Hearty Bacon Egg Breakfast Casserole

This hearty bacon and egg breakfast casserole has been my weekend warrior for years, rescuing me from morning chaos when hosting overnight guests or preparing for busy family days. The combination of crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and cheese creates a comforting dish that fills the house with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table.

I first created this recipe when my in laws made a surprise overnight visit. The next morning I threw together what ingredients I had on hand, and it was such a hit that it became our traditional holiday breakfast. Even my pickiest nephews request seconds every time.

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon Provides the savory foundation. Look for thick cut for best texture and flavor
• 8 large eggs The star protein. Farm fresh eggs will give the best color and taste
• 2 cups milk Whole milk creates the richest texture but 2 percent works beautifully too
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Select a good quality aged cheddar for the best melting and flavor profile
• 4 cups cubed bread Day old bread absorbs the egg mixture perfectly without becoming soggy
• Salt and pepper The essential seasoning duo that enhances all other flavors
• Garlic and onion powder These provide depth without the texture of fresh garlic or onions
• Green onions Optional but adds fresh color and a mild onion flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish. This temperature creates the perfect environment for the eggs to set properly without burning the top. I recommend using butter to grease the dish as it adds an extra layer of flavor to the edges.

Create the Egg Mixture

Whisk together eggs and milk until completely combined and slightly frothy. This incorporation of air helps create a fluffier finished texture. Add your seasonings during this step so they distribute evenly throughout the casserole. The milk should be at room temperature for best results.

Combine the Elements

Gently fold in your cubed bread, making sure each piece gets coated in the egg mixture. Add the bacon pieces and half the cheese, distributing evenly. The bread should be somewhat dry to properly absorb the liquid without falling apart. Take care not to overmix which can make the casserole dense.

Assemble and Top

Pour everything into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the corners. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top along with the green onions if using. The top layer of cheese will create a beautiful golden crust that adds textural contrast.

Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the center of your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The casserole is done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle, and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. Inserting a knife in the center should come out clean.

Rest Before Serving

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps the casserole set completely and makes serving cleaner and easier. The internal temperature will continue rising slightly during this time.

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The first time I served this casserole was during a snowstorm when we had unexpected guests staying over. I worried about the random ingredients I threw together, but the dish received such praise that I carefully wrote down exactly what I had done. Now it has become our Christmas morning tradition, and my daughter has already asked me to teach her how to make it before she leaves for college.

Make Ahead Magic

This casserole shines as a make ahead wonder. Prepare the entire mixture the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The resting time actually improves the flavor as the bread soaks up the egg mixture and the seasonings meld. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time since you are starting with a cold casserole. The ability to prepare this dish in advance has saved countless holiday mornings in my household.

Endless Variations

The beauty of this breakfast casserole lies in its adaptability. Try swapping the bacon for cooked breakfast sausage, ham, or even smoked salmon for a luxurious twist. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or roasted sweet potatoes. Change up the cheese based on what you have available. Sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, pepper jack, or a combination creates different flavor profiles. For a Mediterranean version, add feta cheese, olives, and sun dried tomatoes. The formula remains the same while the flavor possibilities are endless.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. For reheating individual portions, the microwave works perfectly at 70 percent power for 1 to 2 minutes. To reheat the entire casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. The casserole also freezes exceptionally well. Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.

→ What kind of bread works best in this casserole?

Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. White bread, sourdough, French bread, or brioche all work well. Slightly stale bread is actually preferred for this dish, making it a great way to use up bread that's past its prime.

→ How can I make this breakfast casserole vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or tomatoes. You could also add vegetarian sausage crumbles or smoked tofu for a smoky flavor similar to bacon. Increase the cheese by 1/2 cup for extra richness.

→ Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?

Yes! You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. To freeze after baking, cool completely, cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

→ What can I serve with this breakfast casserole?

This hearty casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or toast. For a complete brunch spread, serve it alongside muffins, pastries, yogurt with granola, or a selection of juices and coffee. Since it's rich and satisfying, light sides work particularly well to balance the meal.

→ How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean without any raw egg mixture. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.