Imagine waking up to a house filled with the aroma of a breakfast bake that's been simmering overnight. With this recipe, that dream becomes a reality. An overnight breakfast casserole is a perfect dish with layers of bread, bacon, green onions, red peppers, and cheese sitting beneath a blanket of fluffy eggs. It's an effortless way to start your day with a hearty meal that delivers both comfort and satisfaction.
The ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in most pantries or easily located in any supermarket. However, keep an eye out for egg bread, a slightly sweet, rich bread that contributes to the casserole's heartiness. If you can't find egg bread, choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche instead. The cheese can also be of your preference, cheddar or mozzarella works great.
Ingredients for Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Egg bread: A slightly sweet, rich bread that forms the base of the casserole.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the casserole.
Green onions: Provides a slight crunch and fresh flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet, slightly tangy taste and vibrant color.
Cheese: Gives the casserole a creamy, rich texture. You can use a variety of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
Eggs: The binding agent that holds the casserole together.
Milk: Makes the casserole moist and creamy.
Dry mustard: Adds a hint of tanginess to the casserole.
Salt and black pepper: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
One reader, Fayth Le says:
This overnight breakfast casserole recipe is a game-changer! It's so convenient to prepare the night before, and the flavors are amazing. The combination of crispy bacon, eggs, and cheese is simply irresistible. It's become a family favorite and a go-to for special occasions. Highly recommended!
Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Overnight Breakfast Casserole
How to prepare the bread: Cube the egg bread and place it in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes to dry slightly.
How to layer the casserole: Layer half of the bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Top with half of the bacon, green onions, red peppers, and cheese. Repeat the layers one more time.
How to make the egg mixture: Combine eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper in a bowl and mix well.
How to refrigerate the casserole: After assembling the casserole, cover it and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How to bake the casserole: Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit while preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake covered with foil for 45 to 55 minutes.
How to serve: Once baked, serve the breakfast casserole while it's hot and delicious.
How To Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Prepare this breakfast casserole the night before by putting together bread layers topped with peppers, bacon, and cheese all soaked in a savory egg mix.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12slicesegg bread,cubed
- 12slicescrispy bacon,crumbled
- 3green onions,sliced
- ½red bell pepper,finely diced
- 4cupscheese,grated
- 6eggs
- 3cupsmilk
- ½tspdry mustard
- salt & black pepper
Instructions
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Cube bread and place in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes to dry slightly.
-
Combine eggs, milk, and seasonings.
-
Layer ½ of the cubes in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Top with ½ of the bacon, green onions, red peppers, and cheese. Repeat layers one more time.
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Pour egg mixture over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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Remove from the fridge and let it sit while preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake covered with foil for 45 to 55 minutes.
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Serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 485.49kcal
- Fat: 32.87g
- Saturated Fat: 14.83g
- Trans Fat: 0.57g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.99g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.49g
- Carbohydrates: 23.76g
- Fiber: 1.13g
- Sugar: 4.59g
- Protein: 22.80g
- Cholesterol: 170.50mg
- Sodium: 684.91mg
- Calcium: 419.89mg
- Potassium: 268.48mg
- Iron: 1.88mg
- Vitamin A: 216.23µg
- Vitamin C: 7.04mg
Expert Tip for Mastering This Breakfast Casserole Recipe
To ensure that your breakfast casserole is not soggy, it's crucial to slightly dry out the bread before using it in the recipe. This can be achieved by cubing the bread and placing it in the oven at a low temperature for a short period. This step helps the bread to absorb the egg and milk mixture without becoming too moist, resulting in a casserole with a perfect texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Casserole
Prep ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits instead of cooking bacon from scratch.
Chop ingredients in advance: Chop the green onions and red bell pepper the night before to save time in the morning.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly shred the cheese instead of grating it by hand.
Bake in advance: Bake the casserole the night before and reheat portions in the morning for an even quicker breakfast.
Substitute Ingredients For Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
egg bread - Substitute with challah bread: Challah bread has a similar texture and richness, making it a great substitute for egg bread in this casserole recipe.
crispy bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon provides a leaner option with a similar smoky flavor, and it complements the other ingredients well in the casserole.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, making them a suitable replacement for green onions in the casserole.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor and a similar crunch, making them a good alternative to red bell peppers in the casserole.
cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese can be used to create a dairy-free version of the casserole without compromising on flavor and texture.
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended with other ingredients to create a creamy, egg-like texture in the casserole, making it a suitable egg substitute for a plant-based version.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk provides a dairy-free alternative with a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in the casserole.
dry mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a similar tangy flavor and a smooth texture, making it a suitable replacement for dry mustard in the casserole.
salt & black pepper - Substitute with garlic powder & white pepper: Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor, while white pepper provides a milder heat, making them a good substitute for salt and black pepper in the casserole.
