Good morning! Try this easy breakfast casserole recipe loaded with crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Nothing beats a NO-WORK-INVOLVED overnight breakfast casserole. Pop it in the oven, enjoy your morning coffee, and settle in for a fantastic family breakfast.
Contents
⭐Why this Recipe is the Best
It's perfect for exhausted parents, just put it in the oven and enjoy your morning coffee and take it easy. And making it ahead is a real life saver when your feeding a house full of people.
Loved by kids and adults and super flexible when it comes to ingredients. You can make this breakfast casserole with bacon, hash browns, sausage, green onions, or whatever you have in your fridge and cupboard, you can use for this great recipe.
This overnight recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare (super easy) and 60 minutes to bake. Storing your breakfast casserole in the fridge overnight allows the egg mixture to soak into the bread, almost like French toast but better.
Like any casserole recipe, you can tweak it to your liking. The most common options are hash browns, tater tots, and sausage. Check out my easy turkey kielbasa pasta bake recipe.
Otherwise, just follow my breakfast casserole with bacon and cheddar cheese. I'm confident you'll have an excellent breakfast.
This bacon breakfast casserole and more you can learn how to make in my collection of best breakfast casserole recipes that also includes my easy french toast casserole, sausage breakfast casserole, and my easy hashbrown casserole that you can have it on the table in just 40 minutes!
🍽 Ingredient Notes
For this breakfast egg casserole with bacon, you need 6 eggs (fresh if possible), cooked bacon, and cheese. I am using cheddar for this recipe, as it gives breakfast casseroles a richer flavor, but you can use another type if desired
Use what you have on hand! I love bacon, however I've made this with sausage and even meat combinations are fantastic.
You can use any kind of bread. My instructions are a guideline as bread loafs come in various sizes, thicknesses, and types. You may only need 7 slices, while I'm using 9 slices. Just be mindful!
Ingredient Swaps
Swap bread for hash browns or potatoes! In my recipe the bread soaks up the milk and egg mixture, while the hash browns and potatoes won't. For this reason, reduce the milk to 1 cup if you make this swap.
🔪 How to make
With a 13-inch baking dish, you can make 12 breakfast-sized squares that can be eaten straight away or frozen for another day. This recipe is straightforward, with only 10 minutes of prep work required and a handful of ingredients needed.
It is better to leave the dish overnight for best results, but if you need it pronto, then a minimum of 4 hours will be enough.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Grease your 9x13 baking dish with a small piece of butter or cooking spray.
Step 1
Get a large bowl, whisk the eggs, and milk salt mustard together.
Step 2
Cook the bacon over medium heat in a skillet and stir it intermittently.
Step 3
Proceed to chop the bread and bacon into cubes
Step 4
Spread the bread cubes in the bottom of the dish.
Step 5
Sprinkle over the bacon.
Step 6
Add cheddar cheese on top.
Step 7
Pour the egg mixture over the top.
Step 8
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step 9
In the morning, remove the plastic wrap and bake for 45 - 60 minutes.
Step 10
Cut into slices and serve warm or save it for meal prep.
💭 Cooking Tips
- For a creamier egg mixture, use 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of cream.
- If you like bacon fat and want to utilize it in this recipe, save the fat from the cooked sliced bacon and soak the bread cubes.
- Let the breakfast casserole rest for 30 minutes at room temperature before baking it.
- To give the egg mixture a bit more added flavor, add half a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper.
While you can cook bacon in a skillet, check out my no hassle how to bake bacon in the oven for amazing results and easy clean up. I also find the bacon cooks more evenly in the oven.
📖 Easy Variations
If you don't fancy the bacon & egg casserole recipe, try mixing it with your favorite ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, fresh potatoes, salami, tomatoes, green onion, or even frozen hash browns. Try some of these variations below for mixing up your next breakfast casserole.
Breakfast sausage, salami, fresh mushrooms - Pizza ingredients in a breakfast egg casserole sound delicious. Well, it is, and all you need to do is cook the sausage, salami, and mushrooms in a large skillet, place them on top of the bread cubes, and top with cheddar. Add the eggs and milk mixture, then refrigerate overnight. For more sausage inspiration check my collection of best kielbasa sausages recipes.
