Easy Breakfast Casserole

Merry Christmas season to everyone! I wish I could have all of you over for breakfast this morning! Please enjoy your holidays with friends and family. This easy breakfast casserole has been in our family for over 20+ years. It’s one of those recipes that the family knows we’ll have early on Christmas morning or New Year’s Day. You prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it the night before you plan to cook it.

The day you plan to serve it, remove the cover from the cooled casserole, press the cooked bacon and sausage into the casserole, and bake as directed. It’s so good when you serve it with sour cream and your favorite salsa.

It has bread, eggs, two different kinds of cheese, sausage, and bacon, which make it extra yummy! It makes your home smell so good while the oven is baking. There’s never much cleanup on that special day because you make the casserole ahead of time. You remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.

The History Behind Easy Breakfast Casseroles

When you think of an easy breakfast casserole, you probably picture a bubbly dish of eggs, bread or potatoes, cheese, and savory add-ins like sausage, ham, or veggies, something you can make ahead, pop in the oven, and feed a hungry crowd. It’s one of the most beloved breakfast traditions in American homes, especially during holidays and family gatherings.

But where did this comforting dish actually come from? The history of breakfast casseroles is richer (and tastier!) than most people realize.

Early Origins: The Birth of the Casserole

The word casserole comes from the French term “casse,” meaning “pan” or “dish.” By the 1700s and 1800s, the idea of cooking layered or mixed foods together in a single vessel became popular in Europe. These early casseroles often contained rice, grains, meats, or vegetables bound together with eggs or broth.

However, these were not yet breakfast dishes—that evolution came much later.

American Influence: The Rise of the One-Pan Meal

Casseroles became a staple in American kitchens in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Why?
Because life was changing fast:

• Industrialization meant long work hours.
• Women entering the workforce needed convenient meal options.
• New ovens and cookware made baking easier.
• Canned soups hit the market and revolutionized quick cooking.

By the 1930s–1950s, America was embracing the idea of one-pan layered meals. Think tuna casserole, green bean casserole, and creamy chicken bakes. These dishes symbolized convenience, thrift, and comfort.

Still, breakfast casseroles weren’t mainstream just yet.

Mid-Century Shift: Breakfast Takes Center Stage

Breakfast casseroles exploded in popularity between the 1950s and 1970s, driven by:

Church Potlucks

Midwestern church communities often created “baked breakfast dishes” that included eggs, bread, cheese, and sausage. These make-ahead recipes quickly circulated through recipe boxes and church cookbooks.

School and Community Breakfasts

Cafeterias needed a practical, affordable way to feed many people at once. Baked egg dishes fit the bill perfectly.

Weekend & Holiday Brunch Culture

As brunch grew more popular in America, easy egg-based casseroles became a go-to for hostess-friendly entertaining.

The Breakfast Casserole We Know Today

The modern breakfast casserole, mixed eggs, cheese, a starch, and a protein baked together, was fully solidified by the 1980s and 1990s. Popular variations emerged:

• Strata (bread layered with eggs and cheese), dating back to the 1900s
• Hash brown casseroles using shredded or cubed potatoes
• Bisquick breakfast bakes
• Overnight casseroles, soaked in the fridge to make mornings effortless

These dishes became holiday classics for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, and summer gatherings.

Why Breakfast Casseroles Remain So Popular

Today’s breakfast casseroles are beloved for good reason:

• Feed a crowd easily
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Make ahead and bake later
• Endless flavor combinations
• Family-friendly comfort food

They’re the perfect match for modern life, just as casseroles were when they first became household staples.

Easy breakfast casseroles represent more than just a meal; they’re a reflection of simplicity, hospitality, and the desire to gather loved ones around the table. From early European casseroles to American brunch culture, these dishes have evolved into a beloved tradition passed down through generations.

Kitchen Items You May Need:

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Dish
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• A Good Knife
• Silicone Cutting Boards (these are my favorite)
• Food Thermometer
• Frying Pan

Easy Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients – Easy Breakfast Casserole

• Bread: Holds the casserole together. Absorbs the wet ingredients in the recipe, keeping the casserole moist but not runny.
• Velveeta Cheese: A delicious, smooth, and mild-tasting, shelf-stable cheese made of whey, milk, milk protein concentrate, modified starch, canola oil, and cheese cultures. It is known for its creaminess and unbelievable ability to melt! Please note: We usually skip the Velveeta.
• Milk: Its fat content helps produce a moist, creamy casserole. It also helps to enrich the flavor of all of the other ingredients.
• Eggs: Great protein source; they help bind the dough and other ingredients together, creating a moist, soft casserole. Increases browning during the cooking process. It adds a deliciously rich flavor.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Dry Mustard: Also known as mustard powder. It is made from ground mustard seeds. It gives this casserole a delicious, savory kick!
• Grated Cheese (mild cheddar is our favorite): A very smooth, moist, and mild cheese. It’s the perfect choice for this breakfast casserole because of its melting properties, which help combine all the ingredients.
• Bacon (cooked): A salt-cured pork cut from the pig’s belly or back. It adds a little smoky flavor to any dish. Center-cut or thick-cut bacon is best! Adds protein to this breakfast casserole.
• Jimmy Dean Sausage (cooked and drained): Sausage is ground meat, like pork, beef, or poultry, along with salt, spices, and other flavorings.

