Do-Ahead Egg Casserole
A hearty make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and bacon. Perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing the night before, this dish offers creamy, cheesy flavors with crispy bacon bites, making mornings effortless and delicious for family gatherings or brunch occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter slices of bread and decrust.
- Lay buttered side down in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a mixer or blender, beat eggs, milk, salt, dry mustard, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread in the pan.
- Sprinkle cheese over the egg mixture.
- Place small pieces of uncooked bacon on top.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using sourdough or whole grain bread instead of white. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. To save time, prep the ingredients the night before and assemble in the morning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of mixed greens or fruit salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a hearty dish like Baked Ham And Eggs for a brunch spread that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Do-Ahead Egg Casserole contains roughly 142 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1067mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole without bacon?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or replace it with sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version. Ingredients like mushrooms, zucchini, or even cooked sausage can add great flavor without compromising the dish.
How long can I keep the casserole in the fridge before baking?
You can keep the assembled casserole in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it instead.
Can I use egg substitutes instead of whole eggs?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes or egg whites if you want to reduce cholesterol or calories. Just make sure to follow the equivalent measurements on the package to ensure the texture remains consistent.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).