Loaded Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Loaded Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic way to start the day with a cozy, hearty meal. It’s packed with eggs, cheese, crispy bacon, and plenty of tender potatoes, all…
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Loaded Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic way to start the day with a cozy, hearty meal. It’s packed with eggs, cheese, crispy bacon, and plenty of tender potatoes, all baked together in one dish. The best part is that you prepare it the night before, so it’s all ready to pop in the oven while you get your morning routine going.
I love making this casserole when I have guests over for a weekend brunch because it feels like such a treat, but it’s actually super easy to pull off. Plus, it’s very forgiving—if you want to add veggies like bell peppers or onions, or swap bacon for sausage, it all works great. I always make sure to use plenty of cheese because honestly, who doesn’t love a gooey, melty top?
One of my favorite things to do is serve this casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad. It balances out the richness perfectly and makes the meal feel complete. Every time I make this dish, people ask for the recipe, and honestly, it’s one of those crowd-pleasers you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast sausage & bacon: These add a lot of flavor and heartiness. If you want to go meat-free, try plant-based sausage or simply load up on veggies like mushrooms and spinach.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and give the casserole structure. For a dairy-free option, swap milk with almond or oat milk, but stick to regular eggs for best texture.
Hash browns: Frozen hash browns make prep quick and easy. If you don’t have these, diced fresh potatoes that are par-cooked work well too.
Cheddar cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can swap with pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for a milder taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture in an Overnight Casserole?
Balancing moisture and texture is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Use thawed hash browns so excess moisture doesn’t make the casserole soggy.
- Cook sausage and bacon ahead to remove extra fat, which prevents grease pooling.
- Whisk eggs and milk well for a smooth custard that holds everything together.
- Cover the dish overnight to let flavors meld and potatoes soften before baking.
When baking, test the center with a knife to ensure eggs are fully set but still tender, not rubbery. Letting it cool a bit helps the casserole hold its shape when sliced.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for this casserole and ensures even cooking.
- Large mixing bowl – gives you plenty of space to combine all the ingredients easily.
- Skillet – needed to cook the sausage and bacon before adding to the casserole.
- Whisk – helps mix eggs and milk smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap breakfast sausage for cooked chorizo to add a smoky, spicy twist.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a creamy, mild heat.
- Mix in sautéed spinach or kale for a fresh, green boost.
- Add diced mushrooms or zucchini to up your veggie intake and add earthiness.
How to Make Loaded Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish requires about 20 minutes of hands-on preparation and cooking the meat, plus at least 4 hours (or overnight) resting time in the fridge. Bake time is 45-55 minutes, so plan for around 1.5 hours total from start to finish, including resting and baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage and Bacon:
Start by cooking the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set it aside. Using the same skillet, cook the bacon slices until crispy, then drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
2. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the thawed hash browns, cooked sausage, most of the chopped bacon (save a little for topping), diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, and shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir gently so everything is evenly mixed.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chopped bacon pieces on top for a crunchy finish.
5. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step allows the flavors to blend and helps the potatoes soften.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge and remove the cover. Bake it uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like a little extra color and flavor. Enjoy your warm, hearty breakfast!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes! Just peel and dice fresh potatoes, then par-cook them by boiling or sautéing until slightly tender before adding to the casserole. This prevents sogginess and ensures even cooking overnight.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegan or Dairy-Free?
You can switch out sausage and bacon for plant-based alternatives, use dairy-free cheese, and replace milk with almond or oat milk. However, eggs are key for binding, so consider using an egg substitute or tofu for best results.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve the casserole’s texture and flavor.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Absolutely! Diced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work great. Just sauté harder veggies beforehand to soften them before mixing into the casserole.
