Hearty Herb & Cheddar Overnight Breakfast Bake
This hearty and delicious overnight breakfast bake is perfect for a crowd! Prepare it the night before for an easy and satisfying morning meal packed with savory sausage, sharp cheddar, and flavorful herbs.
Equipment
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled (or bacon, ham, or a mix of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option)
- 6-8 slices day-old bread cut into 1-inch cubes (sourdough, brioche, or challah work wonderfully)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese blend
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, but adds a lovely tang
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes for a little kick, if desired
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives optional, for garnish and flavor
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook sausage or bacon in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat. Alternatively, sauté vegetables until tender.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked meat or vegetables over the bread cubes, followed by an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Stir in the fresh chives if using.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are submerged.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the breakfast bake from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the breakfast bake rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with additional fresh chives if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider using challah or brioche bread. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference. This dish is excellent for holidays or feeding a large family due to its make-ahead nature.