Description
Overnight Breakfast Casserole brings pure morning comfort straight to your table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Layers of bread, eggs, and cheese make this crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weekend gatherings or lazy family mornings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb cooked sausage or 6 slices cooked bacon
- 8 large eggs
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Bread and Seasonings:
- 6–8 slices bread
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Butter a spacious 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent any sticking during cooking.
- Rip the bread slices into bite-sized chunks, distributing them evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Scatter 1 lb of crumbled cooked sausage or 6 slices of chopped bacon over the bread pieces, creating a delicious meaty layer.
- Crack 8 large eggs into a mixing bowl and pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking until completely combined and smooth.
- Season the egg mixture with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, and optional ½ tsp garlic powder for extra depth of flavor.
- Gently pour the seasoned egg mixture over the bread and meat, pressing down softly to help bread absorb the liquid thoroughly.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak completely.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the uncovered casserole inside for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center sets firmly.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like day-old French or sourdough to prevent soggy texture and help the casserole hold its shape.
- Swap out meat with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version that still delivers great flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese types such as sharp cheddar, gruyere, or pepper jack to customize the casserole’s taste profile.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking so it sets and becomes easier to slice cleanly for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 to 8
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 285 mg