Breakfast Ahead
A hearty breakfast casserole with sausage, eggs, cheese, and green chilies, baked to perfection. Perfect for weekend brunches or family gatherings, offering bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, cook the sausage and drain excess fat.
- Spoon the cooked sausage over the split and buttered English muffins in the pan.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and add sour cream.
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and muffins.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Dot with diced green chilies.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, bake in a 325°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy sausage instead of traditional Bob Evans sausage. You can also substitute the sharp Cheddar with pepper Jack cheese for a bit of heat. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage or frozen English muffins can save you some prep work. This recipe can be adapted easily for a vegetarian option by using a meat substitute and adding more vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty breakfast casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. For a complete brunch experience, serve it alongside a Bloody Mary or coffee. You could also consider serving with a side of hash browns or roasted potatoes for extra comfort. It's perfect for a weekend family breakfast or a special occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place servings in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, which helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Breakfast Ahead contains roughly 342 calories, with 8g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 528mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is designed to be made the night before. After assembling, just cover it and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze individual portions of the casserole. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake or microwave until heated through.
What can I substitute for the sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a similar creaminess and tang. You could also use cottage cheese for a different texture, or even a non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).