If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, effortless morning meal that basically cooks itself while you sleep, the Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the answer to your breakfast dreams. This comforting, customizable bake combines fluffy eggs, melted cheese, savory sausage, and colorful veggies, all soaked into cubes of your favorite bread. Prep it the night before, and wake up to a golden, delicious casserole that makes weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or busy weekdays feel a little extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole keeps things simple with familiar, easy-to-find ingredients—all working together to deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each layer brings a little something special, and every bite tells the story of a balanced, hearty breakfast.
- Eggs: The star of the show, creating a soft, custardy base that holds everything together.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps the casserole puff up beautifully in the oven.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out every savory note.
- Cubed Bread (day-old): The heart of the casserole, soaking up eggy goodness and providing satisfying body—you can use any style you love or have on hand.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, gooey melty-ness to every mouthful.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy, mild stretch that makes the casserole irresistible.
- Cooked Breakfast Sausage or Bacon: Delivers rich, savory flavor—swap for ham or skip for a vegetarian version.
- Diced Bell Pepper: A pop of color and a subtle sweetness that freshens up every bite.
- Chopped Onion: For gentle bite and depth of flavor that rounds out the dish.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray or Butter: Keeps your casserole from sticking and adds a hint of buttery richness to the edges.
How to Make Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This simple step ensures the Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole lifts out easily and rewards you with those perfectly crisp, golden edges.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and well incorporated. This forms the custardy backbone of your casserole and seasons it all the way through.
Step 3: Combine with Mix-ins
Add your cubed bread, both shredded cheeses, cooked sausage or bacon, diced bell pepper, and chopped onion to the bowl. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each bread cube is well-coated in the egg mixture and the mix-ins are evenly scattered.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill Overnight
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so it’s even from corner to corner. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This soak time is key, letting the bread absorb all those rich flavors for maximum deliciousness the next morning.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge while the oven heats up. Uncover and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing, which helps set those fantastic layers.
How to Serve Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
The right toppings make this dish shine! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions over your Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole for a pop of green and a hint of brightness. For extra flavor, a dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream also works wonders.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad of baby greens, crisp fruit like orange slices or berries, or even roasted potatoes for an ultra-filling breakfast. If you’re hosting a brunch, serve it alongside fresh-squeezed juice or good coffee to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole into neat squares for serving at a buffet, or use a round biscuit cutter for cute, brunch-friendly circles. Individual ramekins make the dish feel extra special for guests, while mini muffin tins are perfect for a grab-and-go option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a gift for busy mornings! Store cooled pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and taste just as satisfying.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly too. Wrap individual portions tightly, or the whole casserole if you like, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture just right.
Reheating
To bring the casserole back to its warm, melty glory, reheat single servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm larger amounts in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and enjoy as if it were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! Any bread works—whole wheat, sourdough, French bread, or even croissants will give the Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole a unique texture and flavor. Use whatever is a little stale or leftover for the best results.
Is this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it’s easy to make vegetarian by simply omitting the sausage or bacon. You can add extra veggies instead, such as spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for more variety.
Can I prepare Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole the same day?
While the overnight soak gives the casserole its signature texture, you can let it rest for as little as 2 hours in a pinch. The flavors and texture are best after a full night in the fridge, though!
How do I double or halve the recipe?
This dish is super flexible. Double it for a big crowd by using two baking dishes, or halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch pan if you’re serving just a few people. Adjust baking time as needed.
What else can I add to customize it?
The Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole is truly a blank canvas. Try diced tomatoes, jalapeños, fresh herbs, leftover cooked veggies, or different cheeses—think pepper jack, Swiss, or feta for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made an Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole before, now is the perfect time to try! It’s low-fuss, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with family and friends. Your mornings just got a whole lot more delicious—enjoy!
Print
Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chill)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Start your day with a hearty and delicious Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole. This make-ahead dish is perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches. Filled with eggs, cheese, bread, and savory meats and veggies, it’s a versatile option for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Casserole Base:
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old or slightly dried, any variety)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Add bread, cheeses, meat, veggies, and mix. Pour into dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and set. Rest before serving.
Notes
- Use any bread variety like French or whole wheat.
- Swap in ham or spinach for variation.
- Recipe easily adapts for different group sizes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
