Cold-Start Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (454 g)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (150 g)
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced (150 g)
• 1 bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed (680 g)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided (226 g)
• 10 large eggs (500 g)
• 2 cups whole milk (480 g)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (6 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened, for dish (14 g)

Instructions

1. Butter dish. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, including corners and upper sides. Set it on a sheet pan for easier handling. Keep the dish nearby while you prepare the filling.
2. Cook sausage. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage, breaking it into small crumbles, until no pink remains. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Transfer the mixture to a colander and drain thoroughly.
3. Layer filling. Spread thawed hash browns evenly in the buttered dish. Scatter the drained sausage mixture over them, then sprinkle three-quarters of the cheddar across the filling. Reserve remaining cheese for the top and level the layers gently.
4. Add custard. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth and uniform. Pour evenly over the layers, moving across the pan. Use a fork to tuck exposed potatoes beneath the liquid, then scatter reserved cheddar over the surface.
5. Chill overnight. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. The potatoes absorb some custard during the rest, which helps the center bake evenly. In the morning, place the covered, cold casserole in a cold oven before turning it on.
6. Finish and rest. Set oven to 350°F and bake covered 35 minutes. Uncover and bake 25 to 30 minutes longer, until center reaches 160°F. Rest 10 minutes before cutting.

Notes

• Thaw hash browns completely before assembly. If they leave visible liquid in the bowl, press them between paper towels before layering; this prevents a diluted custard around the bottom.
• A glass or ceramic 9-by-13-inch dish works well. Do not place very cold glass on a hot burner; bake it only in the oven as directed.
• Cool leftovers before dividing them into individual reheating portions.

Nutrition Facts