Delicious Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Busy mornings just got easier! This incredible overnight breakfast casserole is your secret weapon for stress-free breakfasts. It’s a make-ahead marvel that combines savory ingredients, eggs, and cheese into one comforting dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or simply simplifying your week, it offers fantastic flavor and versatility without the morning rush. Enjoy convenience, deliciousness, and a relaxed start to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Breakfast Casserole

You’ll adore this recipe for many reasons, especially its incredible convenience and mouth-watering taste. It’s a true game-changer for anyone who wants a hearty, flavorful meal without early morning kitchen duty.

• Saves time on busy mornings. Assemble it the night before and just bake when you wake up.
• Perfect for holidays or guests. Impress everyone with minimal effort on the day of.
• Flavor develops overnight. The bread soaks up the eggy custard, creating a richer taste.
• Easy to customize. Swap in your favorite meats, cheeses, or veggies to make it your own.
• Great for meal prepping. Enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Key Ingredients for Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Creating a fantastic overnight breakfast casserole starts with quality ingredients that meld together perfectly. Each component plays a crucial role in texture and flavor, ensuring a hearty and satisfying dish.

• Bread: Use 12 slices of thick-sliced bread, cubed (about 14 cups). French bread, challah, or sourdough work wonderfully, providing a sturdy base.
• Eggs & Dairy: You’ll need 6 large eggs for binding and structure. For more information on the health aspects of eggs, consult Harvard Health’s insights on egg consumption. 3 cups of whole milk add richness to the custard.
• Meat: 12 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon bring a smoky, savory depth. Alternatively, use 1 cup of diced ham or sausage.
• Vegetables: ½ a red bell pepper, finely diced, adds a touch of sweetness and color. 3 green onions, thinly sliced, provide a mild onion flavor.
• Cheese: 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, contributing a sharp, creamy element.
• Seasoning: ½ teaspoon each of dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper enhance all the savory notes.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this amazing breakfast casserole to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Bread: For the best texture, use day-old bread or lightly toast fresh bread to prevent sogginess.
• Milk: Any type of milk works here, but half-and-half or heavy cream will create an even richer custard.
• Meat: Pre-cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage are convenient shortcuts for this overnight breakfast casserole.
• Veggies: Experiment with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or caramelized onions for added flavor.
• Cheese: Try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or a blend of cheeses for more complexity.
• Seasonings: Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Garlic powder or a pinch of paprika can also boost the savory profile.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to whip up this delicious overnight breakfast casserole. Simple kitchen essentials are all it takes.

• A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for serving a crowd.
• A large mixing bowl will hold your egg custard.
• A whisk helps thoroughly combine the liquid ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Preparing this amazing overnight breakfast casserole is straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for a perfect make-ahead meal.

Prepare Bread: Cube 12 slices of thick-sliced bread. Spread the cubes out and leave them exposed overnight to air dry slightly. Alternatively, for a quicker option, place them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This step helps prevent the bread from becoming mushy, ensuring a great texture in your finished overnight breakfast casserole. Just make sure not to brown or toast them.

Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 6 large eggs, 3 cups of milk, ½ teaspoon of dry mustard powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This creates the flavorful custard base for your casserole.

Layer Casserole: Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the dried bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked and crumbled bacon (or diced ham), half of the sliced green onions, half of the diced red bell pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread layer. Repeat these layers with the remaining bread, bacon, green onions, red pepper, and cheese.

Soak Overnight: Carefully pour the whisked egg custard mixture over the layered casserole. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are fully moistened and absorb the liquid. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate the casserole for a minimum of 3 hours, but ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to fully soak up the custard. This extended soaking time is key to a flavorful overnight breakfast casserole.

Preheat & Bake: When you are ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole, covered with aluminum foil, for 45 to 55 minutes. If you are baking two pans simultaneously, increase the cooking time to 60-80 minutes. The foil helps prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the casserole and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the eggs are fully set. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your breakfast casserole is simple with a few key techniques.

• Use slightly stale bread. This prevents it from getting soggy and helps it absorb the egg mixture better.
• Don’t overmix egg custard. Whisk just until combined to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
• Ensure bread fully absorbs liquid. Gently press down on the bread after pouring the custard.
• Avoid over-baking for fluffy texture. Bake until just set; overcooked eggs can become rubbery.
• Crispy topping: Broil briefly at the very end of baking for a beautifully golden, slightly crisp top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have pitfalls. Steer clear of these common errors for a flawless overnight breakfast casserole.

• Using fresh, soft bread: It can quickly turn mushy when soaked in the egg custard.
• Not greasing the dish enough: This can cause the casserole to stick, making serving difficult.
• Baking straight from fridge: Cold casserole bakes unevenly; always let it warm up slightly.
• Adding too much liquid: An excess of milk can lead to a soupy instead of firm casserole.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: This can lead to uneven cooking and a dense result.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile overnight breakfast casserole is fantastic on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with various toppings and sides. It’s also incredibly easy to store and adapt.

Serving

Serve this hearty casserole warm straight from the oven.

• Offer fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy hash browns.
• Provide a selection of toppings like salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, or fresh chives.

Storage

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious leftovers.

• Refrigerate any leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through.

Variations

Get creative with your breakfast casserole by trying different combinations!

• Meat: Substitute cooked sausage, diced ham, or turkey bacon for the crumbled bacon.
• Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Cheese: Experiment with Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, Swiss for a nutty note, or a smoky gouda.
• Flavor Boosts: Incorporate a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes for an extra layer of taste.

Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions

This overnight breakfast casserole is truly built for convenience, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole up to 48 hours before baking. Just keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator.
• Freezing (Uncooked): Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Freezing (Cooked): Bake and cool the casserole completely. Cut it into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. According to the USDA, cooked egg casseroles can be safely frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven from frozen or thawed.

Nutrition Information

This estimated nutrition information for one serving of overnight breakfast casserole is based on the ingredients listed and a serving size of 1/12 of the recipe. Please note that actual values can vary depending on specific brands, ingredient choices, and preparation methods.

Disclaimer: These are approximate values. Consult a registered dietitian for precise nutritional advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Here are some common questions to help you master this delicious make-ahead meal.

Can I make this without bread?
Yes, you can. Consider using cooked hash browns or riced cauliflower as a low-carb alternative for your breakfast casserole base.

How do I prevent it from getting soggy?
Always use slightly stale or lightly dried bread, and ensure you have the correct egg-to-bread ratio to avoid excess liquid. This helps the bread soak up the custard without becoming mushy.

Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Cooked sausage, diced ham, or even turkey bacon are excellent substitutions. Just ensure any meat added is pre-cooked before layering it into the casserole.

What if I don’t have dry mustard powder?
Dry mustard powder adds a subtle depth and rounds out the savory flavors. You can omit it or use a tiny pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce for a different flavor enhancement.

Conclusion

This overnight breakfast casserole is truly a game-changer for busy mornings and special occasions alike. Its convenience, incredible flavor, and endless customization options make it a standout dish. Prepare it the night before, wake up to delightful aromas, and enjoy a stress-free start to your day. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!