Make-Ahead Winter Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese
A hearty breakfast casserole that combines toasted bread cubes with eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, sautéed vegetables, and savory sausage. Perfect for feeding a crowd during cold mornings or holiday gatherings. The overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld while making morning preparation effortless. Simply pull from the fridge an hour before baking for a warm, satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with sour cream and salsa.
Ingredients
- 3 cups crustless hearty bread, 1-inch cubes
- 10 eggs
- ¼ cup cream
- kosher salt, to taste
- white pepper, to taste
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz sausage, bacon, or salami
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and toast bread cubes on baking sheet, then let cool
- 2
Whisk eggs with cream, salt and pepper, then gently fold in bread, cheese, and green onions
- 3
Sauté mushrooms in large frying pan and set aside
- 4
Sauté onions and pepper, then add cooked mushrooms and meats
- 5
Mix all ingredients together in large bowl and pour into baking pan
- 6
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight
- 7
Remove from refrigerator one hour before serving
- 8
Bake covered until set
- 9
Serve with sour cream and salsa
Tips
Use day-old bread for better texture that holds up to the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
Clean out your fridge by using any leftover breakfast meats - bacon, sausage, or salami all work well.
Let the casserole sit at room temperature for one hour before baking to ensure even cooking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate overnight before baking. Cooked casserole keeps 3-4 days refrigerated.
Assemble completely and refrigerate overnight before baking. Can prep vegetables day before.
Cut into squares and serve warm with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the toasting step to avoid soggy bread texture
Let casserole sit at room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then let sit at room temperature for one hour before baking as directed.
What if I don't have cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk work as substitutes, though the texture will be slightly less rich. Use the same amount.
How long will leftovers keep?
Cooked casserole keeps 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.