Delicious Breakfast Casserole

Step One: Gather Ingredients

Step Two: Cook The Bacon

I love baking bacon in the oven, and it’s so easy. Note how I lined my large pan with aluminum foil. It sure helps with cleanup chores. Bacon In The Oven

Baked Bacon – Draining the Grease

Step Three: Cook the Sausage

I fry the sausage in a frying pan until it’s thoroughly cooked. Then, I drain any leftover grease. This variety of sausage had minimal grease.

Place the bacon and sausage in the refrigerator.

You combine the cooked bacon and sausage and place them in the refrigerator. In the morning, you bake the casserole, remove the plastic wrap, and spread the mixture on top before baking.

Step Four: Cut The Bread Into Cubes

The recipe calls for cutting off the crusts and then cubing the bread into bite-sized pieces. I don’t see an issue with leaving the crusts if you prefer.

Step Five: Place The Bread Cubes In The Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan, and place the bread cubes into the baking dish.

Step Six: Place Velveeta Slices On the Top

Now, slice the Velveeta cheese into thin slices and layer it on the bread cubes.

Step Seven: Sprinkle Grated Cheese on the Casserole

Sprinkle your favorite grated or shredded cheese on this layer.

Step Eight: Whisk The Egg and Milk with Spices

Whisk the milk, eggs, salt, and dry mustard until mixed thoroughly.

Pour Over Casserole

Cover the casserole with the egg, milk, and spices mixture.

Step Nine: Cover and place in the refrigerator

Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. It gives the bread time to absorb the liquids, making for a creamy casserole.

Step Ten: Sprinkle the bacon and sausage over the casserole

You’ll need to use your fingers or a spoon to push the bacon and sausage down into the casserole so it’s mostly covered.

Step Eleven: Bake at (325°F) = (162°C) until cooked through

Finished Product

I added some sour cream and green onions for flavor. I also like mine with some salsa on the side, and I served the casserole with some extra bacon on the plate.

Is a casserole the main dish?

What I love about this easy breakfast casserole is that it is a great stand-alone dish or can be served with a side dish or two. It’s very hearty and filling!

What can be served with a breakfast casserole?

• The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
• Biscuits
• Fresh Fruit
• Sautéed Vegetables
• The Best Banana Bread & Muffins
• Sourdough English Muffins

What ingredients can I add to a breakfast casserole?

I love this easy breakfast casserole recipe! If you’re interested in adding additional ingredients, I would recommend any of the following:

• Red, yellow, or green bell peppers
• Sautéed onions
• Frozen hash browns, breakfast potatoes, or tater tots
• Mushrooms (steam to remove excess moisture)
• Ham
• Spinach
• Broccoli and/or Cauliflower (steam to remove excess moisture)
• Cream – in place of milk
• Any other veggies that you and your family enjoy

Why do you have to refrigerate it overnight?

Refrigerating the breakfast casserole overnight allows the bread to absorb the eggs, milk, and cheese. This will help the casserole to be moist and delicious but not too liquid or runny in texture.

How do you know when an egg casserole is done?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking egg mixtures until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).

How do you store this after baking it?

I store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, although it’s best eaten within 2 days because the texture may change.

How can I reheat this the next day?

You can wrap the baking dish tightly in foil, then reheat it in the oven or air fryer.

What cheese is best to use in a breakfast casserole?

We like the flavor of the cheddar cheese! It has a mild taste and melts well. If you want to try a different cheese, I recommend Swiss cheese for a slightly stronger flavor or pepper jack cheese for a bit of spice. Mozzarella would be delicious as well!

Is this casserole healthy for my family?

I can’t provide detailed nutritional information, but as I review the ingredients, I can share a few observations from my perspective.

The milk and cheeses provide protein, Vitamin D, and calcium, all essential to daily nutrition. Interestingly, milk is also a good source of potassium.

Bacon and sausage are also good sources of protein, but for those watching their cholesterol, they may be a concern. The meats and added salt make for a reasonably high sodium level, but surely add to the overall flavor.

The bread adds to the casserole’s texture but also increases its carbohydrate content.

Final Word

Let me know if you decide to try my easy breakfast casserole recipe! The smell and taste of this casserole are genuinely amazing! I love how the bread absorbs the milk, eggs, Velveeta, and grated cheeses, which then melt together to create a moist, cheesy, and flavorful dish. The bacon and Jimmy Dean sausage taste establishes a savory flavor in your mouth like no other! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! You?

Easy breakfast casseroles represent more than just a meal; they’re a reflection of simplicity, hospitality, and the desire to gather loved ones around the table. From early European casseroles to American brunch culture, these dishes have evolved into a beloved tradition passed down through generations.

I love how easy it is to put this breakfast casserole together the night before and have it ready to cook in the morning! This easy breakfast casserole is great for brunch, Christmas breakfast, family reunions, and New Year’s Day festivities! May God Bless The World, Linda