Overnight Breakfast Casserole

While sometimes it is enjoyable to rise in the morning and make a warm skillet cooked breakfast complete with all the fixings, it is sometimes nice to have something prepared the night before so you can just pop it right in the oven and enjoy a nice cup of coffee before the kids wake up. Thats where this overnight breakfast casserole comes in handy. Not only is it incredibly easy to make it is so delicious.

Cozy Memories

This recipe is extra nostalgic for me. Since before I was ever even a thought, my mama has been making this breakfast casserole as a traditional Christmas morning breakfast. In my 34 years of life, I have never gone a Christmas without enjoying this hearty meal. I remember late in the evening after spending Christmas Eve at my Grandparent’s house playing with my cousins my mom would be browning the sausage and assembling the ingredients as I changed into my Christmas pajamas. The next morning before I could make it out of bed, my she would slip it into the oven, and as we were halfway through opening presents, I could begin to smell its wonderful aroma. And I can’t forget to mention the taste. Let’s just say I have tasted a lot of breakfast casseroles, and I always come back to this one. It’s one of the most comforting meals you will find.

Meat

The wonderful part about this recipe is you can customize it with your favorite meat of choice. We have tried nearly every option. My personal favorite is homegrown ground sausage. We have also tried bacon, and even a combo of both. This year we tried smoked ham for the first time, and it was delightful.

Bread

Now anyone that knows me know that I love my artisan sourdough bread. Like really, really love it! I tried using my bread in this recipe, and it gives it a whole new texture. While it is still delicious, regular store bought or even homemade sandwich bread just really makes this recipe. I think it’s a good idea to try both ways to see which one you like best. If you do use artisan bread, I would increase your liquid/egg mixture by 1/2. You might have to experiment. But just know, regular old boring store-bought bread is just perfect for this recipe.

Setting Overnight

When you let this casserole soak up all the goodness overnight, it truly amplifies the flavors and they all come together. I know what you’re thinking….you want me to pour milk on bread? Isn’t that going to be soggy? Just trust me. The added cream sets up nicely and the end result is not soggy.

Rustic Breakfast Casserole

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Resting Time in Refrigerator 8 hours hrs

Total Time 9 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds breakfast meat of choice
• 7-8 slices bread
• 2 cups shredded cheese I like medium cheddar.
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• to taste salt and pepper
• 8 eggs
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp seasoned salt

Method

 

1. Brown meat. Grease a 9×11 baking dish. Cut bread slices into quarters. Arrange bread at the bottom of pan. Sprinkle cheese over bread. Sprinkle meat once it has cooled. In a mixing bowl add eggs, milk, cream, and seasonings. Wisk together and evenly pour over dish. Cover and place in the refrigerator over night. The next morning preheat oven to 300 degrees. Bake casserole for 1 hour covered with tinfoil. Remove foil and cook for another 30 minutes. Enjoy!