Moms are the superheroes of the household, but even superheroes need a break, especially in the morning. This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Mom is designed to take the stress out of breakfast duty. It is a “make-ahead” miracle that allows you to prep everything the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is turn on the oven and brew the coffee. It is packed with layers of bread, ham, cheese, and eggs, puffing up into a golden soufflé-like dish that feeds the whole family.
This recipe is perfect for Mother’s Day, holidays, or any weekend where Mom deserves to sleep in. It is versatile, forgiving, and guaranteed to be delicious. The bread soaks up the egg mixture overnight, resulting in a creamy, custard-like texture on the inside with a delightful crisp crust on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stress-Free Mornings
The beauty of this dish is the prep. By doing the work when you have energy in the evening, you gift yourself a calm morning. It allows you to enjoy the time with your family instead of standing over a skillet.
Customizable Flavors
You can swap the ham for sausage, bacon, or veggies. It is a great way to use up leftovers. For a sweet start to the day to go alongside this savory main, these Superfood Breakfast Cookies are a healthy treat Mom will love.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half the bread cubes.
- Top with half the ham and half the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Whisk eggs, milk, dry mustard, onion powder, and salt. Pour over the dish.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 20 mins, then uncovered for 30-40 mins.
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Day-old bread (French bread, sourdough, or sandwich bread) is the base. Diced cooked ham provides the protein. Cheddar or Swiss cheese adds the melt factor. Eggs and milk create the custard. A little dry mustard and onion powder season the dish subtly but effectively.
Smart Substitutions
If you want to make it vegetarian, use sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and peppers instead of ham. You can use gluten-free bread if needed (just make sure it’s toasted first so it doesn’t disintegrate). Almond milk can replace dairy milk, though the custard will be slightly less rich.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cube the bread and dice the ham. Grate the cheese. Whisk the eggs, milk, and spices in a large bowl.
Cooking Phase
Scatter half of the bread cubes in the dish. Top with half the ham and half the cheese. Repeat the layers. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, pressing down with a spatula to ensure all the bread gets soaked. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 30-40 minutes until golden and set.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
The “press down” is vital. Dry bread on top will burn. Make sure every cube has met the egg mixture. Also, let the casserole sit on the counter for 20 minutes before putting it in the oven to take the chill off; this helps it cook evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use super fresh soft bread; it can turn to mush. If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes in the oven for 10 minutes to dry them out first.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Cut into squares and serve hot. A garnish of fresh parsley or fruit on the side makes it look elegant.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a light fruit salad and a mimosa or fresh juice for the full brunch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze it baked or unbaked. Thaw in the fridge overnight before heating.
Q2? Do I have to wait overnight?
It’s best overnight, but you can get away with a 1-hour soak if you are in a rush. The texture might be slightly less custard-like.
Q3? Can I use croissants?
Yes! Croissants make it even more buttery and flaky.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 190mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 20g |
Conclusion
This Easy Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Mom is a gift of time and flavor. It is a hearty, delicious way to show appreciation and start the day off right with a warm, homemade meal.
