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Bacon Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

Bacon cheddar breakfast casserole recipe with crispy bacon and melted cheese.

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This savory make-ahead casserole is the ultimate peace-of-mind breakfast. Assemble it the night before for a morning meal that bakes up rich with bacon, cheese, and custard-soaked bread. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring a stress-free, satisfying start to the day.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 (16-ounce) loaf French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
  4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes in the bottom.
  5. Sprinkle with half of the cooked bacon, half of the sautéed veggies, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
  6. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, bacon, and veggies.
  7. Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the casserole. Gently press down with a spatula so all bread is soaked.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let casserole sit at room temperature while oven heats.
  10. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and the center is set.
  11. Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Stale bread works best. For a lighter version, use turkey bacon, 2% milk, and reduced-fat cheese. Letting the casserole rest in the fridge is crucial for the bread to fully absorb the custard.

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