Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole for a Crowd
This ultimate overnight breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal morning effort. Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh for a hearty and delicious breakfast.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large skillet
- large bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10-12 slices day-old bread (challah or sourdough recommended) cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb cooked breakfast sausage (crumbled and drained) or diced ham
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color) finely chopped
- 10-12 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Optional Garnish
- fresh chopped parsley or chives
- hot sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the 1-inch bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage or ham, then drain any excess grease. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened (5-7 minutes).
- Sprinkle the cooked meat and sautéed vegetables evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat and vegetable layer, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for later.
Assembly & Chilling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until combined and slightly frothy.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Gently press down the bread to ensure it is fully submerged and soaking.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight (4-12 hours).
Baking
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes until golden brown and set.
Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or hot sauce if desired.
Notes
For best results and flavor, allow the casserole to chill overnight. This recipe is adaptable; feel free to substitute other cooked meats like bacon or combine different cheeses for variety.