Overnight Italian Breakfast

Wake up to the irresistible aromas of this Overnight Italian Breakfast, a savory make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Bursting with the rich flavors of crumbled Italian sausage, sautéed onions, garlic, and a medley of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, this dish features hearty ciabatta bread soaked in a seasoned egg mixture for a creamy, custard-like texture. Prep the night before and let the flavors meld as it chills in the fridge, then simply bake it to golden perfection in the morning. Garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor, this easy breakfast casserole is a crowd-pleaser that brings the comforting essence of Italy to your table. Keywords: Italian breakfast casserole, overnight breakfast recipe, make-ahead breakfast, Italian sausage, easy brunch recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups ciabatta bread, cubed
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage to a paper-towel-lined plate.

Step 2

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Step 3

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the cubed ciabatta bread in the dish evenly.

Step 4

Layer the cooked sausage over the bread, followed by the cooked onion and garlic mixture.

Step 5

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sausage and bread.

Step 6

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

Step 7

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure the bread cubes are soaked.

Step 8

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.

Step 9

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the cover and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the eggs are set in the center.

Step 11

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh basil, if using, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2736.9 grams (2736.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6027

Total Fat 316.70g	406%
Saturated Fat 124.10g	621%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.90g
Cholesterol 2106mg	702%
Sodium 13645mg	593%
Total Carbohydrate 521.30g	190%
Dietary Fiber 19.10g	68%
Total Sugars 46.30g
Protein 303.50g	607%

Vitamin D 543IU	2714%
Calcium 3623mg	279%
Iron 29mg	159%
Potassium 2955mg	63%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.4%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 33.9%