This overnight breakfast casserole is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a make-ahead breakfast for a busy weekday morning. Layers of bread, ham, bell peppers, and cheese are baked to perfection, creating a savory and satisfying meal that will surely become a family favorite.

A slice of breakfast casserole on a white and black plate with a black fork.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Easy to make – Simply whisk up some eggs and milk with some ham, cheese, and peppers. Pour the mixture over day-old bread and place in the fridge till it’s time to bake.
  • Versatile and convenient – This breakfast casserole recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Additionally, it can be prepared the night before, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests without the stress of last-minute cooking.
  • Tastes amazing – The combination of ham, peppers, and a blend of cheeses creates a rich and savory flavor profile that is both satisfying and indulgent. The layers of ingredients meld together during baking, resulting in a delicious harmony of textures and tastes.
a whole breakfast casserole in a dark blue baking dish

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • day-old bread
  • milk & eggs
  • cheddar & smoked gouda cheese (or any two types of cheese)
  • ham (or any breakfast meat)
  • green onions & a red bell pepper
  • dijon mustard & garlic powder
  • salt & pepper

How to make a breakfast casserole:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)

process images of how to make breakfast casserole with bread and egg mixture
  1. Place the cut up bread in a 9×13″ greased casserole dish and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the ham, bell pepper, onions, and cheeses.
  3. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes. Gently fold the bread to evenly distribute all the ingredients. Cover and place in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour or overnight.
  4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350F and bake for 45-55 minutes.

FAQ:

How to serve:

Some of my favorite sides to serve with this casserole are home fries, toast, fresh fruit salad, mixed green salad, and roasted vegetables.

How to reheat:

Preheat the oven to 350F. Place the desired portion in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For individual portions, microwave for about 1 minute.

Can I make breakfast casserole 2 days ahead?

You can, but just note that the bread breaks down more the longer it sits, so the texture will be softer.

Can you freeze breakfast casserole?

Baked casserole may be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
You can also freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Cover very tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.

A slice of breakfast casserole on a plate with a piece on a fork.

You might also like:

Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 serving
  • Category: breakfast
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This overnight breakfast casserole is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a make-ahead breakfast for a busy weekday morning.

Ingredients

  • 8 cups day-old bread, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 large eggs
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded smoked gouda 
  • 2 cups diced ham
  • 1/2 cup green onions
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Place the bread in a greased 9×13″ casserole dish and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard,  salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the ham, onions, bell peppers, and cheeses.
  3. Pour the mixture over the bread. Gently fold the bread over to evenly distribute all the ingredients. Cover and place in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour or overnight.
  4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350F and bake for 45-55 minutes until puffy and golden on top. Insert a thin knife into the center to make sure the eggs are set. Let cool for a few minutes and serve warm.

Notes

Leftovers can be tightly wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to a week.