Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious make-ahead recipe perfect for busy mornings. It combines eggs, milk, bread, savory bacon or sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese into a hearty baked dish. Prepare it the night before, refrigerate overnight, and simply bake in the morning for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 slices day-old bread, torn into pieces
- 1 cup cooked bacon or sausage, chopped
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, fresh herbs
Instructions
- Whisk eggs and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until the mixture is frothy and fully combined. This helps create a light, airy texture in the casserole.
- Add bread and seasonings: Stir the torn pieces of day-old bread into the egg mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or fresh herbs to enhance flavor.
- Fold in bacon and cheese: Gently fold in the chopped cooked bacon or sausage along with the grated sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Refrigerate overnight: Pour the assembled mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard and flavors to meld.
- Bake in the morning: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps it absorb the custard without becoming too mushy.
- You can substitute bacon or sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and consider adding sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes.
