This overnight egg and cheese casserole is a classic make-ahead breakfast dish that’s perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or brunch gatherings. It combines fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and simple seasonings baked into a warm, golden casserole that can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a true time-saver for anyone who loves a hearty breakfast without the morning rush.

What is an Overnight Egg and Cheese Casserole?

An overnight egg and cheese casserole is a baked breakfast dish made with eggs, milk, cheese, and bread or hashbrowns that’s assembled ahead of time and chilled overnight. This resting period allows the custard mixture to soak into the base, creating a soft, fluffy texture that bakes to perfection the next morning.

Other Breakfast Casserole Recipes

Reasons to Try Overnight Egg and Cheese Casserole

Time-saving recipe – Assemble it the night before for a stress-free breakfast.
Simple ingredients – Uses basic pantry staples like eggs, milk, and cheese.
Perfect for gatherings – Ideal for serving a crowd on weekends or holidays.
Customizable – Add meats or vegetables to suit your taste.
Comforting and filling – A warm, cheesy dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients Needed to Make Overnight Egg and Cheese Casserole

8 large eggs
2 cups milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
6 cups cubed bread (brioche, French, or white bread – day-old works best)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Optional add-ins: 1 cup cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or sautéed vegetables

Instructions to Prepare Overnight Egg and Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Prepare a baking dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Arrange bread and cheese

Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, sprinkle half of the cheese over it, then repeat with the remaining bread and cheese to form layers.

Step 3: Prepare egg mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour the mixture over the bread

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and cheese, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure all bread is soaked.

Step 5: Chill overnight

Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours) to let the custard absorb into the bread.

Step 6: Bake casserole

In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover, and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese on top.

What Goes Well With Overnight Egg and Cheese Casserole

Fresh fruit salad – Adds lightness and color to your breakfast spread.
Crispy bacon or sausage – Complements the rich, cheesy flavor.
Toast or biscuits – Great for soaking up any leftover egg mixture.
Hashbrowns or roasted potatoes – Makes the meal more filling.
Orange juice or coffee – Balances the savory richness perfectly.

Key Tips for Making Overnight Egg and Cheese Casserole

Use day-old bread – It absorbs the custard without getting mushy.
Let it rest before baking – Bring to room temperature before putting in the oven.
Don’t overbake – Remove once the eggs are set to keep it soft and fluffy.
Add-ins carefully – Pre-cook meats and vegetables to prevent excess moisture.
Try cheese blends – Mixing cheddar and mozzarella gives a great texture.
Cover while baking – If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.

Creative Variations of Overnight Egg and Cheese Casserole

Vegetable version – Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Meat lover’s version – Include diced ham, sausage, or crispy bacon.
Southwestern style – Add green chilies, pepper jack cheese, and salsa.
Mediterranean twist – Use feta, spinach, and sundried tomatoes.
Healthy version – Substitute whole-grain bread and low-fat cheese.

Storage Guidelines for Overnight Egg and Cheese Casserole

Refrigerate leftovers – Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Cool completely – Prevents condensation and sogginess.
Reheat before serving – Enjoy warm for the best texture.

Reheating Tips for Overnight Egg and Cheese Casserole

Oven method – Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave option – Heat single servings for 1–2 minutes.
From frozen – Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until hot.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

Calories: ~320
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 480mg

FAQs

Can I make an overnight egg and cheese casserole without bread?

Yes, you can make this casserole without bread by using hashbrowns or diced potatoes as the base instead. They absorb the egg mixture differently but still create a soft, hearty texture when baked.

How do you keep an egg casserole from getting watery?

Drain any cooked vegetables or meats before adding them, and avoid using too much milk. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking so it sets properly and any excess moisture evaporates.

Can I assemble the egg and cheese casserole two days ahead?

It’s best to prepare it no more than 24 hours ahead. After that, the bread may become too soggy. If you need to make it earlier, bake it first, then refrigerate and reheat before serving.

Why is my egg casserole flat instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the eggs or using too much liquid can cause the casserole to deflate. Whisk the eggs gently, and bake until just set to maintain a light, fluffy texture.

Final Words

This overnight egg and cheese casserole makes breakfast simple and stress-free. With its creamy texture, cheesy layers, and make-ahead convenience, it’s the ultimate recipe for busy mornings or special brunches.