Budget-Friendly Mother’s Day Brunch Casserole Recipe
This overnight breakfast casserole feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. You’ll assemble it the night before using simple ingredients like bread, eggs, and cheese, then just pop it in the oven when you wake up.
It’s the kind of dish that lets you spend time with mom instead of standing over the stove all morning.
Why Day-Old Bread Makes This Casserole Better
Stale or day-old bread actually works better than fresh for this casserole. The slightly dried texture soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart, creating a custardy interior with a golden top.
If you only have fresh bread, leave the slices out on the counter for a few hours or toast them lightly. Dense breads like sourdough or whole wheat hold up especially well, but regular sandwich bread works fine too.
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Make-Ahead Strategy for Stress-Free Morning
Assembling this casserole the night before isn’t just convenient—it’s actually better for the final result. The bread needs at least 4 hours to fully absorb the egg mixture, which creates that custardy texture you want.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed. The timing works out so it’s ready right when everyone’s hungry for brunch.
Budget-Friendly Mother’s Day Brunch Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet
Instructions
- Cook sausage: Cook breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
- Layer ingredients: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the dish, then sprinkle cooked sausage and 1½ cups of cheese over the bread.
- Make custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined. Pour egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage.
- Chill overnight: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap and drizzle melted butter over the top, then sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheese.
- Bake casserole: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 serving)
