Decadent Overnight Sausage & Egg Bake
This Decadent Overnight Sausage & Egg Bake is an indulgent breakfast option that's perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Inspired by a cherished recipe from a former colleague, this dish combines the comforting flavors of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, all layered between slices of buttery bread. The best part? It can be prepared the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply pop it into the oven in the morning while you enjoy the festive atmosphere. Though I’ve lightened it up from the original recipe, it still delivers a rich, satisfying taste that everyone will love. Perfect for Christmas morning or any brunch gathering, this dish will become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bread
6 slices (sliced)
reduced fat margarine
1-2 tablespoons (at room temperature (such as Smart Balance))
lean sausage meat
8 ounces (cooked and drained of fat (such as Jimmy Dean))
large eggs
2 (beaten)
low-fat cheddar cheese
1-2 cups (shredded)
skim milk
1 1/2 cups (liquid)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
Grease an 8x8 inch square glass baking dish and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Evenly butter one side of each slice of bread, using reduced-fat margarine.
3
Place the slices of bread in the bottom of the prepared baking dish in one even layer, buttered sides facing up. You may need to cut the slices to fit.
4
Sprinkle the cooked, drained sausage meat evenly over the bread layer, followed by a generous layer of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese.
5
Lay the remaining slices of bread on top, again buttered side facing up.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, skim milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese.
7
Gently press down on the bread with your fingers to ensure it is fully moistened by the egg mixture.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
9
On Christmas morning, uncover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is puffed up and lightly golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Overnight Sausage & Egg Bake?
It is an indulgent breakfast casserole made with savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese layered between buttery bread.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight.
What size baking dish should I use?
You should use an 8x8 inch square glass baking dish.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How many slices of bread are needed?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of bread.
Does the sausage need to be cooked before adding it to the bake?
Yes, you should use 8 ounces of lean sausage meat that has been cooked and drained of fat.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large beaten eggs.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of skim milk.
How much cheese is included in the dish?
You should use 1 to 2 cups of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese.
Should I butter the bread slices?
Yes, evenly butter one side of each slice using 1-2 tablespoons of reduced-fat margarine.
How do I arrange the bread in the dish?
Place slices in an even layer with the buttered sides facing up, cutting them to fit if necessary.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer bread first, then sausage, then cheese, and finish with another layer of bread.
What is the purpose of pressing down on the bread?
Gently pressing down ensures the bread is fully moistened by the egg and milk mixture.
How long does the bake need to stay in the refrigerator?
It should be covered with foil and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How long does it take to bake?
The dish takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake.
How do I know when the egg bake is done?
It is done when the top is puffed up and has turned a lightly golden brown color.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, uncover the dish before placing it in the oven on the morning of baking.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is perfect for Christmas morning or any special holiday brunch gathering.
What brand of sausage is suggested?
The recipe suggests a lean sausage meat such as Jimmy Dean.
What brand of margarine can I use?
A reduced-fat margarine like Smart Balance is recommended.
Can I use whole milk instead of skim milk?
While the recipe calls for skim milk to lighten it up, whole milk can be used for a richer taste.
What seasonings are added to the egg mixture?
Add salt and pepper to the egg and milk mixture to taste.
How should the dish be served?
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, make sure to grease the 8x8 inch baking dish before adding any ingredients.
Is this a heavy breakfast option?
While indulgent and decadent, this version has been lightened up with low-fat and skim ingredients.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, though low-fat cheddar is specified, you can substitute other shredded cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
In an 8x8 dish, it typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on portion size.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, though not in the base recipe, sauteed peppers or onions would pair well with the sausage.
Why is the bread placed buttered-side up?
Placing it buttered-side up helps create a rich flavor and helps the top layer brown beautifully.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its savory, warm, and satisfying nature.