Tater tots or hash browns - You can substitute the bread for hash browns or tater tots (either frozen or homemade). Place them on the bottom of the dish, add the bacon and cheese and pour the eggs mixture over. Also, consider my tater tot casserole for a tasty meal kids love.
Green pepper & red pepper - Bell pepper is an excellent addition to omelets and also with this breakfast casserole. I usually chop 2 bell peppers into slices and add them with the bacon and cheese.
Three kinds of cheese and bacon - If you like more cheese, then this variation is for you! I like to use cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey jack cheese for my casserole, but you can use any cheeses you like. Just add the cheeses to the bread cubes with the remaining bacon and top with the eggs mixture.
Looking for more breakfast ideas? Check out my chorizo recipes collection. I also recommend you to try my easy and quick aunt jemima pancake recipe.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when breakfast casserole is done?
The easiest way, use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the center of your breakfast casserole. When the internal temperature reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit your breakfast casserole is done. Otherwise, use a toothpick, insert it into the center and remove. If it comes out clean, it's done!
How long can a breakfast casserole be refrigerated before baking?
Within 24 hours or the day after preparing your breakfast casserole. If you'd like to store it longer, the best option is to cook it and then transfer it to the fridge (safe for up to 5 days) or freezer (safe for months).
Can I make a breakfast casserole without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, but allow at least 30 minutes for the egg and milk to soak into the bread. The longer you allow the break to absorb the liquid, the better. If you only have 30 minutes, don't worry about it, an hour even better, and overnight the best.
🍳 Related casserole recipes
If you love my bacon breakfast casserole recipe. Try one of these fanstastic casserole recipes for your next meal. Including my fluffy and easy sour cream pancakes with homemade blueberry sauce!
Also check it out my easy brioche french toast recipe which is part of my collection of sweet breakfast ideas.
🧊 Storing and ♨️ Reheating
For a quick breakfast, this breakfast casserole is ideal for making enough squares to last 4 or 5 days, and even more when you freeze them.
Note, you can refrigerate or freeze this recipe uncooked in the prepared baking dish. Still, I have found it makes life easier when the egg casserole is already cooked, cut into squares, then transferred to separate airtight bags ready for reheating individually.
In the Fridge
To refrigerate the egg casserole, cut it in squares once it has baked and cooled down, transfer each square to a zip lock bag, or wrap the casserole pan in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. An airtight seal will ensure your breakfast casserole stays fresh.
In the Freezer
To freeze the casserole squares, I recommend transferring each square to a freezer bag and freezing them inside an airtight container.
How to Reheat a Breakfast Casserole
To reheat the breakfast casserole squares from the fridge, preheat an oven to medium heat and bake for 20 minutes until hot, then serve. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave or electric grill if you have one.
When reheating frozen breakfast casserole squares, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while an oven is getting hot, then bake for 30 minutes until piping hot.
👪 Serving size
For a quick and tasty breakfast recipe that serves 6, you can't get better than a breakfast casserole with bacon! I would even say it is better than French toast or pancakes, and everyone loves pancakes for breakfast.
I eat breakfast bacon, egg casserole for lunch, and even dinner on some occasions. It is a hearty meal with lots of protein, vegetables (if you include them), gluten-free, sugar-free, and delicious!
🎥 Video
Love this breakfast recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Try one of my comfort breakfast recipes for your next family meal! And if you have any questions, I'm here to help!
📋 Recipe
Breakfast Casserole with Bacon
Equipment
- 1 13" x 9" casserole or baking dish
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 9 slices bread - cubed
- 12 slices bacon - cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese - grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C)
- Get a large bowl, whisk the eggs, and milk salt mustard together
- Cook the bacon over medium heat in a skillet and stir it intermittently
- Proceed to chop the bread and bacon into cubes
- Spread the bread cubes in the bottom of the dish
- Sprinkle over the bacon
- Add cheddar cheese on top
- Pour the egg mixture over the top
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight
- Bake it for 45 - 60 mins and serve
Video
Nutrition
What do you think?
Let me know what you think of my breakfast casserole recipe in the comments. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it, pin it or tag me. And if you find a delicious combination that works well, please share it in the comments.
Anonymous
Do you have to wait over night or could you cook right away
Laurie
Making this in the morning. Looks so good!!! Will let you know how it turns out.
