Delicious Overnight Dutch Oven Sausage & Egg Brunch Bake: Your Ultimate Make-Ahead Holiday Casserole
Imagine waking up on a bustling holiday morning, the house filled with the aroma of a hearty breakfast, yet you’ve barely lifted a finger. Sounds like a dream, right? This **Overnight Dutch Oven Brunch Bake** transforms that dream into a delicious reality. Packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, rich cheese, earthy mushrooms, and the delightful tang of sourdough bread, this one-pot wonder is designed to bring joy and ease to your holiday mornings. Baked to perfection in a trusty cast iron Dutch oven, it’s a robust and flavorful **Sausage Egg Casserole** that will satisfy everyone at your table.
The holidays, while wonderful, can also be incredibly demanding. Between the shopping, wrapping, decorating, and endless meal preparations, finding time for a relaxed breakfast often feels impossible. That’s precisely why this **make-ahead breakfast casserole** is a game-changer. Prepare it the night before, let the flavors meld and deepen overnight, and simply pop it in the oven the next morning. It’s the ideal solution for feeding hungry family members who’ve gathered at your home, allowing you to enjoy precious moments rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Why a Cast Iron Dutch Oven is Your Best Friend for Brunch Bakes
While you could certainly prepare a delicious breakfast casserole in a traditional 9×13 inch baking dish, there’s something truly special about baking it in a **cast iron Dutch oven**. Not only does it look stunning when brought to the table, but the Dutch oven also offers superior heat distribution and retention, ensuring your casserole cooks evenly and stays warm longer. The heavy lid helps to lock in moisture, preventing the edges from drying out and creating a perfectly tender and flavorful bake every time. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of a true “one-pot” meal? Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your coffee and company.
This particular recipe holds a special place in my heart, inspired by my Mom’s classic casserole, but with a few delightful adjustments I’ve made over the years. I find that topping it with fresh scallions and ripe grape tomatoes just before serving elevates the flavors and adds a beautiful burst of color and freshness. My love for my **Swiss Diamond Cast Iron Dutch Oven** runs deep, and it was actually the very first recipe I christened it with. Its beauty and performance are truly unmatched, making every meal feel like a special occasion. And speaking of Swiss Diamond, don’t miss your chance to win an amazing prize from them – read on for details!
SOME OF THE ITEMS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS; I AM A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES. I AM ALSO AN AFFILIATE FOR OTHER BRANDS. HOWEVER, I ONLY PROMOTE THINGS THAT I LOVE AND THINK YOU WILL LOVE, TOO. FOR MY ENTIRE DISCLOSURE POLICY PLEASE CLICK HERE.
^LOVE IT? Pin It!^
The “Happy Accident” That Transformed This Sausage & Egg Casserole
Every holiday morning deserves a hot, delicious breakfast, and this recipe delivers on flavor, big time! I often make this **Sausage Egg Casserole** for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The ability to prep it the night before and then simply slide it into the oven in the morning means you can truly relax with a cup of coffee while breakfast bakes to perfection. While I typically use ground pork sausage, a memorable moment in my kitchen led to a delightful discovery.
One day, while gathering ingredients, I ventured to a grocery store I didn’t usually frequent. I grabbed a new brand of breakfast sausage, the kind that comes in a tube. Back home, I excitedly sliced it open, only to be hit with an absolutely awful smell! My immediate thought was, “Is this how this brand smells, or is it spoiled?” A quick check of the date confirmed it was perfectly fine, yet the pungent aroma was undeniable. My two dogs, typically deep in their puppy slumber, were suddenly at my feet, drawn by the unsettling scent. There was no way I was risking one of my favorite breakfast casseroles with this dubious meat. I quickly sealed it in a ziplock bag and discreetly disposed of it.
But then, what to do? Standing in front of my deep freezer, I spotted some breakfast sausage links – a brand I always use and trust. Desperate, I decided to try them instead, breaking them up as they browned. What a serendipitous moment! The link sausage not only worked beautifully but added a wonderful texture and deeper flavor to the casserole. It was a happy accident indeed, and now, I wouldn’t prepare this dish any other way. This minor change transformed the **Dutch Oven Brunch Bake** into an even more exceptional dish, proving that sometimes, the best culinary discoveries are born from unexpected circumstances.
Essential Ingredients for Your Dutch Oven Brunch Bake
This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for this incredible **Overnight Dutch Oven Breakfast Casserole**:
- **Sourdough Bread:** The crusty texture and tangy flavor of sourdough provide an excellent base, soaking up the egg mixture beautifully without becoming soggy.
- **Breakfast Sausage Links:** My “happy accident” ingredient! These break down into perfect bite-sized pieces and impart a fantastic flavor.
- **Eggs & Milk:** The classic duo for a rich and custardy egg bake.
- **Cheddar Cheese:** Adds a creamy, sharp, and irresistibly gooey layer.
