Go Back
A classic breakfast casserole with eggs and cheese, fresh out of the oven.

Classic Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cheese

This classic breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, featuring layers of bread, savory breakfast meat, vegetables, and a rich egg and cheese mixture. It's ideal for brunches or make-ahead meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8-10 slices day-old bread (sourdough, brioche, or challah)
  • 10 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 lb breakfast meat (sausage, bacon, or ham), cooked and crumbled/diced
  • 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 0.5 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • hot sauce A few dashes of
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives chopped
  • nutmeg A pinch of
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and dry them on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, or lightly toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Cook your chosen breakfast meat in a large skillet until browned, then drain excess grease and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish, then layer half the bread cubes, cooked meat and vegetables, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and finally the remaining bread cubes.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, fresh herbs, and nutmeg; season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour the egg mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish, gently pressing down on the bread cubes to ensure full submersion.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
  7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  8. Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  9. Bake for 45-55 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, prepare the casserole the night before and let it chill overnight; this allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive casserole. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad.