Breakfast Casserole With Eggs And Cheese

Name: Breakfast Casserole With Eggs And Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 4 cups cubed day-old bread; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice); 1 cup diced bell peppers; 1 cup diced onions; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: cooked sausage or bacon

Highlighted under: Warm Table Favorites

I love starting my day with a hearty breakfast, and this Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cheese ticks all the boxes for flavor and satisfaction. It’s packed with protein and cheesy goodness, making it a delightful dish for brunch or a family breakfast. I often prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning, saving me time while delivering big on taste. The ease of this recipe means I can enjoy a delicious meal without spending the entire morning cooking.

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:01:36.462Z

Making this Breakfast Casserole was a delightful part of my weekend ritual. I usually tweak the recipe based on what’s in my fridge, but the core ingredients of eggs, cheese, and bread are foundational for success. I recommend using day-old bread for better texture, as it absorbs the egg mixture perfectly, yielding a custardy inside and a golden top.

Whenever I share this casserole with friends, they rave about its creamy texture and cheeseness. Knowing it can be prepped ahead of time adds convenience, especially for entertaining. Each slice is a burst of comfort, making it a must-try for anyone who enjoys a filling breakfast.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Incredible cheesy goodness that satisfies every craving
Make-ahead convenience means less morning chaos
Customize with your favorite vegetables or meats for a personal touch

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the Breakfast Casserole, with eggs serving as the base that binds everything together. The proteins in the eggs create a fluffy texture when baked, while the milk adds creaminess. For a richer flavor, use whole milk or even a mix of milk and cream. This will enhance the overall satisfaction of each bite, contributing to a decadent dish that feels indulgent yet comforting.

The choice of bread is important for texture. Day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy. If you don't have day-old bread, lightly toasting fresh bread cubes in the oven for about 10 minutes can achieve the same effect. Additionally, using a combination of cheese, such as cheddar and mozzarella, can add complexity, as the sharpness of cheddar balances beautifully with the creaminess of mozzarella.

Make-Ahead Magic

One of the best aspects of this Breakfast Casserole is its make-ahead convenience. Prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an even tastier dish come morning. Just remember to bring it to room temperature while your oven preheats to ensure even baking. A quick tip: if you’re in a hurry, you can also bake it directly from the fridge but increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

To streamline breakfast serving, consider slicing the casserole into portions before baking. This way, you only need to remove the number of pieces you need, making it easy to serve a crowd or save some for later. The leftover portions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to a month. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.

Delicious Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste. For added nutrition, consider mixing in sautéed spinach or kale, or incorporating roasted sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness. If you're looking to add a protein punch, diced ham, turkey bacon, or even crumbled tofu can work beautifully. Just remember to adjust the seasoning based on the added ingredients to keep the flavor balanced.

Herbs can also elevate this dish significantly. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even a sprinkle of thyme can infuse the casserole with fragrant notes. Adding spices like paprika or cayenne adds a touch of heat and complexity. Experiment with different ingredient combinations to make this Breakfast Casserole your signature dish that guests will always ask for again!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Breakfast Casserole

6 large eggs
2 cups milk
4 cups cubed day-old bread
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup diced onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: cooked sausage or bacon

Mix and match ingredients to suit your taste!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cubed bread, shredded cheese, diced peppers, and onions to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious breakfast!

Serve with fresh fruit or a side salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like chives or parsley into the egg mixture. You can also substitute different types of cheese to create your perfect blend.

Serving Suggestions

This Breakfast Casserole is versatile enough to serve as a standalone dish, but pairing it with fresh fruit or a simple green salad can add a refreshing contrast. Consider a side of sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream to complement the richness of the cheese and eggs. If you want to amp up the flavors, drizzling a bit of hot sauce over the top of each serving offers a delightful kick.

For special occasions, presenting the casserole with a garnish of fresh herbs can make it visually appealing as well. Chopped cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top before serving not only enhances the flavor but also brightens the appearance of the dish, making it more festive for brunch gatherings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your casserole turns out to be too dry, it may be that the bread absorbed too much of the egg mixture. To avoid this, ensure that you're using enough milk and letting the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the bread to soak properly. If you find it a bit soggy, in the future, consider reducing the amount of bread or increasing the baking time slightly, checking at intervals until it reaches your desired consistency.

Another common issue is uneven cooking. If it appears that the edges are browning too quickly while the interior remains undercooked, cover the casserole with foil for part of the baking time. This will help cook the center without burning the edges. Always test for doneness by inserting a knife or a toothpick; it should come out clean from the center.

Storing Leftovers

For those who love efficiency in the kitchen, storing leftovers correctly is key. Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container; this prevents condensation from making it soggy. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to a month. When freezing, cutting it into individual servings helps ease the reheating process.

Reheating the casserole is straightforward: for best results, use the oven to maintain its original texture. Place the refrigerated casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, plan for an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it in the morning.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Feel free to add ingredients like cooked sausage, bacon, or additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just ensure they are in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

→ How do I know when it's done cooking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.