There’s nothing quite like waking up to a hearty, flavorful dish that's ready to go straight from the fridge to the oven. This Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe is exactly that kind of magic—simple to prep the night before, full of savory goodness, and perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch with friends.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this is one of my favorite basement breakfast dishes to make when I have a busy morning ahead or guests to feed. It’s comforting, reliable, and tastes way more gourmet than the effort you put in. Once you try this Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe, I promise it’ll become a staple in your routine.
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it the night before, so your oven does the work while you snooze.
- Balanced flavors and textures: Juicy sausage blends perfectly with tender sautéed veggies and fluffy eggs.
- Customizable to your taste: You can switch up cheeses, veggies, or sausage types for endless variations.
- Feeds a crowd easily: One casserole serves a family or a small gathering without fuss.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe strike a beautiful balance between hearty, fresh, and creamy. Each one brings something essential to the table—and with some simple shopping tips, you’ll get the best results.
- Sausage: I always remove the casing to break it up easily; browning it first enhances flavor and texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a mild richness for sautéing veggies without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses just the right amount of savory depth.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts down beautifully and adds vibrant color and nutrition.
- Bell peppers: Use colorful peppers for sweetness and crunch.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed until soft, it provides a subtle sweetness that complements the sausage.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season each layer and tie flavors together.
- Eggs: The star binder that creates a custardy, fluffy texture when baked.
- Milk: Any type works; it lightens the egg mixture for a tender finish.
- Shredded cheese: Divided to melt inside and sprinkle on top for gooey, savory pockets.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with this Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe because it’s so forgiving. Sometimes, I swap in kale instead of spinach or try spicy chorizo sausage for an extra kick. Feel free to tailor it to your cravings or dietary needs!
- Variation: One morning, I added mushrooms and swapped cheddar cheese for pepper jack—it turned out fantastic and gave it a Southwestern flair!
- Vegetarian version: Just swap the sausage with a plant-based alternative or extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Seasonal swaps: In the fall, adding diced butternut squash or roasted sweet potatoes elevates this dish into a cozy seasonal wonder.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by removing the casing from your sausage and browning it in a large skillet over medium heat. Even if you have fully cooked sausage, I find a light browning step adds fantastic flavor and texture. Once browned, evenly spread it into your greased casserole dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Using the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed, then toss in minced garlic, fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, and yellow onion. Sauté until veggies are tender and the spinach is wilted—about 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper near the end to enhance their natural sweetness and savoriness.
Step 3: Combine Sausage and Vegetables
Mix the sautéed veggies into the brown sausage in your casserole dish. You want the mixture evenly distributed but don’t over-stir—just a rough mix is perfect. This base is the heart of your breakfast casserole.
Step 4: Whisk Eggs and Cheese
In a medium bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs, half a cup of milk, and half of your shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and veggie layer—it’ll seep through and bind everything together beautifully as it bakes.
Step 5: Add Final Cheese and Seasoning, Then Bake
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top along with a pinch of salt and pepper. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight or proceed directly to baking. When ready, bake at 375ºF (191ºC) for about 45 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the center is set. Let it cool for 15 minutes before serving to help it firm up nicely.
Top Tip
Through countless breakfasts making this Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe, I’ve learned a few tips that make all the difference between good and amazing.
- Use fresh veggies: Nothing beats the flavor of fresh spinach and crisp bell peppers versus frozen or canned—your casserole will have a vibrant, fresh taste.
- Don’t overmix the eggs: Whisk them just until combined. Overbeating can create a rubbery texture when baked.
- Let it rest after baking: That cooling time helps the bake set fully, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Grease your dish well: This helps with easy cleanup and ensures the edges don’t stick and dry out.
How to Serve Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my egg bake with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a burst of color and a pop of fresh flavor. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado on the side adds creaminess that offsets the savory sausage perfectly.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I love serving this with fresh fruit salad or a warm, crusty piece of sourdough. For that extra indulgence, crispy breakfast potatoes or a simple hash brown work beautifully to soak up any leftover egg bake goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, I like to spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. It makes each serving feel special and perfect for fancy gatherings. Another fun idea is layering additional toppings like sliced tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge—this casserole keeps well for up to five days. I’ve found keeping it well-covered avoids drying out and keeps every bite flavorful.
Freezing
Freezing this egg bake is a total game-changer. I usually freeze it unbaked, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, for up to two months. Then, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake fresh the next day—the texture and flavor hold up beautifully.
Reheating
To reheat, I either microwave individual slices for about a minute or pop them in a 350ºF oven for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Oven reheating keeps the edges crisp, while the microwave is perfect for a speedy fix.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! This Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe works well with pork, turkey, chicken, or even spicy chorizo sausage. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the sausage’s pre-cooked status.
Browning the sausage isn’t mandatory if you’re using fully cooked sausage, but I recommend it for extra flavor and texture. It caramelizes the meat and adds depth to the casserole.
Yes! Simply replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or increase the amount of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and extra bell peppers to keep it hearty and satisfying.
You can prepare this Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s perfect for busy mornings or entertaining!
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it takes the stress out of breakfast without sacrificing flavor or comfort. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just want a nourishing start to your day, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, just like I do!
Print
Overnight Sausage Egg Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and customizable overnight egg bake casserole featuring sausage, fresh vegetables, and cheese. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this dish can be made ahead, baked immediately, or frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Meat
- 10 to 12 ounces sausage (casing removed)
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 large bell peppers (diced)
- ½ medium yellow onion (diced)
Dairy
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (any)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (any flavor; divided)
Other
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare casserole dish: Spray a 7 x 11 or 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 375ºF (191ºC).
- Cook sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until cooked through. Spoon browned sausage evenly into the prepared casserole dish and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Add olive oil to the skillet (optional if grease remains). Sauté minced garlic, fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, and diced onion until vegetables are tender and spinach is wilted, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper during the last minute of cooking.
- Combine sausage and vegetables: Remove skillet from heat and add the cooked vegetable mixture to the sausage in the casserole dish. Stir gently to evenly distribute ingredients and set aside.
- Mix eggs and cheese: In a medium bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs, ½ cup milk, and ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheese on top along with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the casserole: If not already preheated, heat oven to 375ºF (191ºC). Bake casserole for approximately 45 minutes or until edges start to brown and the eggs are set. Allow casserole to cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers: Refrigerate leftover casserole up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave as needed.
- Freeze for later: Freeze unbaked casserole covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking. For frozen baked casserole, reheat at 350ºF (177ºC) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the day before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- You can substitute any type of shredded cheese to customize the flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely.
- The casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and easily customizable with your choice of vegetables.
- Allowing the casserole to cool before cutting helps it set and slice more cleanly.
- Use non-stick spray or grease the casserole dish well to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 197 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 303 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 223 mg
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