Name: Fireman’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Country Gravy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-485683H50M53S
Total time: PT-485683H50M53S
Ingredients: 1 pound ground breakfast sausage; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 8 oz sliced mushrooms; ¼ cup green onions, chopped; 12 large eggs; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups milk; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1–2 tablespoons butter or oil; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

This recipe has “comfort food” written all over it. Inspired by the stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts served in firehouses across the country, this casserole is built to feed a hungry crew and keep you full for hours. It layers crispy hash browns, smoky sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, then gets topped with a creamy homemade country gravy before baking until golden and bubbly.

Make it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and breakfast is done.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Make-ahead friendly: Prep it the night before, bake in the morning
✅ Feeds a crowd: Perfect for holidays, brunches, or big families
✅ Comfort food heaven: Creamy, cheesy, sausage-y, and so satisfying
✅ One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
✅ Freezer-friendly: Make now, bake later

Prep Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours (overnight)
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: About 9 hours (mostly hands-off)
Servings: 8–10

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: ~520 | Protein: 21g | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 37g

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
1 lb ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
1 cup chopped onion (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese
10 large eggs
1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Country Gravy:

¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk
½ teaspoon salt
½–1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Optional: pinch of cayenne for a kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the sausage

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through (about 7–8 minutes).
Add chopped onion if using, and cook until softened.
Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Assemble the casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread thawed hash browns evenly in the bottom.
Layer the cooked sausage mixture on top.
Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the sausage.

3. Mix the eggs

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Pour the egg mixture over the casserole layers.

4. Make the country gravy

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Simmer until thickened, about 4–6 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.

5. Pour gravy on top

Pour the warm gravy over the unbaked casserole, spreading it gently with a spatula.

6. Cover and chill overnight

Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Bake in the Morning

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove casserole from the fridge while oven preheats.
Bake covered for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–25 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

With hot sauce or salsa on the side
With a side salad or fruit for balance
With garlic toast or biscuits to soak up any extra gravy
With hot coffee or iced tea—the ultimate brunch pairing

Tips for Success

Thaw hash browns completely so they cook evenly.
Season that gravy well—black pepper is key!
Use a meat thermometer—the center should reach 165°F for food safety.
Let it rest after baking—this helps it firm up for clean slices.
Don’t skip the overnight chill—it allows flavors to meld and ensures a fluffier texture.

Recipe Variations

Meat lovers: Add crumbled bacon or diced ham with the sausage.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage or skip meat and load up on veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Spicy: Use hot sausage or add green chiles and jalapeños.
Tex-Mex twist: Sub Monterey Jack cheese, add cumin, and serve with salsa and avocado.
Mini version: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F until heated through.

FAQ

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Just shred them, squeeze out the moisture with a towel, and use in place of frozen.

Can I make the gravy the night before?
Absolutely. Make it ahead, let it cool, and pour it over the casserole before chilling.

Can I bake it the same day?
Yes—but chilling overnight gives the best flavor and texture. If baking right away, let it sit for 30 minutes after assembling before baking.

What if I don’t want gravy on top?
You can skip it! The casserole will still be delicious—just a little less rich.

Conclusion

This Fireman’s Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Country Gravy is a full-on comfort food breakfast that’s made to feed a crew—and impress them while you’re at it. With savory sausage, melty cheese, crispy hash browns, and that signature gravy on top, it’s everything you love about breakfast in one easy, make-ahead dish.

Perfect for holidays, weekends, potlucks, or just a cold morning when you want something hearty and homemade.