Classic Breakfast Casserole
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.
Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 hr
Servings
8
Calories
410

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
Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.
- 2
Scatter cooked bacon, onion, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar over the bread.
- 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
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight so the custard fully absorbs.
- 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
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.

Recipe by Sarah Mitchell
Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen
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