Easy Overnight Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
Growing up my mom made a version of this casserole every Christmas morning. I remember the delicious smells wafting throughout the house that made my stomach growl. I still make it today but this version of this easy overnight sausage, egg, & potato breakfast casserole has a certain French flair with herbs and cheeses.
This dish can be made the night before (and baked the next morning) or made in the morning and baked to perfection for the whole family to enjoy. It serves 8-10 people and is baked in a 9×13 dish.
Diced breakfast potatoes with bell peppers make the bottom crust, layered with cooked breakfast sausage, a mustard/herb/egg mixture next, and finally topped with French gruyere cheese and Swiss cheese. It is baked for about 40 minutes until it is bubbly and golden brown. The flavors come together perfectly to give you a delicious baked casserole that scoops out in perfect slices.
Traditions of Breakfast Casseroles
There are a lot of yummy breakfast casseroles including this French toast casserole that can be made ahead to save you plenty of time in the morning. These are especially great during the holiday mornings. I made both of these for Christmas Brunch this year and all I had to do was pop them in the oven.
Breakfast casseroles have been around for a long time, and there are many different theories about their origin. Some people believe that they originated in the United States, while others believe that they originated in Europe.
One of the earliest known references to a breakfast casserole is in a cookbook published in 1896. The recipe calls for a mixture of eggs, milk, bread, and cheese, which is baked in a casserole dish. This type of casserole is still popular today and is often made with hash browns, sausage, or bacon.
No matter where they originated, breakfast casseroles are a delicious and convenient way to start the day. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you like them sweet or savory, there is a breakfast casserole out there for you.
Your Choice Of Potato For This Egg Casserole Recipe
We love potatoes and in this easy breakfast casserole recipe, they are the anchor that holds it all together. Frozen diced potatoes with chopped bell peppers (called potatoes O’Brien) make the perfect “crust” for this casserole. You don’t have to pre-cook them, but you can brown potatoes if desired. Here are other options that would work great, try some of these:
- Mini tater tots (pre-baked and really tasty)
- Plain diced potatoes
- Shredded hash browns
- Bread cubes
Having Prepared Sausage On Hand
I am huge on preparing meat when you bring it home from the store. Cooking all the ground beef and sausage, shaping meat loaves, marinating, and cooking chicken are all things I do to make dinner time fast and easy. Check out how I fill my freezer.
Preparing this sausage casserole recipe is so easy when I have sausage already cooked. It takes me minutes to assemble. Here are some other meat suggestions to add to this breakfast casserole:
- Turkey sausage, cut into small pieces
- Small diced ham
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Spicy pork sausage
- Italian savory sausage
The Perfectly Seasoned Egg Mixture For The Best Breakfast Casserole Recipe
The egg mixture is the best way to mix in all the flavors. Eggs, cream, mustard, and spices take this special breakfast over the top. Herbs de Provence is a lovely and fragrant blend of herbs that add an earthy French flair. It is comprised of thyme, marjoram, savory, rosemary, basil, sage, and lavender. I love this herb blend for this great recipe and use it for soups and this amazing French tomato tart. Italian seasoning would be a delicious substitute.
Mustard adds a great boost of flavor to this easy egg casserole- so don’t skip it.
The dairy portion is also flexible. Use anything from heavy cream, half and half, whole milk, soy milk, skim milk, oat milk, or almond milk. This breakfast bake can be made to suit all of your family members.
Cheeses That Work For An Easy Overnight Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
Making this cheesy breakfast casserole is a great way to add your favorite flavors. Use any cheese from creamy to spicy.
Here are some suggestions:
- Pepper jack
- Monterey jack
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Gouda
- Fontina (Favorite for Mac & Cheese)
- Colby jack
- Goat cheese
- Jarlsburg Swiss cheese
Ingredients For Easy Overnight Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
This easy casserole is made with simple ingredients and the whole thing can be spiced to your liking. Add cayenne powder for some heat, or some curry powder for a warm and rich flavor.
