Overnight Cornbread Casserole
A hearty overnight casserole combining cornbread stuffing, vegetables, ham, and cheese, baked to perfection for a comforting, flavorful meal ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 12 x 8 x 2 inch microwavable baking dish, stir together stuffing mix, vegetables, and ham.
- In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove plastic wrap and cover with wax paper.
- Microwave on high (100% power) for 6 minutes, then rotate 1/4 turn.
- Microwave on medium-high (80% power) until a knife inserted 1 inch from the center comes out clean, about 7 to 9 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Stir slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the egg mixture. If you don't have ham, cooked bacon or sausage can be great substitutes. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack for a spicy twist. Make sure to let the casserole rest after microwaving to allow it to set properly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a fresh salad or some sliced avocado for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Hot Hamburger Cheese Dip or Bacon And Cream Cheese Scrambled Eggs for a brunch spread. A drizzle of hot sauce can also enhance the flavors for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, covering the dish to retain moisture. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish makes for a quick breakfast option or a hearty lunch!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Cornbread Casserole contains roughly 571 calories, with 17g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1861mg per serving (81% 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 use homemade cornbread instead of stuffing mix?
Yes, you can use homemade cornbread, but it may alter the texture slightly. If using homemade, crumble it into small pieces and adjust the liquid to ensure the casserole isn't too dry. You might also want to add additional seasonings to compensate for the flavor of the stuffing mix.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more cohesive texture. If you're short on time, you can let it sit for at least 30 minutes before microwaving, but the overnight soak is recommended for the best outcome.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ham with additional vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth in place of the milk for a creamy texture. This will keep the dish hearty and flavorful while making it suitable for vegetarians.
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).