Presenting Your Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Elevate the plating: When presenting the overnight breakfast casserole, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal by drizzling a balsamic reduction or sriracha mayo in an artistic manner on the plate, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Utilize unique serving ware: Opt for vintage ceramic dishes or artisanal stoneware to serve the casserole, adding a touch of rustic charm and elevating the dining experience for the judges.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the placement of garnishes such as chive batons or crispy prosciutto shards to ensure a meticulous and refined presentation that showcases attention to detail.
Create a harmonious color palette: Incorporate vibrant ingredients such as heirloom tomatoes and purple kale to create a visually stunning and harmonious color palette that reflects the freshness and quality of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making an Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and cooking dishes at precise temperatures.
- 9x13-inch pan: A baking dish suitable for casseroles, brownies, and other baked goods.
- Foil: Used to cover the casserole while baking to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Knife: Essential for slicing the bread, bacon, and vegetables.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining the egg mixture and other ingredients.
- Whisk: Ideal for thoroughly mixing the eggs, milk, and seasonings.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk, cheese, and seasonings.
- Spatula: Useful for spreading the bread cubes and ingredients in the baking dish.
- Food storage container: Used for refrigerating the casserole overnight before baking.
Storing and Freezing Your Breakfast Casserole
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the casserole soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Label the foil with the date and contents. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Remove the plastic wrap and cover the casserole with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. If the casserole is still chilled from the refrigerator, it may take a bit longer to reheat.
For individual servings, you can cut the cooled casserole into portions and wrap each one separately in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. This allows you to reheat only the number of servings you need.
When reheating a previously frozen casserole, you may need to add a bit of extra milk or cream to help restore moisture, as freezing can sometimes dry out the eggs slightly.
If you plan to freeze the casserole, it's best to slightly undercook it initially, as it will cook further when reheated. This helps prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery or overcooked.
How To Reheat Leftover Breakfast Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover breakfast casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top layer of bread and cheese.
For a quicker option, microwave individual portions of the casserole on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To prevent the casserole from becoming soggy, place a damp paper towel over the dish before microwaving.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat, then add a portion of the casserole. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the bottom is slightly crispy.
For a twist on leftovers, transform your breakfast casserole into breakfast burritos. Reheat a portion of the casserole in the microwave or skillet, then wrap it in a warm tortilla with some fresh salsa, sour cream, and sliced avocado.
Create a new dish by using the leftover casserole as a filling for omelets or frittatas. Simply reheat the casserole and spoon it into the center of your egg mixture before folding or baking.
Interesting Trivia About Overnight Breakfast Casseroles
The overnight breakfast casserole recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients such as sausage, ham, or vegetables to suit different tastes and preferences.
Is Making an Overnight Breakfast Casserole Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this overnight breakfast casserole recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as eggs, bacon, and cheese, are commonly found in households, making it a budget-friendly option. The versatility of this dish also allows for the addition of leftover vegetables and meat, reducing food waste. With an approximate cost of $15, this recipe provides a hearty breakfast for a family of four at just under $4 per serving. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Breakfast Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
This overnight breakfast casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side. The generous use of cheese (4 cups) and bacon (12 slices) contributes to high levels of saturated fat and sodium. Additionally, the recipe calls for whole milk and a significant number of eggs, further increasing the fat content. The bread, depending on the type used, may also add refined carbohydrates to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of cheese by half and opt for a lower-fat variety, such as part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar
- Replace half of the bacon with turkey bacon or lean ham to decrease the saturated fat content
- Use a mixture of whole eggs and egg whites to lower the cholesterol intake
- Swap whole milk for low-fat or skim milk to cut down on fat and calories
- Incorporate more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content of the dish
- Choose whole grain or multigrain bread instead of white bread to add more fiber and nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This overnight breakfast casserole recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of egg bread adds a rich and hearty base, while the crispy bacon, green onions, and red bell pepper provide a burst of savory goodness. The blend of cheese and the creamy egg and milk mixture brings everything together in a luscious and satisfying way. The overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a delicious and convenient breakfast option. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Enhance Your Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Breakfast Casserole
Why trust this Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of egg bread, crispy bacon, and cheese, creating a flavorful and satisfying breakfast experience. The use of green onions and red bell pepper adds a fresh and vibrant touch, while the dry mustard infuses a subtle yet distinctive flavor. The overnight refrigeration allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a harmonious and well-developed taste. With a balance of textures and a rich, creamy egg mixture made with milk and eggs, this casserole promises a delicious and comforting start to the day.
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