- 16 ounces frozen Potatoes O’Brien
- 1 pound cooked ground Italian sausage
- 12 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of mustard (Dijon or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper
- 1 heaping teaspoon of herbs de Provence
- 8 ounces shredded cheese (mix of gruyere and Swiss)
- 1 1/4 cups of half and half (or heavy cream)
Instructions On How To Make Easy Overnight Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
1. Beat eggs, mustard, seasonings, and cream in a large bowl.
2. In a 9×13 casserole baking dish layer potatoes in the bottom of the pan and then evenly spread out the cooked sausage on top.
3. Pour the egg mixture evenly into the dish and top with shredded cheese.
4. Bake in a 400-degree F oven for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes:
-If you are making this the night before, cover it with aluminum foil and put it into the refrigerator. The next day bake as directed. The cook time may vary depending if you start with a room temperature or cold casserole.
-To cook the sausage – place the sausage in a large skillet (12″ cast iron) over medium-high heat. Brown sausage until cooked through. Remove the hot sausage from the grease and let cool. Add to the casserole.
-Make sure to whip the egg mixture until bubbles form in the mixing bowl for fluffy eggs.
– Use up to 1 1/2 cups of cheese if you like more cheese!
– Dry mustard can replace fresh.
How To Serve Easy Overnight Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
Serve this delicious casserole as a popular brunch item, Christmas breakfast, or for a party. This recipe also makes a fantastic weekday morning breakfast – divide it up into individual servings and have a warm breakfast for you or your family. Great for meal planning!
There are some great options for toppings and sides to go along with this easy sausage, egg & potato breakfast casserole.
Here are some topping suggestions:
- Hot sauce
- Diced green onions
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Crushed crackers
Here are some side suggestions:
- French toast casserole
- Cinnamon rolls
- Cottage Cheese & Fruit
- Fresh fruit salad
- Breakfast meats like bacon and ham
- Croissants
- Pastries
- Toast
- Bagels
- English muffins with assorted Jams
- A cheeseball
- Artisan Rolls
- Yogurt and Granola
- Caprese salad
- Refried Beans
- Banana bread
- Pancakes
- Roasted tomatoes
- Plum clafoutis
- Tea and coffee
- Tea cookies
How To Store And Reheat Easy Overnight Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
Store any leftover easy overnight sausage, egg & potato breakfast casserole in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months if it is tightly wrapped or placed in a larger freezer bag.
To reheat this casserole you can use these methods:
- Microwave – put the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and heat on 80% power for 60 seconds at a time. Let rest a minute for the heat to distribute and enjoy.
- Oven – Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and put the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Heat until hot – 15-20 minutes.
Wrapping Up Easy Overnight Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
This simple casserole takes only minutes to put together and bakes up hot and fresh for a great breakfast. It is one of our favorite family breakfast recipes alongside these delicious Belgian waffles and these breakfast burritos. And the best part is how simple it is to put together.
The next time you are looking for some easy casseroles, give this one a try. It is simple and fast to put together and the taste is right on. I bet the entire casserole is eaten up and that is a great thing! I hope you enjoy this one, we love it.
Cheers, Sarah
This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may make a commission at no cost to you. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details.”
Recipe Card For Easy Overnight Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
Easy Overnight Sausage, Egg & Potato Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen Potatoes O’Brien
- 1 pound cooked ground Italian sausage
- 12 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of mustard Dijon or homemade
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt and black pepper
- 1 heaping teaspoon of herbs de Provence
- 8 ounces shredded cheese mix of gruyere and Swiss
- 1 1/4 cups of half and half or heavy cream
Instructions
- Beat eggs, mustard, seasonings, and cream in a large bowl.
- In a 9×13 casserole baking dish layer potatoes in the bottom of the pan and then evenly spread out the cooked sausage on top.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly into the dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in a 400-degree F oven for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
sounds very yummy!
This is simply delicious. I wonder if you could make this in muffin tins and freeze and heated up for breakfast or lunch?