Overnight Breakfast Bake Recipe

Eggs: The base of the dish, providing structure and richness.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to bind the ingredients together.

Shredded cheese: Adds a gooey, melty texture and rich flavor.

Bread: Provides bulk and absorbs the egg mixture, creating a fluffy texture.

Sausage: Adds a savory, meaty element to the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bake.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the flavor.

When preparing the bread for this overnight breakfast bake, consider using slightly stale bread instead of fresh. Stale bread will absorb the egg mixture more effectively, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful bake. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out by toasting the bread cubes in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before adding them to the mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that provides a similar texture and flavor.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor and is a good option for those avoiding dairy.

• bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: For those with gluten intolerance, gluten-free bread works well and provides a similar texture.

• cooked sausage - Substitute with cooked turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner option and reduces the fat content of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with herb seasoning blend: An herb seasoning blend can add flavor without the extra sodium.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but is less visually noticeable in the dish.

• Allow the overnight breakfast bake to cool completely after baking. This ensures that condensation doesn't form inside the storage container, which could make the dish soggy.

• Once cooled, cut the bake into individual portions. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need, reducing waste and maintaining the quality of the remaining portions.

• Store the portions in airtight containers or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. For added protection, you can also place the wrapped portions in a resealable freezer bag.

• Label each container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the breakfast bake has been stored, ensuring you consume it while it's still fresh.

• For refrigeration, place the containers in the fridge. The breakfast bake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, place the containers or bags in the freezer. The breakfast bake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing its flavor and texture.

• When ready to reheat, if refrigerated, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, thaw the portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• For a crispier texture, reheat the breakfast bake in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and the top is slightly crispy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover breakfast bake in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the center is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Cut a portion of the breakfast bake and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If it's not heated through, continue in 30-second increments until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the breakfast bake in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid to help it heat evenly.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the breakfast bake in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. If needed, heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the center is warm and the top is crispy.

• Mixing bowl: To whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, and to combine all the ingredients.

• Whisk: To thoroughly mix the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the milk and shredded cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the salt and black pepper precisely.

• Cheese grater: To shred the cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Cutting board: To cube the bread and crumble the cooked sausage.

• Knife: To cut the bread into cubes and to chop or crumble the cooked sausage.

• Baking dish: To pour the mixture into for baking.

• Plastic wrap or aluminum foil: To cover the baking dish before refrigerating overnight.

• Oven: To bake the breakfast casserole.

• Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Spatula: To serve the breakfast bake once it has cooled for a few minutes.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients the night before to streamline the process.

Use pre-cooked sausage: Opt for pre-cooked sausage to save on cooking time.

Shred cheese in advance: Shred the cheese and store it in an airtight container.

Grease the dish early: Grease the baking dish ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassle.

Mix in a large bowl: Use a large mixing bowl to combine all ingredients quickly and efficiently.

Refrigerate overnight: Let the mixture sit overnight to enhance flavors and save morning prep time.