Bobbie Kaplan
I put this together last Friday night while supper was cooking, Before going to bed, i checked the casserole, didn't look like there was enough egg mixture, so mixed up 1/2 of the eggs and milk,poured it on top and covered again. The next morning, baked the casserole about 50 minutes, Before serving,sprinkled more cheese. 5 of us finished the Whole dish. The 6 yr old wants me to make every morning ! It's an easy, delicious and will make it again.
Anonymous
COULD U USE HASH BROWNS INSTEAD OF BREAD????
BethP
Sounds delicious! Two questions: does the dish need to warm up a bit (since it was in the fridge) before putting it in the oven? And should the oven be preheated, or just set it to 350, put the dish in, and let them warm up together? Thanks!
Anonymous
Do u have to cut off the crust on the bread
Lynn Mark
do have use plastic wrap
Susan Douglas Jones
So glad I read the comments! I didn't read all the instructions before putting it all together and I wanted to have this for dinner tonight. It will have at least 4 hours in the fridge so I am no longer worried about it not turning out okay. It looks wonderful & has the ingredients that my family will eat!!!!
Christopher Pace
This is a good base recipe.. for the more brave... 12 eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup swiss cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar, 2 tables spoons sour cream 1 medium onion, 1 bell pepper 1 medium tomato 1/4 cup black olives, 1 6 oz jar of mushrooms, 1 tables spoon Dijon Mustard, 1 teaspoon of fresh garlic.. for the meat anything you like, I use fresh pepped bacon crumbled , these types of cassoroles are not tough, just be creative and remember, to oil your dish, keep the oven door closed for at least 45 minutes, at 400, I serve with everything bagles , english muffins, or homemade biscuits
Cheryl
I'd like to try this version with frozen tater tots...will this work?
Cindy
Making this for a church breakfast - added peppers and onions. I used sourdough bread as the base. It is easy to put together. Hope everyone enjoys it.
Anonymous
Good basic recipe. I added some breakfast sausage and fresh thyme. Used half and half instead of milk. Next time I will use no or just a pinch of salt, as I thought it end up too salty. Also, use good sharp cheddar, freshly grated, a double
Anonymous
Do I have to use milk or can it be made without??
Alisha Edmondson
how many hasbrowns need to be used for the recipie?
Anonymous
Is the bacon uncooked or cooked before putting it in the oven? Thanks
Christine
Cooked and crumbled
Anonymous
What type of bread is best to use?
Brandy Amburgey
I made this last night and in my opinion think it's way too much bread. Would be better with has browns or tater tots. Also a little bell pepper and green onions. And a little too salty since the bacon provides enough sodium, I think the teaspoon of salt could be omitted.
Marilyn
Does the bacon stay crispy .. Hello from Iowa .. This looks yummy
Anonymous
Instead of adding bread or hashes I added cubed red potatoes this was delicious. I did split the cheese 1/2 cheddar 1/2 mozzarella.
Karen brown
Recipe says use 9 x 13 dish but Gloria billings says ab 8" square. Does it matter?
Vicky
I mixed this up yesterday for Sunday breakfast for the two of us and halved the recipe. I used a 9x9 pan because 9x13 would have been too much. I used 3 slices of bread, 7 slices of bacon, and 5 eggs because I like a higher ratio of egg to bread. Next time I won't cook the bacon all the way crisp because the bacon did crisp up even more.This baked up perfectly. This would probably serve 4 people generously. We enjoyed it. I don't think the baking instructions were very clear. There are new cooks out there who don't know to remove the saran wrap before baking. It was also difficult to figure out who the blogger was with several people posting their recipes on your blog. I will make this again. Thank you for sharing.
ckjm_kc
I use large croutons instead of bread so that the texture is more consistent throughout. I also add a small can of condensed cream of mushroom soup -- it's just always the way my aunt has made it, and I love it that way. She also adds extra mushrooms (she prefers canned for this recipe). My husband doesn't like mushrooms, but doesn't notice the mushroom soup. I also use mild breakfast sausage instead of bacon. This recipe is easily adjustable for items you like.
Nichole
Would I cook same temperature and same time if I half recipe and put in a smaller dish?
