Savory Overnight Breakfast Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Meet your new breakfast champion: the Savory Overnight Breakfast Delight. This make-ahead casserole is perfect for lazy mornings when you want something hearty and flavorful without the morning rush.

Ingredients for Savory Overnight Breakfast Delight

Eggs: The base of our casserole, providing richness and structure. They bind everything together while adding protein.

Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, ensuring the dish isn't dry.

Salt, black pepper, and paprika: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavors. The paprika adds a subtle warmth.

Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, it brings a smoky, savory element to the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Provides creaminess and sharp flavor, melting beautifully into the casserole.

Green onions and red bell pepper: Add freshness and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the bacon and cheese.

Day-old bread: Soaks up the egg mixture, creating a satisfying texture. It's a great way to use up bread that might otherwise go to waste.

Fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a serrated knife to cube your bread; it makes the job much easier and cleaner.
  • If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
  • Letting the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving ensures it holds its shape better when cut.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of sautéed spinach. If you're serving brunch, consider adding a mimosa or freshly squeezed orange juice to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss or Monterey Jack would be great alternatives.
What if I don't have day-old bread?
Fresh bread can work too, just toast it lightly in the oven first to dry it out a bit.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Just skip the bacon and maybe add some mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.

Savory Overnight Breakfast Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together your eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Make sure it's well combined so that every bite is consistently seasoned.

Once your egg mixture is ready, stir in the bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, bell pepper, and parsley. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to your casserole.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the dish. This ensures that every piece gets an even soak in the egg mixture.

Now, pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak up all that liquid goodness. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the fridge overnight.

In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Let it cool slightly before serving; this helps it firm up a bit more for easy slicing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for feeding a crowd without the morning hassle.
  • Makes use of day-old bread, reducing waste.
  • A wonderful balance of flavors with bacon, cheese, and fresh veggies.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
6 cups day-old bread, cubed
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Stir in cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, bell pepper, and parsley.
3. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
5. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.
7. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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