Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Treat your friends and family to the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Overnight Breakfast Casserole. Perfect for lazy weekends or festive gatherings, this dish comes together effortlessly the night before so you can wake up to a warm, cheesy, and hearty breakfast. The combination of fluffy eggs, savory sausage (or ham), crisp vegetables, and gooey cheddar baked over tender bread truly makes this a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving a holiday brunch or just want to make mornings a little easier, this casserole brings everyone to the table in the happiest way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Overnight Breakfast Casserole couldn’t be more straightforward, yet each one is absolutely key for a flavorful, satisfying result. Every layer brings its own texture, color, and savoriness – here’s what you’ll need and why each will make your casserole shine.
- Eggs: The heart of the casserole, giving structure and that custardy, creamy bite every forkful needs.
- Milk: Helps create a soft, luscious egg base that soaks into the bread for perfect texture.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and depth.
- Dried Mustard Powder: Secret ingredient alert! This gives a subtle tang and complexity.
- Cubed Day-Old Bread: Whether you use French or sourdough, slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mixture without getting too mushy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, golden, and totally irresistible, cheddar pulls everything together.
- Cooked Breakfast Sausage or Diced Ham: Meaty, savory bites make this casserole truly satisfying and hearty.
- Chopped Onion: Gives sweetness and a hint of sharpness as it cooks into the casserole.
- Chopped Bell Pepper: A splash of color and a bit of crunch for even more flavor.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Not only does it look beautiful, but it adds the perfect fresh finish.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish well. This ensures your Overnight Breakfast Casserole pops right out for serving and cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, you don’t want any of that golden, cheesy crust sticking to the pan!
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder. Take a moment with this step – the smoother you blend the eggs and seasonings, the more evenly everything bakes later. The mustard powder is subtle but makes the flavor pop.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Next, layer half of the cubed bread in your prepared dish. Sprinkle with half the cheddar, sausage (or ham), onion, and bell pepper. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, cheese, and meat/veggies. Layering like this ensures every bite is packed with flavor and color.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the layers. Gently press down the top with a spatula or your hands so the bread absorbs all that delicious custard. This is the key to a casserole that bakes up rich and creamy instead of dry!
Step 5: Chill Overnight
Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and slide it into the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or, even better, overnight. This time lets the bread soak up the egg mixture and the flavors meld together. It’s also what makes this recipe such a sanity-saver for busy mornings.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it preheats, pull out your casserole and let it sit at room temp. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. The center should be set, and the top will turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing, then garnish with parsley if you like.
How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your Overnight Breakfast Casserole with a fresh burst of chopped parsley. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a few sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika bring color and brightness that complements the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or crispy roasted potatoes for a complete brunch feast. The balance of a refreshing fruit salad alongside the savory casserole is especially lovely for spring or summer brunches.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual portions in large muffin tins for an adorable, grab-and-go version of Overnight Breakfast Casserole. Or, cut the finished casserole into fun shapes using biscuit cutters to delight kids and adults alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store sliced portions of leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after sitting, making lunches or breakfast-for-dinner legitimately exciting.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of Overnight Breakfast Casserole by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Warm up leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, for about 15–20 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with melty cheese and warm, hearty flavors.
FAQs
Can I prepare Overnight Breakfast Casserole more than a day ahead?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 36 hours in advance. Just keep it tightly covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
What kind of bread works best?
Day-old French or sourdough bread is ideal for Overnight Breakfast Casserole, as it’s sturdy enough to soak up the eggs without falling apart. Avoid very soft sandwich bread for the best texture.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the sausage or ham and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. The casserole will still be hearty and delicious.
Is it possible to use non-dairy milk or cheese?
Certainly! Non-dairy milk and plant-based cheese can substitute for the dairy ingredients. Just be sure to use unsweetened varieties for best results.
How do I know if the casserole is done baking?
The center should be set and should not jiggle when you gently shake the dish. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean, and the top will be golden brown.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like waking up to a bubbly, golden Overnight Breakfast Casserole that’s ready to serve your favorite people. I hope this recipe inspires many memorable mornings and delicious conversations around your table. Give it a try and see just how easy breakfast can be!
Print
Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a versatile make-ahead dish perfect for busy mornings. Filled with eggs, cheese, bread, and your choice of meat and veggies, it’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
Casserole Layers:
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
- Layer Ingredients: Alternate bread, cheese, meat, and vegetables in the dish.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the layers.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven, then bake the casserole until set and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can customize with different proteins or vegetables.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 225 mg
