Breakfast

Classic Breakfast Casserole

By RecipeNest · Breakfast

This classic breakfast casserole is a make-ahead overnight egg bake layered with fluffy eggs, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and pillowy cubed bread. A hands-down favorite brunch casserole for Christmas morning, Easter breakfast, and easy weekday meal prep, this cheesy bacon and egg breakfast bake feeds a hungry crowd from one 9×13 pan.

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Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Total

1 hr

Servings

8

Calories

410

Classic Breakfast Casserole
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Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
  • 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. 1

    Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.

  2. 2

    Scatter cooked bacon, onion, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar over the bread.

  3. 3

    Whisk eggs, milk, cream, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined and pour over the bread mixture, pressing bread down to soak.

  4. 4

    Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight so the custard fully absorbs.

  5. 5

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Top casserole with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until puffed, golden, and set in the center.

  6. 6

    Rest 10 minutes, sprinkle with fresh chives, and slice into squares to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 410 calories

protein

22g

carbs

24g

fat

24g

fiber

1g

sugar

4g

sodium

720mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to refrigerate this overnight breakfast casserole?+

An overnight soak gives you the fluffiest, custard-like texture, but you can bake this bacon and egg breakfast bake after 2 hours in the fridge in a pinch. Do not skip resting altogether or the bread will not fully absorb the egg mixture.

Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?+

Yes — this is the ideal make-ahead brunch casserole. Assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, uncover, add the remaining cheese, and bake straight from the fridge, adding about 5 extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I freeze a baked egg casserole?+

Absolutely. Cool the egg bake completely, slice into portions, and freeze in an airtight container up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 325°F until warmed through.

What is the best bread for breakfast casserole?+

Sturdy, slightly stale bread like French, sourdough, or brioche holds up best in an overnight egg casserole. Avoid fresh sandwich bread — it turns gummy under the custard.

Sarah Mitchell

Recipe by Sarah Mitchell

Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen

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