What ingredients do I need to make an overnight breakfast casserole?

To make an overnight breakfast casserole, you will need large eggs or liquid eggs, milk, bread (such as white sandwich bread or any leftover bread), cooked bacon or sausage, vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, and shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese blend. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and dry mustard powder help enhance the flavor. These simple ingredients combine to create a hearty and flavorful dish.

How do I prepare the egg mixture for an overnight breakfast casserole?

Prepare the egg mixture by whisking together eggs and milk along with seasonings such as salt, pepper, and dry mustard powder. This custard base soaks into the bread, helping to hold the casserole together and add moisture. Make sure the mixture is well combined before pouring it over the bread and other ingredients.

Can I prepare an overnight breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 4 days in advance. After assembling the ingredients and pouring the egg mixture over the bread and toppings, cover it and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the egg custard and improves the texture. When ready, bake it according to your recipe's instructions.

Is it possible to freeze an overnight breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it is cooked. When freezing uncooked, assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If freezing cooked casserole, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I make an overnight breakfast casserole without bread for a low-carb or diabetic-friendly option?

While this traditional recipe uses bread, you can substitute with low-carb options such as cauliflower rice or cubed cooked potatoes if preferred. However, these alternatives affect texture and moisture absorption. There are also specific low-carb breakfast casserole recipes available that use vegetables and eggs without bread, which may better suit diabetic dietary needs.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipes For Easy Morning Meals

Ingredients

– 12 slices of thick sliced bread, cubed (approximately 14 cups)

– 12 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon or 1 cup of diced ham

– 3 green onions, thinly sliced

– ½ of a red bell pepper, finely diced

– 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack or a cheese blend)

– 6 large eggs

– 3 cups of milk

– ½ teaspoon of dry mustard powder

– ½ teaspoon of salt

– ½ teaspoon of black pepper

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Instructions

1-Prep bread: Cube 12 slices thick bread (14 cups). Dry slightly overnight or at 300°F for 10 minutes.

2-Make custard: Whisk 6 eggs, 3 cups milk, ½ tsp dry mustard, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper.

3-Layer half the bread cubes in dish.

4-Add half the bacon/ham, green onions, red pepper, cheese.

5-Repeat layers.

6-Pour custard over, ensuring all bread moistens. Cover, refrigerate 3+ hours or overnight.

7-Morning: Let sit at room temp while oven preheats to 350°F. Bake covered 45-55 min until knife in center clean. For two pans, 60-80 min.

8-Optional: Broil 3 min for crispy top.

Notes

🥖 Use slightly stale bread or dry it out slightly for best texture.
🥓 Substitute bacon with ham or turkey sausage to vary flavors.
❄️ Prepare ahead and freeze cooked or uncooked casserole for up to 3 months.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 382 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 579 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 19 g
Cholesterol: 137 mg