Make The Day Before Breakfast
A hearty make-ahead breakfast featuring layered bread, ham, cheese, and eggs, perfect for serving a crowd or preparing the night before for convenience and deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 16 slices white bread, crusts removed ⓘ
- Slices sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green pepper, minced (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 3 cups whole milk ⓘ
- 3 cups crushed cornflakes ⓘ
- Slices ham or back bacon
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 pound butter ⓘ
- Dash of Tabasco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Lay 8 slices of bread in the prepared dish, covering the bottom completely.
- Top the bread with slices of ham or back bacon, then with slices of cheese.
- Cover with the remaining bread slices to form a sandwich layer.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, dry mustard, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and minced green pepper if using.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled sandwiches in the dish.
- Sprinkle crushed cornflakes over the top for crunch.
- Dot with butter and bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, alongside the sharp Cheddar. If you want to add a bit of heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the green pepper with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a different twist. Make sure to use day-old bread for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a refreshing smoothie. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside the Hillbilly Casserole or Barbecue For Sandwich for a delightful spread that your guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish can also be frozen; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make The Day Before Breakfast contains roughly 252 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 610mg per serving (27% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire casserole the night before. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of white bread?
You can substitute white bread with whole grain, sourdough, or brioche for added flavor and nutrition. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the fillings and egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, or grated zucchini. Just be sure to sauté any watery vegetables beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
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).