The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Name: The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 525 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: cooking spray; 3 medium English muffins, split; 12 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper; 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.25 teaspoon onion powder; 0.25 teaspoon ground mustard; 1 pound cooked ham, diced; 1.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided; 0.25 cup chopped green onions

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

Cooking spray
3 medium English muffins, split
12 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1 pound cooked ham, diced
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Directions:

Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Arrange English muffin halves in a single layer in the bottom of the baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard until fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the English muffins in the baking dish.
Top with diced ham and 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) the next morning.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Cooks Note:

If you're short on time or forgot to prep this the night before, you can also make it the same morning. You can switch out the ham for cooked bacon if you'd like to try a different flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 480
Total Fat: 25g (32% DV)
Saturated Fat: 9g (44% DV)
Cholesterol: 354mg (118% DV)
Sodium: 1136mg (49% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 31g (11% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
Total Sugars: 17g
Protein: 31g (63% DV)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
Calcium: 302mg (23% DV)
Iron: 3mg (14% DV)
Potassium: 473mg (10% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Recipe Summary: This overnight breakfast casserole is loaded with ham and cheese, perfect for preparing the night before and baking in the morning. Its a hearty and convenient dish ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.

The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole

History and Origin

The breakfast casserole, like many comfort food dishes, has roots in American home cooking. Its origins are tied to the tradition of preparing hearty meals that could be made ahead of time and served quickly the following morning. The concept of "overnight" casseroles became especially popular in the 20th century as busy families sought ways to simplify meal prep. This particular casserole with eggs, ham, and cheese draws on classic breakfast ingredients commonly used in the United States, where casseroles became a staple in both home kitchens and holiday meals.

Regional Variations

While this particular version is rooted in American breakfast traditions, breakfast casseroles vary widely depending on the region. In the southern United States, for instance, it's common to find casseroles that incorporate sausage gravy or even biscuits. In the Midwest, casseroles often include ingredients like hash browns or other potatoes. The versatility of the dish allows for endless regional adaptations. In some areas, the addition of local cheeses or meats can drastically change the casserole's flavor profile.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Many breakfast casseroles exist, but this recipe stands out due to its unique combination of ingredients: English muffins as the base, ham, and a generous amount of Cheddar cheese. Unlike traditional quiches, which use a pie crust, or frittatas that are typically cooked on the stovetop, this casserole is baked in the oven, giving it a crispy, golden top. The use of English muffins adds a soft yet slightly chewy texture, contrasting with the richness of the egg and cheese mixture.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is most often served in family homes or during gatherings like holiday brunches, potlucks, or Sunday mornings. Its make-ahead nature makes it a great choice for events where you want a filling and easy-to-serve meal. It's also popular in bed-and-breakfast establishments or anywhere that offers a hearty breakfast spread. Youll find it especially common at Easter or Christmas brunch tables, where convenience and comfort are key.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that the term "casserole" comes from the French word for "saucepan"? The dish was originally cooked in a deep, wide pan, which gave it its name.
The idea of a make-ahead breakfast has been around for centuries, with early forms of overnight casseroles appearing in cookbooks from the 1800s.
This casserole can easily be modified to accommodate dietary preferences. It can be made vegetarian by swapping out the ham for vegetables or even breakfast potatoes, making it a versatile option for various tastes and needs.
Many families have their own secret ingredient when it comes to breakfast casseroles, such as using specific types of cheese or adding a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and practical way to start the day. With its combination of savory flavors, easy preparation, and satisfying texture, its a dish thats perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a family brunch or simply feeding your household before a busy day. Its adaptability makes it a timeless recipe that can be modified to suit a variety of tastes.

FAQ about The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can substitute the ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to chop it into small pieces to evenly distribute it in the casserole.

While the casserole is traditionally prepared overnight to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture, you can also prepare it a few hours in advance. If you do so, let it sit for at least 1-2 hours in the refrigerator before baking to allow the ingredients to meld.

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to cover the casserole with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent it from drying out.

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake it from frozen, but it will take an additional 10-15 minutes to cook.

Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, such as challah, brioche, or regular sandwich bread. Just cut the bread into pieces that are similar in size to the English muffin halves, so they absorb the egg mixture evenly.

If you don't have green onions, you can use chives, shallots, or even regular onions as a substitute. For a milder flavor, try using finely chopped parsley or basil.

Yes, you can substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute to replace the cheddar cheese if you're avoiding dairy altogether.

If the casserole turns out too watery, it could be due to the amount of moisture in the bread or the eggs. To avoid this, use slightly stale bread, as it absorbs more liquid. Additionally, make sure you are not using too much milk or eggs for the bread to soak up.

The casserole is done when the eggs are fully set and no longer runny. You can test it by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. It should be lightly golden on top as well.

Yes, you can adjust the recipe to make more or less. If you double the recipe, use a larger baking dish and ensure that you increase the baking time slightly (check after 35 minutes). If halving the recipe, a smaller baking dish will be needed, and you may need to reduce the baking time.

Comments

Dorothy Walker

11/13/2023 03:16:54 AM

I substituted 1 lb of cooked bulk breakfast sausage for the ham and used a layer of Udi's whole grain sandwich bread (crust removed) to make this dish gluten-free. The total baking time was 50 minutes, and the result was absolutely delicious!

audio version

Cook Time: 35 minutes