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If you’ve been craving a crowd-pleasing breakfast that practically makes itself, this Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine waking up to a bubbling, golden-brown casserole packed with savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender pieces of bread soaked perfectly in a rich egg custard — all effortlessly prepared the night before. This dish hits that perfect balance of comfort and flavor, making it ideal for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to impress guests without the morning rush. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy eggs and milk that create the custard base to the bacon and cheddar that add irresistible flavor and texture.
- 8 large eggs: The foundation of the creamy custard that binds everything together with a silky richness.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the bread, making every bite soft and luscious.
- 6 slices day-old bread, torn into pieces: Stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly without getting mushy.
- 1 cup cooked bacon or sausage, chopped: Infuses smoky, savory notes that lift this dish to breakfast royalty.
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey texture and a punch of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors harmoniously.
- Optional: garlic powder, fresh herbs: Adds a subtle twist if you want to personalize your casserole with extra aroma and depth.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Eggs and Milk
Begin by cracking the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisking them until smooth and frothy. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk so the two blend seamlessly, creating a rich and creamy custard base.
Step 2: Add Bread and Seasonings
Next, toss in the torn pieces of day-old bread, allowing them to soak up all the liquid goodness. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt, pepper, and if you like, a little garlic powder or fresh herbs to infuse subtle layers of flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Fold in Bacon and Cheese
Now, gently fold the chopped cooked bacon (or sausage if you prefer) and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture. These ingredients add that irresistible savory punch and melty texture which everyone loves.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. This step allows the bread to soak through completely and the flavors to marry beautifully while you sleep.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with the most delicious aroma imaginable!
How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your casserole even further, sprinkle fresh chopped chives, parsley, or a pinch of smoked paprika just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a delightful contrast to the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad, a green leafy salad for a lighter touch, or even crispy breakfast potatoes if you want to indulge in a hearty morning feast. Keep your coffee or tea nearby because this filling breakfast will leave you satisfied and energized.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch spread, slice the casserole into individual squares and serve on colorful plates with small ramekins of ketchup, salsa, or guacamole. You can also layer in different cheeses or swap bacon for spicy chorizo to tailor the dish to your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious casserole, simply cover any leftovers tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick breakfasts during busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. When the craving hits, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for a minute or two until warmed through, or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. Either way, you’ll get that comforting, fresh-from-the-oven taste without any hassle.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than white bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! Whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread all work wonderfully as long as it’s a bit stale to soak up the custard well without falling apart.
Is it necessary to use day-old bread?
Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the egg and milk custard perfectly. Fresh bread tends to get soggy and mushy, so letting it dry out a bit helps the texture stay balanced.
Can I substitute the bacon with something vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or vegetarian sausage for a delicious meat-free variation that still packs lots of flavor.
Can this casserole be made dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious and satisfying.
What’s the best way to ensure the casserole doesn’t dry out during baking?
Make sure to cover the casserole tightly when refrigerating overnight so the bread soaks well, and keep an eye on baking time. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe enough, especially if you want a stress-free, hearty breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try — your mornings will never be the same again!
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Print
Overnight Breakfast Casserole with Bacon and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus overnight refrigeration
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and convenient dish perfect for busy mornings. Combining eggs, milk, bread, savory cooked bacon or sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese, this make-ahead casserole soaks overnight and then bakes to a golden brown, creating a deliciously fluffy and cheesy breakfast that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
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 well combined.
- Add Bread and Seasonings: Stir in the torn pieces of day-old bread along with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings such as garlic powder or fresh herbs to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
- Fold in Meat and Cheese: Gently fold the chopped cooked bacon or sausage and grated sharp cheddar cheese into the egg and bread mixture ensuring even distribution.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Pour the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to soak and flavors to meld.
- Bake the Casserole: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps the casserole absorb the liquid better and improves texture.
- You can substitute bacon with sausage or any preferred breakfast meat.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives enhances the flavor.
- Ensure the casserole is baked until fully set to avoid a runny center.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and is great for feeding a crowd.