- **Green Onions & Grape Tomatoes:** Fresh and vibrant, these toppings add a final flourish of color and flavor.
- **Dry Mustard:** A secret ingredient that subtly enhances the savory notes of the eggs and sausage.
- **Fresh White Mushrooms:** Adds an earthy depth and delightful texture to the casserole.
I truly appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of **one-pot meals**, and I’m sure you do too. This recipe exemplifies that philosophy, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor and convenience.
How to Prepare Your Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole
The beauty of this **Dutch Oven Brunch Bake** lies in its straightforward preparation. You’ll start right in your Dutch oven, making it truly a one-pan process:
- **Brown the Sausage:** Place your cast iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the breakfast sausage links and begin browning them, breaking them into bite-sized pieces as they cook. This step builds the first layer of flavor right in your pot.
- **Prepare the Dutch Oven:** Once the sausage is beautifully browned, remove it to a bowl. Add a splash of hot water to the warm Dutch oven and gently scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom – this is called deglazing and adds even more flavor. Quickly rinse and wipe the pot dry with a paper towel, then spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- **Slice and Cube Sourdough:** Grab your crusty sourdough bread. Slice it into pieces about ¾ inch thick, then cube those slices into crouton-sized chunks. There’s no need for precise measurements here; rustic is perfect!
- **Layer the Ingredients:** Arrange the sourdough bread cubes evenly at the bottom of your Dutch oven, forming a sturdy and delicious base.
- **Add Cheese and Sausage:** Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the bread cubes. This will melt down and create a gooey, flavorful layer. Next, add your browned sausage link pieces over the cheese.
- **Mushrooms and Egg Mixture:** Top with roughly chopped fresh white mushrooms. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, and the bottom white parts of your sliced green onions. Pour this egg mixture evenly over all the layers in the Dutch oven.
- **Overnight Chill:** Cover your Dutch oven with its lid and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This crucial step allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture and all the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a moist and incredibly flavorful casserole.
- **Morning Bake:** In the morning, remove the Dutch oven from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it come closer to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- **Bake to Perfection:** Bake the casserole covered for approximately 55 minutes. Then, remove the lid, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is golden brown and set.
Just look at that golden-brown perfection! The beauty of this casserole, and indeed my fantastic Swiss Diamond Dutch Oven, is undeniable.
Serving Your Delicious Brunch Bake
After baking, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set completely and makes for easier slicing. Just before serving, generously top with the reserved green onion tops and fresh grape tomatoes. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors truly bring this rich, savory dish to life. Now that’s the way to rise and shine on any special morning!
More Breakfast Favorites from An Affair from the Heart
If you loved this **Overnight Dutch Oven Brunch Bake**, be sure to explore some of my other popular breakfast and brunch recipes:
- Ice Cream Sticky Cinnamon Rolls
- Ham & Smoked Gouda Quiche
- Resort Omelets
- Cinnamon Roll Waffles
- Breakfast Hash Brown Pizza
- Sausage & Potato Casserole
- Sausage Crescent Breakfast Bake
Discover the Perfect Gift for Foodies with Swiss Diamond
As a huge fan of quality kitchenware, I’m thrilled to highlight Swiss Diamond products, which make exceptional gifts for the foodies in your life! Their commitment to durable, high-performance cookware is evident in every piece, including the stunning cast iron Dutch oven featured in this recipe.
Swiss Diamond Gift Ideas for Every Culinary Enthusiast
- Complete Knife Block 10-piece Set
- 6.9 quart Round Casserole (Dutch Oven)
- XD Non-Stick Fry Pan with Lid
- XD Non-Stick 2 Piece Fry Pan and Grill Pan
- XD Non-Stick Double Burner Griddle
- XD Non-Stick 2 Piece Fry Pan Duo
Good luck on the Swiss Diamond Giveaway! Now, without further ado, let’s get to the full recipe for this incredible **Dutch Oven Sausage Egg Casserole**!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Dutch Oven Brunch Bake {Sausage Egg Casserole}
Ingredients
- 2 12 ounce packages breakfast sausage links
- 6 slices sourdough bread cut into bite sized chunks
- 4 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese divided
- 8 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 5 green onions divided, sliced
- 2 cups fresh white mushrooms roughly chopped
- Scallions from above and fresh tomatoes, for serving
Instructions
-
Place Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown sausage links. As they brown, begin breaking them into bite sized pieces. When they are browned, remove them from the pot, and add a little hot water, and scrape up any brown bits that are stuck to the bottom. Give it a quick rinse and wipe it dry with a paper towel. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
-
Add bread cubes to the bottom of the pan.
-
Top with 3 cups of cheese. Then sausage pieces. Top with mushrooms.
-
Whisk together eggs, milk, mustard and the bottoms of the green onions.
-
Pour over the top. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
-
Remove from the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
Bake for 55 minutes covered. Remove lid, top with remaining cup of cheese, bake for another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
-
Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh tomatoes the the tops of the green onions.