This overnight breakfast casserole with bread is one of my favorite weekend recipes. It’s warm, comforting, and comes together the night before so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. Whether it’s a family brunch, a holiday morning, or a lazy Sunday, this dish never fails to bring smiles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Prep it the night before for stress-free mornings.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Cheesy, savory, and endlessly comforting.
• Feeds a crowd perfect for brunch or holidays.
• Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Step	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Rest/Chill Time	8 hours (overnight)
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	9 hours

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup half-and-half (for extra creaminess)
• 6 slices day-old bread, cubed (French or sourdough works best)
• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or diced ham)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ small onion, diced (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives (optional garnish)

Optional Swaps:

• Substitute bacon or turkey sausage for a lighter twist.
• Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for color and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Spread cubed bread evenly in the dish.
4. Layer cooked sausage and half the cheese over the bread.
5. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
7. Top with remaining cheese and drizzle with melted butter.
8. Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
9. In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and center set.
11. Cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fresh fruit, orange juice, or coffee. For brunch, serve with crispy bacon, hash browns, or a simple green salad.

Quick Tips or Variations

• Use stale or toasted bread — it absorbs custard perfectly.
• For a richer flavor, replace half the milk with cream.
• Add jalapeños for a subtle spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I make an overnight breakfast casserole with bread ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning for a fresh, hot breakfast.

2. What type of bread is best for overnight breakfast casserole?
Thick, sturdy bread like French bread, sourdough, or brioche works best. Avoid soft sandwich bread — it can get mushy.

3. How long can you keep an overnight breakfast casserole in the fridge before baking?
Up to 24 hours is ideal. Longer than that, the bread may absorb too much liquid and affect texture.

4. How do you prevent an overnight breakfast casserole from getting soggy?
Use slightly stale bread and avoid overmixing the egg mixture. Let it bake uncovered to get a crisp, golden top.

Conclusion

This overnight breakfast casserole with bread is the kind of recipe that makes mornings easier and more delicious. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly baked every time. Prep it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again for every special breakfast.

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