Tiffany
Can this be frozen for later baking?
jeanne Schmittpierce
Looks awesome!! I make a similar breakfast casserole with hasbrowns and just change the meat up.. or for vegetarians I omit the meat.. I also like to add broccoli or asparagus..and green peppers or change up the cheese..
KathyMac
Try it with garlic bread instead of plain white bread...delish!!!!
Lynne Loskot
i haven't tried this yet but I xan't wait to do so fter reading the reiews. We're having a party this Sat and some of my guests will be spendng the night. I want to servee them a nice breakfast and this fits the bill.
comfortablefood
Thanks for your tips!
Gary Day
If I use hash browns how much do I use
Barbara Schieving
A great start to the day!
Rebecca
This is a fantastic breakfast for my hungry crew. I love how customizable it is!
Aysegul Sanford
Such a stunning recipe that is perfect for a lazy weekend.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
This is so good -I've made it before!
Joanne
This is so satisfying. Really easy to make too!
Valerie | Valerie's Kitchen
This is perfect for my group at the holidays!
Jennifer Farley
The perfect breakfast for my house this coming weekend! Can't wait!
Erin
Perfect comfort breakfast!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
I love how easy it is to make! Such a big hit!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
Love this for guests!
Erin
This is the perfect breakfast to make when you have a house full of people. And making it ahead is even better! Always a hit!
Wilma
Would like to use seasoned croutons & musherooms! Would that change the flavor?
Barb
How long should I cook this if I double or make 1 1/2 times recipe?
Making for Easter brunch -- sounds delicious
Patti Doeltz
I tried several of these recipes and the only one I had s problem with was the pork chop. I cooked them too long!
EXCELLENT RECIPES💝
Norleen
I have been making this breakfast casserole for Many years...made it up on Christmas Eve for an easy Christmas morning breakfast. We added some fruit, juice, coffee (for the exhausted parents) Put it in the oven as the children opened Santa gifts, then time for a healthy breakfast. We always added a Sara Lee pecan coffee cake. Do they even still make those? They were yummy! In today's busy times, maybe add some mini muffins, either homemade or bought at your local grocery store bakery. This is actually close to a basic frittata recipe more geared to both children and adults taste buds. Great to take to an after church covered dish shared breakfast. Recipe says 6 servings, but this is rich and if you add some fruit and maybe a muffin, it would feed more. You can substitute leftover cubed ham or well drained cooked sausage, based on what your family likes bestI I have even done a version with both ham and bacon...big hit with meat lovers.
Ben Rayl
Absolutely Norleen, love the additions, tweaks, and notes! This recipe is super flexible and really appreciate your comment.
Emily
Wonderful casserole to share! Took it to a brunch potluck and everybody enjoyed it. I made a double batch and baked it in a 16x12 inch pan- it was perfectly baked in 45 minutes. The only alteration I made was to add a bit of fresh thyme on top.
Anna
Absolutely delicious, and so easy to make. Makes the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner! Just add a side of fruit, or for a more hearty meal, add a side of hash browns or a bagel or English muffin. I will be making this weekly! So customizable also!
Mary-Anne
Perfect Christmas morning breakfast, me and the kids used to prepare this Christmas Eve.
Stephanie
Made this for dinner tonight! It was perfect! Everyone loved it, I added onions, garlic and used tator tots, used a cup of milk as suggested. Great recipe! Thank you sharing
Steve Culley
absolutely a dream!!! used green bell pepper and sausage. used three cheeses,whole wheat bread or cubes of sour dough i8sd good.
Aimee
I had a problem with the eggs and milk not covering the bread completely. How should I tweak it?
Admin
Hi Aimee. The egg mix is not meant to cover the casserole completely but to let it soak and absorb the liquid before you cook it. Hope this helps 😉
Kerry
Had family over for brunch and followed the 2x recipe. It was a huge hit! Everyone loved it and many went back for seconds. Will definitely make again!
Braylee Emerson
It was absolutely delicious but I will say I did not like the mustard seasoning in it. I would recommend not adding it.
Tareasa
For those asking about refrigerating; I'm not a prepare ahead person. Have made this type of casserole for years and never the night before. Just mix all the ingredients (except the bacon (or sausage) together and set aside, to let the bread soak up the liquids while your cooking the meat. Then add cooked meat, mix and pour into your greased dish and bake.