Overnight Sausage Egg Bake
This Overnight Sausage Egg Bake is the breakfast I turn to whenever family is staying over, since I get to do all the messy work the night before and just slide it into the oven in the morning. It’s loaded with browned pork sausage, sharp cheddar, and pillowy soaked bread cubes, so it bakes up golden, custardy, and irresistibly savory. If you love easy make-ahead mornings, you might also enjoy this Cranberry Coffee Cake alongside it.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
You Prepped Last Night, Now You Just Bake
Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday, everyone’s still half asleep, and the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove. That’s exactly why this sausage casserole recipe earns its spot in my regular rotation. The night before, I brown the sausage, whisk up the egg custard, and let everything soak together in the fridge, so by morning all that’s left to do is preheat the oven and wait for that golden, bubbly top to form.
Why You Will Love Overnight Sausage Egg Bake
- Truly make-ahead. Assemble it the night before, then bake it fresh the next morning with zero last-minute prep or chopping.
- Feeds a crowd. With 6 servings, it’s perfect for holiday mornings, brunch parties, or a houseful of overnight guests.
- Rich, savory flavor. Browned pork sausage, sharp cheddar, and a hint of ground sage give every bite deep, comforting flavor.
- Simple pantry ingredients. Eggs, milk, bread, sausage, and cheese are things you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pork sausage: Regular ground pork sausage adds savory, seasoned flavor throughout. Feel free to use a spicier variety if you like some heat.
- Ground sage: A classic breakfast sausage flavor. If you love a stronger herbal note, fresh sage can be swapped in.
- Large eggs: These form the custard base that holds everything together and gives the bake its structure.
- Dry mustard: Just a touch adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor without tasting overtly mustardy.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
- Whole milk: Creates a rich, creamy custard. Half-and-half can be used for an even richer result.
- White bread: Cubed bread soaks up the egg mixture overnight, turning soft and custardy like a savory bread pudding. Fresh or slightly stale bread works great here.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of gooey, tangy flavor throughout the bake. Any melty cheese you love will work.
How to Make Overnight Sausage Egg Bake
Brown the sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage and start breaking it up into pieces. Add the sage and continue breaking up the meat, cooking until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Make the custard. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined, then whisk in the milk. This egg custard is the heart of any good sausage and egg casserole recipe.
Combine everything. Add the browned sausage, bread cubes, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl and stir well to combine and coat evenly, just like a classic sausage casserole recipe.
Chill, then bake. Transfer the mixture to a 3-qt glass baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, preheat the oven to 350°F, let the casserole sit at room temperature while it heats, then bake uncovered until set and golden, 50 to 55 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Drain the sausage well. Letting excess grease drain off on paper towels keeps the finished bake from turning greasy.
- Let it fully chill overnight. Giving the bread cubes plenty of time to soak up the custard is key to a tender, evenly set texture.
- Bring to room temp before baking. Letting the dish sit out while the oven preheats helps it bake more evenly.
- Check for doneness in the center. The bake is ready when the center is just set (a little jiggle is perfect) and the top is golden brown.
What to Serve with Overnight Sausage Egg Bake
This hearty sausage egg bake pairs beautifully with something fresh and fruity to balance out its richness. A simple bowl of seasonal fruit or a Super Green Juice works wonderfully alongside it, and for a slightly sweeter brunch spread, this Cranberry Coffee Cake makes a lovely addition to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Yes, this sausage casserole recipe works with mild, spicy, or even maple-flavored breakfast sausage depending on what you prefer.
While an overnight chill gives the best texture, you can let it rest for at least 1 hour in the fridge in a pinch before baking as directed.
More Recipes to Try
Overnight Sausage Egg Bake
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage start breaking it up into pieces. Add the sage and continue to break up the meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Whisk in the milk.
- Add the browned sausage, bread cubes, and cheddar cheese to the bowl and stir well to combine and coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a 3-qt glass baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175℃). Let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven heats up.
- Bake uncovered in until set and golden, 50 to 55 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
