Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This incredible Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a morning game-changer that practically makes itself while you sleep! Layers of crispy bacon, hash browns, and cheese come together in a savory egg mixture that slow cooks to perfection. It’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast solution that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Prep and Forget: Spend just 15 minutes prepping the night before, and wake up to a complete, hot breakfast.
• Family-Friendly: This hearty casserole pleases everyone from picky eaters to breakfast enthusiasts.
• Customizable: The basic recipe works beautifully as is, but you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences.
• Perfect for Hosting: Whether for holiday mornings, weekend guests, or family brunches, this casserole feeds a crowd with minimal morning effort.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bacon: Provides that irresistible smoky flavor and crispy texture that makes breakfast feel special.
• Onion and Green Pepper: Adds freshness and a pop of color while contributing essential flavor depth.
• Garlic: Just one clove brings subtle aromatic flavor that enhances everything it touches.
• Frozen Hashbrowns: The convenient base of our casserole – no need to thaw them first!
• Cheese: Creates those beautiful melty, golden pockets throughout the casserole. Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite melting cheese.
• Eggs: The binding ingredient that brings everything together into a cohesive, protein-rich dish.
• Whole Milk: Creates the perfect custard-like texture when combined with the eggs.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight all the other flavors.
• Green Onion: A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds color and a mild oniony finish.

Variations

Meat Lover’s Version

Substitute ham or cooked sausage for the bacon, or use a combination of all three for an extra hearty version.

Veggie Delight

Add mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes to the vegetable mix for extra nutrients and flavor.

Southwest Style

Incorporate a diced jalapeño with the vegetables and add a teaspoon of cumin to the egg mixture. Top with avocado and salsa when serving.

Different Cheese Options

Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, Swiss for a nutty flavor, or a blend of several cheeses for complexity.

How to Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot and Bacon

Spray your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Cook the bacon until crisp, chop it into pieces, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Start by placing 1/3 of the frozen hashbrowns on the bottom of the crock pot. Top with 1/3 of the bacon, 1/3 of the sautéed vegetables, and 1/3 of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with a cheese layer on top.

Step 4: Add the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture over the layered ingredients in the crock pot, allowing it to seep down through the layers.

Step 5: Cook Overnight

Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours. When done, the casserole should reach an internal temperature of 160°F, ensuring the eggs are fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Thaw the Hashbrowns: Using them frozen helps maintain structure during the long cooking time.
• Layer Properly: The layering technique ensures every bite has a mix of all ingredients and prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
• Check for Doneness: If your crock pot runs hot, check at the 7-hour mark to prevent overcooking.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after cooking. This makes serving easier and allows flavors to settle.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with fresh fruit, yogurt, or toast for a complete breakfast spread.

Brunch Accompaniments

Pair with mimosas and a simple green salad for an impressive brunch gathering.

Hearty Addition

For really hungry crowds, offer warm biscuits and honey or maple syrup on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components

You can cook the bacon and sauté the vegetables a day in advance to make the night-before assembly even quicker.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Cut cooled leftovers into individual portions, wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I assemble this casserole more than one night in advance?
I wouldn’t recommend assembling the entire casserole more than 12 hours before cooking. The raw eggs can make the hashbrowns soggy if they sit too long. However, you can prep all ingredients separately and store them ready to layer right before cooking.

My family doesn’t eat pork – can I still make this casserole?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works wonderfully, or you can omit the bacon entirely and add extra vegetables or even a plant-based protein alternative.

Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Assemble in a 9×13 baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute unsweetened almond milk or another non-dairy milk for the whole milk, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole transforms busy mornings into something special without any a.m. effort. The combination of crispy hashbrowns, savory bacon, and fluffy egg creates a breakfast that feels indulgent yet practical. Whether you’re serving a holiday gathering or just want to treat your family to something special on a weekend morning, this fuss-free favorite delivers maximum flavor with minimum morning effort. Give it a try this weekend!

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