating the holidays, or meal prepping for the week, this overnight breakfast casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. Simply prep everything the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a warm, satisfying meal.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this overnight breakfast casserole, from step-by-step instructions to ingredient substitutions and expert tips for the perfect dish.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Breakfast Casserole

1. Make-Ahead Convenience

The biggest perk of this overnight breakfast casserole is the ability to prepare it ahead of time. Just assemble all the ingredients in a baking dish, cover it, and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply pop it into the oven—no early morning prep required!

2. Feeds a Crowd

With 12-15 servings, this casserole is perfect for large families, brunch gatherings, or potlucks. It’s a great way to serve a filling and satisfying breakfast without having to cook multiple dishes.

3. Loaded with Flavor

The combination of spicy or mild breakfast sausage, crispy hash browns, eggs, and gooey melted cheddar cheese creates a rich and delicious breakfast that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

4. Customizable

This casserole can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. You can swap out the sausage for bacon or ham, add in extra vegetables for added nutrition, or adjust the cheese to your liking.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Leftovers store well in the fridge and are easy to reheat, making this casserole an excellent choice for meal prepping your breakfasts for the week.

Ingredients

To make this overnight breakfast casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
• 2 lbs breakfast sausage (hot or mild, based on preference)
• 2 cups milk
• 8 medium eggs
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large frying pan, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain the excess grease and set the sausage aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Hash Browns

Using the same skillet, lightly brown the frozen shredded hash browns. If your skillet is small, you may need to do this in batches. This step helps create a crispy texture in the final casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cooked hash browns evenly in the bottom. Next, layer the cooked sausage over the hash browns. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be the binding agent that holds the casserole together.

Step 5: Pour and Refrigerate Overnight

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash brown, sausage, and cheese layers. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil and bake the casserole for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve with your favorite breakfast sides like fresh fruit, avocado, or a side of toast.

Tips for the Perfect Overnight Breakfast Casserole

• Brown the hash browns before adding them to the casserole. This ensures a crispy base and prevents a mushy texture.
• Use full-fat cheese and milk for a richer and creamier taste.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors develop fully.
• Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready!
• Customize the flavors by adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. Wrap portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Variations

Meat Variations

• Swap sausage for bacon or ham.
• Use turkey sausage for a leaner alternative.

Cheese Options

• Try using pepper jack, Swiss, or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra depth.

Vegetarian Option

• Omit the meat and add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Use plant-based sausage alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Casserole the Same Day?

Yes! If you don’t want to refrigerate overnight, let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the flavors to blend.

How Do I Prevent a Soggy Casserole?

Ensure you brown the hash browns before assembling the dish and avoid overmixing the egg mixture.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes! Use a larger baking dish or split into two 9×13-inch pans.

Final Thoughts

This overnight breakfast casserole is the ultimate blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. It allows you to enjoy a stress-free morning with a hearty, delicious breakfast waiting for you. With minimal prep the night before, all you need to do is bake and serve.

The combination of savory sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish irresistibly delicious, while the eggs provide essential protein to keep you full and energized throughout the day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a brunch, or looking for a hassle-free meal prep option, this recipe is a winner.

One of the best aspects of this overnight breakfast casserole is its versatility. You can customize it to fit your dietary needs—swap out meats, add veggies, or change up the cheeses. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make extra servings to enjoy later.

No matter the occasion, this easy-to-make casserole is a great go-to recipe. Try it for your next breakfast and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and satisfying start to your day!

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