Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole For A Crowd

Name: Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole For A Crowd
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb breakfast sausage; 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 8 slices of bread, cubed; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional); 1 cup diced onions (optional)

Highlighted under: Instant Inspiration

I absolutely love mornings when I can spend a little time prepping a hearty breakfast that sets the tone for the day. This Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole is my go-to when I have friends or family over. Not only do I get to enjoy the delicious flavors of eggs, cheese, and sausage, but the best part is that I can prepare it the night before. This allows me to spend more time with my loved ones in the morning instead of slaving over the stove.

Created by

Olwen Bradford

Last updated on 2026-02-01T14:45:35.890Z

I remember the first time I made this breakfast casserole; I wanted something that would satisfy everyone without spending the entire morning cooking. The layers of bread, cheese, and savory sausage create a rich and satisfying dish that's perfect for a crowd. By baking it the night before, I discovered how well the flavors meld overnight, enhancing the taste. I was astonished by how a simple dish could bring so much joy during breakfast with family.

Experimenting with different veggies or cheeses is one of the best parts of this casserole. One time, I added sautéed bell peppers, which gave it a delightful crunch and extra flavor. I always recommend letting the casserole sit before serving; allowing it to rest for a few minutes helps it to hold its shape and makes for cleaner slices. Trust me; your guests will appreciate it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Effortless preparation the night before, freeing up your morning.
Versatile enough to suit various tastes with easy ingredient swaps.
A filling and satisfying breakfast that pleases a crowd.

Ingredient Insights

The key to a successful breakfast casserole lies in the quality of your ingredients. I recommend selecting a flavorful breakfast sausage, as its spices will enhance the overall dish. For a healthier option, consider using turkey or chicken sausage; just make sure to check that it's fully cooked before mixing it in. Additionally, opt for fresh eggs and whole milk for richer flavors and a creamier texture. If you're a fan of sharper notes, experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda.

Don't shy away from customizing the vegetables! Bell peppers and onions add some delightful crunch and sweetness, but you can also consider adding spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor depth. I find that sautéing the veggies beforehand helps release their moisture and enhances their taste, making your casserole even more satisfying. Plus, this step can prevent a soggy texture, ensuring a delightful contrast between the custard and the bread layer.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the greatest advantages of this casserole is its make-ahead potential, but you'll want to know how to store and reheat it properly. Once you've baked the casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label it with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

When you're ready to serve again, thaw a frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes if refrigerated or 45 minutes if frozen, until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Cover it with foil to avoid excessive browning during the reheating process. You'll find that the flavors continue to develop, often tasting even better the next day!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Main Ingredients

1 lb breakfast sausage
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
8 slices of bread, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1 cup diced onions (optional)

Have everything ready? Let’s move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole:

Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cubed bread, then half of the cooked sausage, and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked.

Chill Overnight

Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak up the egg mixture.

Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden and bubbly.

Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving it to let it set further. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or your favorite herbs. You can also replace the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage or omit it for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing this breakfast casserole with fresh fruit is a fantastic way to add a burst of freshness to your morning spread. I love serving it alongside sliced strawberries, oranges, or a colorful fruit salad for a well-rounded meal. For those looking to explore savory options, consider offering a side of avocado slices or seasoned roasted potatoes, elevating your brunch experience.

You might also think about drizzling a bit of hot sauce over individual servings to introduce a new level of flavor. If you're expecting guests with dietary restrictions, consider preparing a separate smaller casserole using gluten-free bread or plant-based sausage to accommodate their needs without sacrificing taste.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your casserole comes out too soggy, it may be due to using overly soft bread or not allowing enough soak time for the egg mixture to permeate adequately. In the future, try slightly toasting the bread cubes in advance or letting them sit out for a while to become a bit stale before assembly. This will help them absorb the egg mixture better without getting mushy.

On the other hand, if you find the casserole to be too dry, a simple fix is to incorporate additional liquid next time. Ensure you're using the full amount of milk as indicated, or consider adding a splash more before baking if you notice that the mixture seems particularly dry during assembly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, letting it sit in the fridge overnight enhances the flavors. Just remember to cover it tightly.

→ What if I want to use different ingredients?

Feel free to mix it up! Vegetables like spinach or mushrooms work great, and you can swap the cheese to your favorite variety!

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

You can simply cover it with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen! Just ensure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly and storing it in the freezer.