Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a cheesy and hearty recipe, which is made with savory bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast for a crowd, ready to bake straight from the fridge in the morning for a stress-free holiday brunch.
Pioneer Woman Overnight Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
A classic combination for the ultimate crowd-pleasing breakfast bake.
- 12 slices thick-sliced bread, cubed (about 14 cups)
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 cup diced ham)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How To Make Pioneer Woman Overnight Breakfast Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this easy, cheesy, and satisfying breakfast.
- Dry the Bread: Cut the bread into cubes and leave it out on a baking sheet overnight to get stale, or place it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to dry it out slightly. Do not let it toast or brown.
- Make the Egg Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place half of the dried bread cubes in an even layer in the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the crumbled bacon, half of the green onions, half of the red peppers, and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers once more.
- Soak Overnight: Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, making sure all the bread is moistened. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Bake and Serve: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven heats up. Bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the casserole is set. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly cooked breakfast casserole.
- Why do I need to use dry bread? This is the most crucial step for a great breakfast casserole (or strata). Dry, stale bread acts like a sponge, soaking up the egg custard without turning to mush. Using fresh, soft bread will result in a soggy, dense casserole.
- Can I bake this right away without chilling? While you can, the results are much better if you let it soak. The overnight chill allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, which creates a more flavorful and evenly textured final dish. If you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 3 hours.
- How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is fully cooked when the center is set and no longer jiggly when you gently shake the dish. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, with no liquid egg on it.
- Can I use a different meat or cheese? Absolutely! One pound of cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage is a classic substitute for the bacon. For the cheese, feel free to use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
What To Serve With Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Simple sides to complete your delicious brunch spread.
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A fresh fruit salad
- Sliced avocado or a side of salsa
- A hot cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice
How To Store Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Keeping your delicious leftovers fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker, softer result.
Pioneer Woman Overnight Breakfast Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 382 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Fat: 26 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. You can freeze it before baking (uncovered until firm, then wrapped tightly) or after baking. To bake from frozen, you may need to add 30-40 minutes to the cooking time, keeping it covered with foil for most of the time.
My casserole is watery on the bottom. Why?
A watery casserole can happen if your vegetables (like the bell pepper) release a lot of liquid. Finely dicing them helps. It can also occur if the egg custard hasn’t fully set, which means it just needs a little more time in the oven.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Sautéed mushrooms or onions, or some wilted spinach (squeezed very dry) would be delicious additions. Just be sure to cook them first to remove excess moisture.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Reuben Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Ham and Egg Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Description
An easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole layered with bread, bacon, and cheddar in a savory egg custard. The perfect make-ahead dish for a holiday brunch or a lazy weekend.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grease a 9×13-inch dish. Layer half the dried bread cubes, half the bacon, green onions, peppers, and cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven heats up.
- Bake, covered with foil, for 45-55 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing day-old or slightly dried-out bread is the most important step for preventing a soggy casserole.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is the perfect overnight breakfast; assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free meal.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFeel free to substitute the bacon with 1 pound of cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eLeftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.u003c/liu003e
