Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
If you’re dreaming of an effortless, crowd-pleasing morning meal that practically makes itself while you sleep, let me introduce you to the Overnight Breakfast Casserole. This all-in-one bake features fluffy bread, savory sausage or bacon, two kinds of melty cheese, and a rich, custardy egg mixture—all infused with delicious flavor and ready to pop in the oven as soon as you wake up. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” breakfast, perfect for holidays, weekends, or feeding a hungry bunch with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this recipe is how these simple ingredients, each with its own essential role, come together to make a breakfast that tastes far more luxurious than the sum of its parts. From the sturdy bread base to the creamy eggs and gooey cheese, every item brings something special.
- Bread: Provides the hearty structure for the casserole and soaks up the flavorful custard; use whatever bread you love—white, whole wheat, or even gluten-free for a twist.
- Breakfast sausage or bacon: Adds rich, savory depth and just a hint of smokiness that makes each bite irresistible.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp, melty goodness and that familiar, crave-worthy breakfast flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey, stretchy texture and a mild balance to the sharper cheddar.
- Eggs: The stars of the show, binding everything seamlessly and creating a luscious, custardy layer.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Lightens and enriches the eggs, making the casserole fluffy and moist.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Gives a gentle allium warmth to the casserole without chopping a single onion.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors—don’t skip this tiny but mighty addition.
- Black pepper: Adds a whisper of heat and complexity.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the finished bake with vibrant color and a pop of freshness.
How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread Layer
Start by lightly greasing your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish—this little step prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze. Scatter the cubed bread evenly across the bottom, creating a pillowy base that’s ready to soak up all the delicious flavors to come.
Step 2: Add Cooked Sausage or Bacon
Sprinkle your cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon right over the bread. This is where the magic starts: all those savory, salty bits will nestle between the bread cubes and infuse the casserole with hearty flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Layer on the Cheese
Next, scatter the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over your bread and meat layers. The cheddar offers that familiar bite, while mozzarella adds irresistible meltiness. Trust me, there’s just something special about the cheese pull from this breakfast casserole!
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a big bowl, whisk your eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This custardy blend is the secret to a casserole that’s tender and flavorful, never dry or bland. Pour it evenly over your assembled casserole, making sure everything gets a lovely soak.
Step 5: Soak and Chill Overnight
Gently press down on the mixture with a spatula so the bread fully absorbs the eggy goodness. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then slide it into the fridge for its overnight soak. While you sleep, the flavors marry and the bread soaks up every delicious drop.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
In the morning, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes—this helps it bake evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, forks in hand!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When it emerges, piping hot and bubbly, sprinkle over the freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Slice and serve immediately—extra napkins optional, wide smiles guaranteed.
How to Serve Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic here, but feel free to get creative with chives, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or even sliced green onions for a pretty finish. The herbs brighten up the dish and deliver an aromatic freshness, making each slice feel extra special.
Side Dishes
A rich and hearty dish like this pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve alongside a fruit salad, crisp mixed greens, or even a simple bowl of berries to add a burst of color and a sweet, refreshing contrast. Warm, crusty bread or a platter of roasted potatoes can help round things out for an even more memorable breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving brunch guests, try baking your Overnight Breakfast Casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings—they look adorable! For holidays, dress up each plate with a wedge of casserole alongside festive fruit skewers or miniature muffins. Whether in slices, squares, or playful rounds, it’s a dish that invites creativity and looks just as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Overnight Breakfast Casserole stores beautifully in the fridge. Just cover with foil or transfer to an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen, making reheated slices even more satisfying the next day!
Freezing
Want to get even further ahead? You can freeze the baked (or unbaked) casserole! Wrap individual slices or the whole pan tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for quick weekday breakfasts, or warm a larger portion in the oven at 325°F until heated through. To keep it moist, cover with foil during reheating—nobody likes a dry casserole!
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free bread for a version that everyone can enjoy. The texture stays soft and satisfying, and all the flavors still sing.
What other fillings can I add to the casserole?
Feel free to get creative by mixing in sautéed veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You can even add diced tomatoes, chopped ham, or swap sausage for turkey or plant-based alternatives.
Can I prepare this more than one night in advance?
Yes—you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of baking. If you need to prep it further in advance, consider freezing it (see the freezing tips above)!
How will I know when the casserole is done baking?
Your Overnight Breakfast Casserole is perfectly baked when the center is set and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. You can insert a knife or toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go.
Is this recipe good for holidays or special occasions?
It’s practically made for them! This make-ahead, bake-when-you’re-ready dish is ideal for holidays, weekends, or anytime you want a hearty, festive breakfast without the morning rush.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast that wows with minimal effort, the Overnight Breakfast Casserole just might become your new favorite tradition. Let it work its magic while you sleep, then delight your family or friends in the morning with warm, cheesy comfort that tastes like home. Give it a try—you’re in for a treat!
Print
Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including overnight chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for a delicious and satisfying morning meal. Packed with savory sausage, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 8 slices bread, cubed
Meat:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer cubed bread, cooked sausage or bacon, and cheeses in the dish.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the bread and cheese.
- Chill Overnight: Cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until set and golden.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
