Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Make your mornings stress-free and delicious with this Overnight Breakfast Casserole! Packed with fluffy eggs, hearty bread, savory sausage or beef, and melty cheese, this make-ahead dish is perfect for busy weekdays, holiday brunches, or meal prepping for the week. Just prep it the night before, refrigerate, and bake it fresh in the morning for a warm, satisfying start to your day.

Love simple breakfast ideas that work while you sleep? Subscribe now and get cozy morning recipes sent straight to your inbox!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make-Ahead Magic – Assemble the night before and bake when ready.
Hearty & Satisfying – Protein-packed and filled with comforting flavors.
Feeds a Crowd – Serves up to 8, ideal for families or brunch guests.
Customizable – Easily swap proteins, cheeses, or veggies.
Minimal Morning Effort – Wake up, bake, and eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base:

• 6 cups bread cubes (day-old French bread or whole wheat, cubed)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup baby spinach (optional)

For the Egg Mixture:

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (any kind, or use half-and-half for richness)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped parsley
• Extra cheese for topping
• Sliced green onions
• Hot sauce or salsa on the side

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Skillet for browning meat
• Foil or plastic wrap for covering
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or turkey sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set aside.
2. Sauté onions and bell peppers in the same skillet until slightly soft, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Spread bread cubes evenly in the bottom.
5. Top with cooked meat, sautéed veggies, and spinach if using.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Custard
7. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
8. Pour egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
9. Gently press down with a spoon to soak the bread into the egg mixture.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
10. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
11. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Bake in the Morning
12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Uncover the casserole and bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
14. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
15. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
16. Serve with fresh fruit, toast, or a light salad.

Tips for the Best Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Use Day-Old Bread – It soaks up the custard better than fresh.
Make it Meat-Free – Skip the meat or use plant-based sausage.
Try Different Cheeses – Mozzarella, Swiss, pepper jack, or feta work great.
Adjust Veggies – Use mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes.
Test for Doneness – The center should not jiggle when done baking.

Serving Suggestions
With a Fresh Fruit Platter – A sweet, refreshing contrast.
Alongside Hash Browns – For an extra hearty breakfast.
With Greek Yogurt & Granola – A balanced morning spread.
At a Brunch Table – Pairs perfectly with muffins, mimosas (or juice), and coffee.
Packed for Lunch – Tastes just as good cold or reheated.

How to Store & Reheat

Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat:
Microwave – Heat individual servings for 30–60 seconds.
Oven – Reheat covered at 325°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

Freeze:
Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake it the same day?
Yes! Let the casserole rest at least 30 minutes after assembling to soak the bread, then bake.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and skip the cheese or use dairy-free shreds.

3. What’s the best bread to use?
Sturdy breads like sourdough, whole wheat, or French bread hold up well.

4. Can I add potatoes?
Yes! Add 1–2 cups of pre-cooked diced potatoes or hash browns.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings and special gatherings alike. With its hearty layers of bread, meat, veggies, and cheese, all soaked in creamy eggs and baked to perfection, it’s a dish everyone looks forward to. Prep it once and enjoy warm, effortless breakfasts for days.

Try it out and make breakfast something to wake up for!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: Overnight (8 hours)
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American – Comfort Breakfast

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 8 servings):
Calories: 330 | Protein: 19g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Sodium: 420mg

Print