There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of a delicious breakfast already prepared, and that’s exactly why I love making my overnight egg casserole! It’s the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish that you can whip up the night before, leaving you with more time to enjoy your morning. Trust me, I’ve had many a Sunday where I’ve made this for family gatherings, and it never fails to impress. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite fillings, making it perfect for everyone at the table. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this easy and hearty overnight egg casserole that will turn your mornings into a delightful experience!
Ingredients List
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 2 cups diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Prepare Overnight Egg Casserole
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious overnight egg casserole! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping breakfast ready to go!
Step 1: Whisk the Base
First things first, grab a large bowl and whisk together the 12 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Make sure to whisk it really well until it’s all combined and frothy—this is crucial for getting that fluffy texture we all love! I usually get my kids to help with this part; it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen!
Step 2: Add Fillings
Now, it’s time for the fun part—mixing in the goodies! Stir in the 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 cup of diced cooked ham, 2 cups of diced vegetables (I love using bell peppers, onions, and spinach, but you can switch it up!), and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Fold everything together gently so that the fillings are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture. You’ll start to see all those vibrant colors come to life!
Step 3: Prepare for Refrigeration
Now, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and pour that beautiful mixture in. Make sure it’s spread out evenly. This is where the magic happens overnight! Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It’s essential to let it sit overnight to allow all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, this step is where the casserole gets its rich flavor!
Step 4: Bake and Serve
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s nice and hot, bake your casserole uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until it’s set and has that gorgeous golden color on top. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This little cooling time helps it hold together perfectly when you serve it. And oh, the smell that fills your kitchen? It’s pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Just mix and refrigerate overnight—no morning stress!
- Customizable ingredients: Use whatever veggies or meats you love to make it your own.
- Perfect for gatherings: This casserole feeds a crowd, making it a go-to for brunch parties.
- Easy leftovers: Enjoy tasty slices for breakfast all week; they reheat beautifully!
Tips for Success
To make sure your overnight egg casserole turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips for you! First, don’t be afraid to mix and match your fillings! Feel free to swap out the ham for cooked sausage, or even add some crumbled bacon for an extra kick. If you want a vegetarian version, load it up with mushrooms, zucchini, or even some sun-dried tomatoes. Yum!
Another tip is to let your casserole sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours—this really allows the flavors to blend beautifully. If you’re short on time, try to give it at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
As for cooking, keep an eye on it as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check it a little early to avoid overcooking. If the top starts to brown too much, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. When it’s cooled, slice it into squares for easy serving, and don’t forget to serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal! You’ll impress everyone with this delicious and hearty dish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this hearty overnight egg casserole:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a wholesome breakfast option that’s packed with nutrients!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this overnight egg casserole. You can prepare it the night before and let it sit in the fridge, so it’s all ready to pop in the oven the next morning. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free breakfast without any last-minute hassle!
What vegetables can I use in the casserole?
The options are endless! You can customize your casserole with any vegetables you love. Some great choices include bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just make sure to chop them up into small pieces, so they cook evenly and blend well with the eggs.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or pop them back in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through. Perfect for a quick breakfast anytime!
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover overnight egg casserole is super simple! Just let it cool completely after baking, then transfer any uneaten slices into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy delicious breakfasts with minimal effort throughout the week!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend the microwave for quickness. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 30-60 seconds, or until it’s warmed through. If you prefer the oven, you can reheat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes—this method helps keep the texture nice and fluffy. Either way, you’ll have a tasty breakfast ready to go in no time!
Print
Overnight Egg Casserole: 4 Ways to Delight Your Mornings
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty overnight egg casserole perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 2 cups diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, spinach)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cheese, ham, vegetables, and garlic powder.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until set and golden.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be customized with your favorite vegetables or meats.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Keywords: overnight egg casserole
