Last month, my daughter and her family surprised me with an early morning visit after a weekend trip. I hadn’t expected company, let alone six hungry mouths before 9 a.m. I rifled through the fridge and found half a loaf of sourdough, a pack of bacon I had been saving for Sunday brunch, and a block of sharp cheddar tucked behind a jar of pickles. I smiled and thought, Let’s make this morning a little cozier.
I whipped together a breakfast casserole, the kind I used to bring to early staff meetings back in my teaching days. This version had evolved over the years—less greasy, a bit more structured, and always hearty enough to fuel a morning of chasing toddlers or grading papers. The kitchen quickly filled with the smell of crisping bacon and melting cheese. My grandson stood on his tiptoes to peek through the oven window, asking every few minutes, “Is it ready yet, Grandma?”
When we finally sat down at the table, the casserole sliced clean and steaming, it felt like we’d carved out a little moment of calm in the middle of the chaos. The bread had soaked up every bit of eggy goodness, the cheese was bubbling and golden, and the bacon—well, bacon speaks for itself. That unexpected breakfast reminded me: the best meals don’t need to be planned. They just need to be made with love—and whatever’s in the fridge.
Short Description
This savory breakfast casserole is packed with crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, layered over cubes of tender bread. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for stress-free mornings.
Key Ingredients
- 300g / 10 oz bacon, diced (or ham)
- 6 large eggs
- 1¼ cups milk (full cream or low fat)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 7 cups (packed) plain bread, preferably slightly stale, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups cheese, shredded
Optional Garnish
-
Finely chopped parsley
Tools Needed
- Large non-stick frying pan
- Whisk
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch springform cake tin
- Foil
- Oven
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. If your pan isn’t non-stick, add a splash of oil. Cook all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon until lightly browned and slightly crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Combine the Casserole Base
Add the cubed bread, 1½ cups of shredded cheese, and the cooked bacon to the egg mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly so every bread cube gets coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Generously grease a 20cm / 8-inch springform cake tin with butter. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared pan. Press down gently to compress. Sprinkle the reserved uncooked bacon and remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top. Cover loosely with foil.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes before releasing the springform. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hearty & Filling: Loaded with protein, carbs, and cheese—it keeps you satisfied all morning.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven the next morning.
Versatile: Works with bacon, ham, sausage, or even sautéed veggies.
Great for Crowds: Perfect for brunches, holiday mornings, or potlucks.
Comforting & Familiar: Classic breakfast flavors in every bite.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using Fresh Bread
Fresh bread can turn the casserole soggy. Instead, use slightly stale bread or dry out fresh cubes in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
Skipping the Soak Time
Not allowing the bread to absorb the egg mixture results in dry spots. Let it rest at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Uneven Cheese Distribution
Don’t dump all the cheese on top—mix it into the base and then sprinkle more on top for the perfect balance.
Overbaking
Check doneness with a skewer or knife. If it comes out with raw egg, give it another 5 minutes.
Forgetting to Grease the Pan
A stuck casserole can ruin presentation. Use plenty of butter or cooking spray.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as melon, grapes, or sliced oranges.
Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or fresh-pressed juice.
Great for buffet-style brunches, weekend family breakfasts, or plated with a small salad for a light lunch.
For holiday mornings, serve alongside cinnamon rolls or fruit muffins.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating (Microwave): Heat on medium for 1–2 minutes, covered loosely with a damp paper towel.
Reheating (Oven): Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of bread?
Yes! Sourdough, whole wheat, or even leftover dinner rolls work well. Just avoid overly soft bread like brioche unless it’s slightly stale.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for different flavors.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions. Just cook them first to release moisture.
4. How far ahead can I make this?
You can prep it the night before and bake it in the morning. It actually tastes better when the flavors have time to soak in.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish (like 9×13) and adjust the baking time—usually 10–15 minutes longer.
Tips & Tricks
Cube your bread the night before and let it sit out uncovered to dry slightly.
Use kitchen scissors to quickly cut bacon into pieces before cooking.
Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Add a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking for extra color.
For a fluffier texture, separate the eggs and beat the whites until frothy before folding them in.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian Version
Omit bacon and add 1½ cups sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and onions.
Add a pinch of nutmeg and ¼ tsp thyme for depth.
Follow the same steps, adjusting for veggie moisture.
2. Southwestern Twist
Use cooked chorizo instead of bacon.
Add ½ cup diced green chilies and 1 tsp cumin to the egg mix.
Use a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
3. Sweet & Savory Combo
Swap bacon for maple-glazed ham.
Add caramelized onions and a dash of cinnamon.
Use brioche or challah for a sweeter base.
Final Thoughts
After the plates were cleared and the kids had gone outside to chase squirrels in the yard, I poured myself a second cup of tea and sat quietly with the last slice of casserole. It was still warm, still satisfying, and felt like the reward for a morning well spent. Meals like this remind me that comfort doesn’t always come from fancy ingredients or complex methods—it often comes from the smell of bacon, the golden edges of toasted bread, and the sound of laughter at the kitchen table.
This recipe has earned its spot in my morning routine and, from what I hear, my daughter’s too. I’ve promised to write it out for her properly—maybe even pass it down with a few more notes scribbled in the margins, just like my mother did.
Savory Breakfast Casserole
Print ThisIngredients
- 300g / 10 oz bacon, diced (or ham)
- 6 large eggs
- 1¼ cups milk (full cream or low fat)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 7 cups (packed) plain bread, preferably slightly stale, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups cheese, shredded
- Optional Garnish
- Finely chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a hot non-stick pan (add oil if needed), cook all but 2 tbsp of bacon until crisp. Drain on a paper towel.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Casserole Base
Stir in bread cubes, 1½ cups cheese, and cooked bacon. Mix well. Cover and chill for 30 minutes or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Grease an 8-inch springform pan with butter. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour mixture into the pan. Press down. Top with reserved bacon and ½ cup cheese. Cover loosely with foil.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake 15–20 minutes until golden and set.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let rest 5 minutes. Release springform, garnish with parsley if using, and serve warm.
