Loaded Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Loaded Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy mornings or when you’re feeding a crowd. It’s packed with fluffy eggs, melted cheese, crispy bacon,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Loaded Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy mornings or when you’re feeding a crowd. It’s packed with fluffy eggs, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, all mixed together and ready to bake first thing in the morning. The best part? You prepare it the night before, and it practically cooks itself while you sleep.
I love making this casserole for weekend brunches because it lets me sleep in a little longer and not rush around in the kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible—you can add your favorite breakfast ingredients like sausage, veggies, or different cheeses to make it your own. A little tip I swear by is to use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the cheese blend; it gives the casserole a wonderful gooey texture and flavor.
When it comes to serving, I like to add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh green onions on top. It’s those little touches that make it feel special and add a fresh bite to every serving. This casserole always brings smiles around the table, and it’s the kind of dish that makes mornings feel extra cozy and laid-back.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon adds great flavor and crispiness here. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon work too if you want a lighter or meat-free option.
Frozen hash brown potatoes: These give a nice tender texture. You can swap for fresh diced potatoes—just parboil them first so they cook through.
Red bell pepper and onion: These add sweetness and a bit of crunch. Feel free to use green pepper, mushrooms, or even spinach for a veggie twist.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong cheesy taste. You can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier flavor.
Eggs and milk: These create the custard base that binds the casserole. Using whole milk or half-and-half will make it a bit richer.
How Do You Make Sure the Casserole Cooks Evenly Overnight?
To get an evenly cooked casserole, spread the ingredients well in the pan and whisk the egg mixture thoroughly before pouring. Cover tightly to prevent drying out while it chills.
- Ensure potatoes are fully thawed or parboiled so they cook evenly during baking.
- Mix the custard (eggs and milk) well to combine flavors and avoid streaks of uncooked egg.
- Remove the casserole from the fridge about 10-15 minutes before baking to take off the chill, helping it cook evenly.
- Bake uncovered so the top gets golden and set without leftover moisture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering all the ingredients evenly and baking the casserole through.
- Mixing bowl – great for whisking eggs, milk, and spices smoothly together.
- Whisk – helps blend the eggs and milk well so the custard is creamy and uniform.
- Non-stick cooking spray – keeps the casserole from sticking to the baking dish for easy serving and cleanup.
- Plastic wrap – to cover and store the casserole overnight in the fridge safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for cooked sausage or ham for a different kind of savory meat flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and a boost of nutrients.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a mild spicy kick.
- Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or chives before baking to add freshness and color.
How to Make Loaded Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 6 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the night before. Then, chill the casserole in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. Baking time is about 45 to 55 minutes in the morning. So plan for about 7 hours total, mostly hands-off time, making mornings easier!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Baking Dish and Layer Ingredients:
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the thawed hash browns evenly across the bottom. Then sprinkle the cooked crumbled bacon, diced red bell pepper, diced onion, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes. This creates a delicious, layered base for your casserole.
2. Mix the Egg Custard and Pour:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until everything is smoothly combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
3. Chill Overnight and Bake in the Morning:
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions on top, and if you like, add a dollop of sour cream. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty and comforting breakfast that was mostly ready when you woke up!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes! If you prefer fresh potatoes, dice them small and parboil for about 5 minutes to soften before assembling the casserole. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and become tender in the oven.
Can I Prepare the Casserole Without Baking It Right Away?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe—you prepare it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake it in the morning directly from the fridge for best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a little extra cheese on top before reheating can help keep it tasty.
Can I Customize the Casserole with Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to swap bacon for sausage or ham, add veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or change the cheese to your favorite variety. Just keep the egg and milk ratio the same for the best texture.