Babs’ Holiday Overnight Breakfast Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Tradition

Introduction

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. And what better way to start a holiday morning than with a warm and comforting breakfast casserole? This recipe for Babs’ Holiday Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that you can prepare it the night before, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities in the morning.

This casserole is inspired by the warmth and charm of “Babs”, a popular internet personality known for her heartwarming recipes and effortless entertaining style. This dish embodies her spirit: it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. This recipe is a perfect blend of savory and comforting flavors, featuring layers of bread, sausage, cheese, and a rich custard. It’s customizable to your preferences, making it a versatile option for any holiday gathering.

Whether it’s Christmas morning, Thanksgiving brunch, or Easter Sunday, this overnight breakfast casserole is sure to become a cherished tradition in your family. Get ready to wake up to the irresistible aroma of a freshly baked breakfast, and start your holiday celebrations off right!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Convenient:** Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning. No more rushing around trying to make breakfast while everyone is waiting.
* **Delicious:** A savory and comforting combination of bread, sausage, cheese, and custard.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Perfect for feeding a large group of family and friends.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences.
* **Free Up Your Time:** Since preparation is done the night before, you get to spend time with your family instead of spending hours in the kitchen on a holiday morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bread:** 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard better. You can also use croissants or brioche for a richer flavor.
* **Sausage:** 1 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled. Italian sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives can be used.
* **Cheese:** 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend of cheeses would also be excellent choices.
* **Eggs:** 8 large eggs. The eggs are the heart of the custard, providing richness and structure to the casserole.
* **Milk:** 2 cups of whole milk. Whole milk provides the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk or even almond milk for a lighter option.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup of heavy cream. Heavy cream adds richness and creates a luxurious texture. You can substitute with half-and-half if desired.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup of chopped onion. Adds a savory flavor to the casserole. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Green Bell Pepper:** 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper (optional). Provides a touch of sweetness and crunch.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of minced garlic. Adds a fragrant and flavorful base to the casserole.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Adds a tangy and savory flavor.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon of salt. Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Adds a touch of spice.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish). Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Equipment

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it is fully cooked and browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Arrange half of the cubed bread in a single layer on the bottom of the dish.
3. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly over the bread.
4. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sausage mixture.
5. Repeat layers with the remaining bread, sausage mixture, and cheese.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Pour and Refrigerate

1. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers in the baking dish.
2. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it is fully submerged in the custard.
3. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
4. Refrigerate the casserole for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Uncover the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
4. 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 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to slice.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Bread:** Use a variety of breads, such as croissants, brioche, or sourdough, for a different flavor and texture.
* **Sausage:** Experiment with different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage.
* **Cheese:** Use your favorite cheese blend, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes, for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Sweetness:** Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the egg mixture for a hint of sweetness.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the sausage with vegetarian sausage crumbles or sautéed vegetables.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
* **Add-ins:** Consider adding chopped ham, bacon, or cooked vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
* **Spice it Up:** Include a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a kick.
* **Herbs:** Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives can elevate the flavor profile.

Make Ahead Instructions

This casserole is designed to be made ahead of time! Here’s how to ensure success:

* Follow all the steps until you’ve assembled the casserole and poured the custard over the bread, sausage, and cheese.
* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
* Refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours.
* When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly.
* Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

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

* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the richness of the casserole.
* **Yogurt Parfaits:** Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy and satisfying side.
* **Orange Juice or Mimosas:** A classic pairing for breakfast or brunch.
* **Coffee or Tea:** A warm beverage to complete the meal.
* **Maple Syrup or Hot Sauce:** Offer these condiments for those who want to add a touch of sweetness or spice.
* **Salsa:** For those who enjoy a little zing, a mild or medium salsa makes a great topping.

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
* **Freezing:** While the casserole is best served fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage. Let the baked casserole cool completely, then cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Please note that nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 200-250mg
* Sodium: 600-800mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 20-25g

Conclusion

Babs’ Holiday Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to start any holiday morning. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its savory flavors and comforting texture, this casserole will become a cherished tradition in your family for years to come. So, gather your ingredients, prepare the casserole the night before, and wake up to a delightful breakfast that will make your holiday celebrations even more special. Enjoy!

This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a casserole that is uniquely yours. Happy baking and happy holidays!

Recipe Card

**Recipe Name:** Babs’ Holiday Overnight Breakfast Casserole

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Total Time:** 9-10 hours (including overnight refrigeration)
**Servings:** 8-10 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
* 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
* 8 large eggs
* 2 cups of whole milk
* 1 cup of heavy cream
* 1/2 cup of chopped onion
* 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper (optional)
* 2 cloves of minced garlic
* 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon of salt
* 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
* 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. Add onion and green bell pepper (if using) and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the bread, sausage mixture, and cheese in the dish. Repeat layers.
3. Prepare the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour and Refrigerate: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers. Press down on the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and custard is set.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

**Notes:**
* Customize the ingredients to your preferences. See the tips and variations section for ideas.
* The casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.