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Fireman’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Country Gravy: A Hearty Start to Your Day
There’s nothing quite like a warm, satisfying breakfast to start your day on the right foot. Whether you’re prepping for a busy morning or planning a cozy weekend brunch with loved ones, this Fireman’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Country Gravy is a surefire winner. Inspired by classic Southern comfort food, this dish combines hearty sausage, savory spices, cheesy goodness, and an indulgent country gravy that will leave you and your guests asking for seconds.
Why Choose an Overnight Casserole?
The beauty of an overnight casserole lies in its convenience. Instead of scrambling to make breakfast the morning of, you can do most of the work the night before. This allows you to sleep in, enjoy a cup of coffee, and wake up to a delicious, ready-to-bake breakfast that requires minimal effort.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, hosting a weekend gathering, or simply craving a cozy breakfast, overnight casseroles are a game-changer. In the case of this Fireman’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole, you’ll have all the ingredients prepped and assembled, so all you need to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.
The Base of the Casserole: A Hearty Mix of Sausage, Eggs, and Bread
The foundation of any great breakfast casserole is a balance of savory and satisfying ingredients. This casserole features a delicious blend of breakfast sausage, eggs, milk, bread, and cheese. The sausage provides the meaty flavor and richness, while the eggs and milk create a creamy, custard-like texture. The bread cubes soak up all the delicious flavors, becoming perfectly tender as they bake.
To start, you’ll want to cook the breakfast sausage. This can be done in a large skillet over medium heat. You can opt for mild sausage if you prefer a more neutral flavor, or spicy sausage if you’re craving a little kick. After browning the sausage, add diced onions and bell peppers (optional but highly recommended for added sweetness and crunch) and cook until softened.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will become the custard-like base that binds all the casserole ingredients together. Once the sausage mixture has cooled slightly, combine it with the bread cubes and shredded cheese. The bread should be cubed into bite-sized pieces, and you can use day-old bread, a baguette, or even French bread for the best texture.
Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. The bread will soak up the custard, absorbing all the flavors and becoming tender during the baking process.