Babs Costello’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Make-Ahead Recipe

Are you looking for a breakfast that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than Babs Costello’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole! This make-ahead marvel is perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or even busy weekday mornings. It combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, cheese, and bread into a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love. This recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s simple, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a taste that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Make-Ahead Convenience:** The biggest advantage is the overnight preparation. Assemble it the night before, and simply bake it in the morning. This is a lifesaver when you have guests or want a relaxed breakfast yourself.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Flavor:** The combination of sausage, cheese, and bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture is undeniably delicious. It’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast that appeals to all ages.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Vegetarian options, different types of cheese, or added vegetables are all great ways to personalize it.
* **Minimal Effort:** Despite its impressive taste, this casserole requires minimal effort to prepare. It’s a perfect option for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a delicious breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients. This recipe is quite forgiving, so feel free to adjust the amounts based on your preferences.

* **1 pound Breakfast Sausage:** Use your favorite type of sausage. Italian sausage, sage sausage, or even chorizo will work well. Remove the sausage from its casing. You can also use ground turkey or ground beef as a healthier alternative.
* **6 Eggs:** Large eggs are recommended.
* **2 cups Milk:** Whole milk provides the richest flavor, but 2% milk or even almond milk can be used as substitutes.
* **1 teaspoon Dry Mustard:** This adds a subtle tang and complexity to the egg mixture. If you don’t have dry mustard, you can use a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Or to taste.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Freshly ground pepper is preferred.
* **6 slices Bread:** Day-old bread works best. This is because it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming soggy. Cubed or torn bread is fine; some people prefer to remove the crusts, but this is optional. Sourdough, French bread, or even regular white bread will work.
* **2 cups Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can use any combination of cheeses you like. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would be delicious.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** These are entirely optional, but they can add extra flavor and nutrition to the casserole. Consider adding:
* Chopped onions
* Diced bell peppers
* Sliced mushrooms
* Spinach
* Sun-dried tomatoes
* Green onions

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Babs Costello Overnight Breakfast Casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Sausage**

* In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole. Nobody wants a soggy, oily breakfast!
* If you’re adding any vegetables like onions or bell peppers, sauté them in the skillet with the sausage until they are softened. This will enhance their flavor and prevent them from being crunchy in the final casserole.

**Step 2: Prepare the Bread**

* Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. You can also tear the bread into smaller pieces. The size of the bread pieces is a matter of personal preference. Some people like larger chunks, while others prefer smaller pieces that soak up more of the egg mixture.
* Spread the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the bread covers the entire bottom of the dish. This will provide a solid base for the casserole.

**Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**

* Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes. If you are using any other optional add-ins like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, sprinkle them over the sausage as well.
* Top with the shredded cheese. Distribute the cheese evenly over the sausage and bread. Don’t be shy with the cheese! It adds a lot of flavor and helps to bind the casserole together.

**Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The dry mustard is important for adding a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the casserole.
* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish. Make sure the egg mixture covers all of the bread. Use a fork to gently press down on the bread to ensure that it is fully submerged in the egg mixture. This will help the bread to absorb the egg mixture and prevent it from being dry.

**Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight**

* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture and the flavors to meld together. This step is essential for creating a delicious and flavorful casserole.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

* Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help it to bake more evenly. This is important because putting a cold casserole directly into a hot oven can cause it to cook unevenly.
* Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the optimal temperature for baking the casserole. Baking it at a higher temperature could cause the eggs to become rubbery.
* Uncover the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the egg mixture is set. A knife inserted into the center of the casserole should come out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
* If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

**Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up and makes it easier to slice. It also prevents the casserole from being too watery.
* Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired. You can also serve it with a side of fruit, yogurt, or a dollop of sour cream.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Day-Old Bread:** As mentioned earlier, day-old bread works best for this recipe. It absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
* **Customize the Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
* **Add Vegetables:** Don’t be afraid to add vegetables to the casserole. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are all great additions.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and add more vegetables or use a vegetarian sausage substitute.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Add a Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Try Different Meats:** Instead of sausage, try using bacon, ham, or chorizo.
* **Make Mini Casseroles:** Pour the egg mixture into muffin tins and bake for individual breakfast casseroles.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the casserole can make the eggs rubbery. Check it frequently during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

## Serving Suggestions

This breakfast casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes.
* **Yogurt:** Top with a dollop of plain yogurt or Greek yogurt.
* **Sour Cream:** Serve with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
* **Hot Sauce:** Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like a little spice.
* **Maple Syrup:** Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and savory combination.
* **Avocado:** Top with sliced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition.
* **Salsa:** Serve with a side of salsa for a zesty and flavorful twist.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Pair it with your favorite coffee or tea for a complete breakfast.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover breakfast casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the microwave, oven, or skillet. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in a skillet, heat over medium heat until heated through.
* **Freeze:** You can also freeze the breakfast casserole for longer storage. Cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 200-250mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Babs Costello’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound breakfast sausage
* 6 eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon dry mustard
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* 6 slices bread, cubed
* 2 cups shredded cheese
* Optional add-ins: chopped onions, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions

**Instructions:**

1. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain off grease. Sauté vegetables if using.
2. Spread bread cubes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle cooked sausage (and vegetables, if using) over the bread.
4. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
6. Pour egg mixture over bread, sausage, and cheese.
7. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Uncover and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
10. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Babs Costello Overnight Breakfast Casserole! This recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. The make-ahead convenience makes it perfect for busy mornings or holiday gatherings. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to indulge in a breakfast that’s both comforting and satisfying.