Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole For A Crowd

Name: Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole For A Crowd
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf crusty bread, cubed; 12 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup diced bell peppers; 1 cup diced onions; 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme

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When hosting a large gathering, I love serving a Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole that delights everyone. This dish not only saves time on busy mornings, but it also feeds a crowd with ease, allowing me to enjoy the company without constantly manning the kitchen. I pack it with hearty ingredients like eggs, cheese, and veggies, so everyone leaves satisfied. Plus, prepping it a day in advance adds to its convenience, making it a fuss-free choice for holidays or brunches with friends.

Created by

Celia Winterbourne

Last updated on 2026-02-01T20:01:35.665Z

I remember the first time I made this breakfast casserole; it was a chilly Sunday morning, and I wanted to create something warm and comforting for my family. I layered crusty bread, fluffy eggs, and vibrant vegetables, and the aroma filled my kitchen as it baked. To add a twist, I sprinkled in some spicy sausage, elevating the flavors and creating a dish everyone craved.

What I learned is that letting the casserole rest overnight allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully, resulting in a texture that’s creamy on the inside and slightly crispy on the top. Serving it with fresh fruit or a light salad balances the richness beautifully.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Feed a large group without stress
Make ahead and just bake on the day
Versatile: change up ingredients to suit your taste
Comfort food that pleases everyone

      

Building the Perfect Base

The bread you choose is essential for achieving the right texture in your casserole. A sturdy, crusty loaf adds structure and absorbs the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy. Opt for sourdough or French bread; their slightly tangy flavor complements the savory ingredients beautifully. If you need a gluten-free option, robust gluten-free bread works, though you may want to reduce the milk slightly to prevent a mushy texture.

Using fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds vibrant colors to your dish. To save even more time, you can chop these a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. I recommend sautéing the onions and peppers briefly before mixing them in; this helps soften their texture and bring out their natural sweetness, which balances the richness of the eggs and cheese.

Customization for Everyone

One of the best features of this breakfast casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to swap in your favorite meats like diced ham or crispy bacon for a different flavor. Vegetarian options such as mushrooms or spinach can also work wonderfully. When altering ingredients, just keep the total volume in check to maintain the right essence of the dish. A good rule of thumb is to keep the egg and milk mixture balanced with the other fillings.

If you're looking to lighten this dish, consider using half-and-half instead of whole milk or substituting with a plant-based milk alternative. In my experience, almond or oat milk provides a lovely flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Additionally, using egg whites or an egg substitute can reduce the overall cholesterol and fat content without sacrificing too much richness, especially when paired with a generous amount of cheese.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 loaf crusty bread, cubed
12 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup diced onions
1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Directions

Prepare the Bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the cooked sausage, bell peppers, and onions. Toss gently to mix.

Make the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme until well combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour the egg mixture over the bread and meat mixture, pressing down gently to ensure everything is soaked. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.

Refrigerate

Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight to enhance flavors.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.

Serve

Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Try adding spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. You can also substitute the sausage with bacon or a meat-free alternative for a vegetarian option.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes time to serve your casserole, consider pairing it with fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the dish's richness. A squeeze of lemon over the top before serving brightens the flavors beautifully. You can also offer a selection of condiments such as hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream to enhance each individual serving, giving guests the option to customize their dish further.

If you're entertaining for a brunch, setting up a mimosa or coffee bar alongside the casserole could elevate the experience. I often prepare a few fun and festive beverages that complement the hearty flavors of the casserole, so guests have something refreshing to sip on as they enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

For a truly hassle-free experience, this casserole can be assembled the night before and left to soak in the fridge. I recommend letting it sit overnight as this allows the flavors to meld, and the bread fully absorbs the egg mixture for a more cohesive texture. Just remember to cover it well; you don’t want any drying out or fridge odors affecting the casserole.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, slice portions and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze individual servings wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; these can last up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and bake it from frozen, adding extra time.

→ Can I use egg substitutes?

Absolutely, feel free to use egg substitutes or liquid egg products if you're looking for a lower cholesterol option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We recommend reheating in the oven for the best texture.

→ Can I prepare it the night before?

Yes! In fact, it’s best to let it sit in the fridge overnight for optimal flavor and texture.