Delicious and comforting, this breakfast casserole is perfect for busy mornings. It’s rich and creamy with melty cheese and hearty meat, making it a family favorite. Prepare it the night before, and you’ll have a warm, filling breakfast ready to serve with minimal effort. It’s great for brunch gatherings or even as a cozy weekend treat.
Why This Overnight Breakfast Casserole Is Great
This dish is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to put together. You just layer everything, let it sit, and then bake. Plus, it’s filled with tasty ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults. You can even customize it based on what your family enjoys. It’s a comforting meal you can prepare ahead of time, giving you more time to relax in the morning.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Making this casserole is simple. You’ll prepare it the night before and let it soak overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven, and you’ll be rewarded with a golden-brown, cheesy delight that’s ready to enjoy. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a delicious breakfast without the morning rush.
What You Need
Here’s what you need to make this delicious breakfast casserole:
- 1 loaf day-old Italian or French bread, cubed
- 10 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk & ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese & ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp salt & ½ tsp pepper
- Parsley for garnish
Cooking Steps
- Layer cubed bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top the bread with cooked sausage or bacon and any sautéed vegetables.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the layers.
- Sprinkle with both cheeses, cover, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes.
- The casserole is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This cozy casserole is perfect on its own or served alongside fresh fruit or a light salad. You can top it with extra cheese, salsa, or fresh herbs for added flavor. Serve it at brunch, holiday gatherings, or just as a special family breakfast. It’s sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Store Overnight Breakfast Casserole
To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread for the best texture.
- Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking for even cooking.
- Ensure the casserole is fully cooked by checking the center.
- Cover it with foil during baking if it browns too quickly.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap out the Cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Use turkey sausage or bacon for a lighter option.
- Add in cooked spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Try using a different type of bread, like sourdough or brioche, for unique textures.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding additional vegetables or a plant-based sausage.
FAQs
Can I make this overnight breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is designed to be made the night before. Just prep it, cover it, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. It will soak up the flavors and be ready to bake in the morning.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just prepare it as directed, but instead of refrigerating overnight, cover it tightly and freeze. You can bake it from frozen; just add extra time to ensure it cooks through.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but the oven will keep the texture better.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes! You can substitute any milk you prefer, including almond, oat, or skim milk. Just keep in mind that it might change the overall creaminess.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
One mistake is not letting the casserole sit long enough before baking. It needs time to soak up the egg mixture. Another is not using day-old bread, which can make the dish too soggy.
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old Italian or French bread, cubed Use day-old bread for best texture.
- 10 large eggs
- 2.5 cups whole milk Combine with ½ cup heavy cream.
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese Feel free to swap for Swiss or pepper jack.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled Can use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 1 small onion, diced Add other sautéed vegetables if desired.
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
- to taste Parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Layer cubed bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top the bread with cooked sausage or bacon and any sautéed vegetables.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the layers.
- Sprinkle with both cheeses, cover, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Cooking
- Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes.
- Check if the casserole is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
