Classic Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cheese
A classic breakfast casserole featuring eggs and cheese, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish is great for feeding a crowd!
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- large bowl
- plastic wrap
- oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6-8 slices day-old bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk whole milk or 2%
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Colby Jack
- ½ lb cooked sausage, bacon, or diced ham Optional
Flavor Base
- ½ small onion finely diced
- ½ small bell pepper diced (any color), Optional
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- garlic powder a pinch
Other
- butter For greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Preparation
- If using, cook breakfast sausage or bacon, drain fat, and set aside. Dice the onion and bell pepper, then cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
Assembly
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread bread cubes evenly. Layer cooked meat, diced onion, and bell pepper over the bread.
Layer & Whisk
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the bread and meat mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined and foamy.
Soak & Top
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the dish, ensuring all bread is moistened. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
Bake & Serve
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake for 45-55 minutes until set and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, prepare the casserole the night before so the bread soaks up all the egg mixture, resulting in a more custardy texture. You can customize this casserole with various cheeses and breakfast meats to suit your taste.