Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole

If you’re looking for a breakfast that combines convenience and flavor, look no further than this Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole. Perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches, this dish allows you to prepare everything the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. Bursting with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheeses, it’s a dish that will surely impress your family and friends.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s just something special about waking up to the aroma of a home-cooked breakfast wafting through the kitchen. The Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole is not only simple to prepare, but it also brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your table. With layers of sautéed vegetables, hearty sausage, and a rich custard, each bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a perfect canvas for creativity.

What’s in the Bowl

This casserole is made with simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
• 1 pound uncooked Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, seeds removed, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 dozen large eggs
• 1/2 cup full-fat milk
• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Hardware & Gadgets

Before you start cooking, it’s good to have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13 inch baking dish – the perfect size for this casserole.
• Large skillet – for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
• Mixing bowl – to whisk the eggs and milk together.
• Sharp knife – for chopping vegetables.
• Cutting board – to keep your workspace organized and clean.

Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole Cooking Guide

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make this delicious Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and red bell peppers, mince the garlic, and finely chop the fresh rosemary. This will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart, cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

To the skillet, add the diced onion and red bell peppers. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 5: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ricotta cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the sausage and vegetable mixture to the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 8: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the flavors and ensures a perfectly moist casserole.

Step 9: Bake in the Morning

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some substitutes you can use in this Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole:

• For dairy-free: Use almond milk or any plant-based milk in place of full-fat milk, and substitute with dairy-free cheese.
• For gluten-free: Ensure that your sausage is gluten-free and consider using gluten-free bread cubes.
• For vegetarian: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty texture.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

While making the Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole is quite straightforward, here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Too soggy: Ensure that the bread cubes are sturdy and allow them to soak up the egg mixture overnight without becoming overly mushy.
• Overcooked eggs: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. Every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
• Flavorless: Don’t skip on the seasoning! Adjust the salt and spices to match your taste preferences for a more flavorful dish.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole is fantastic for meal prep! Here are some storage tips:

This casserole can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Ask the Chef

Can I add different vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even broccoli would be delicious additions.

Is it necessary to use ricotta cheese?

While ricotta adds creaminess, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or omit it entirely if you prefer a lighter dish.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges are golden and the center is set. You can insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready to go!

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! You can freeze the uncooked casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

You Might Also Like

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are some other breakfast ideas you might love:

• Blueberry Breakfast Bake
• Vegetable Frittata
• Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
• Overnight Oats Recipe

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and make this Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it solo, this dish will surely brighten your morning and keep you satisfied.

With its delightful combination of savory sausage, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheeses, the Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Easy Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole is a savory delight! Packed with Italian sausage, fresh veggies, and creamy cheeses, it’s perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
• 1 pound uncooked Italian sausage casings removed
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 medium red bell peppers seeds removed, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup full-fat milk
• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and red bell peppers, mince the garlic, and finely chop the fresh rosemary. This will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart, cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
3. To the skillet, add the diced onion and red bell peppers. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ricotta cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Add the sausage and vegetable mixture to the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine.
7. Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the flavors and ensures a perfectly moist casserole.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Notes

• This casserole can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.