1-Preparing an overnight breakfast casserole: preparing an overnight breakfast casserole is straightforward and rewarding, turning basic ingredients into a flavorful, make-ahead dish. Start by cubing the bread and drying it slightly, either overnight or by baking at 300°F for 10 minutes without browning, to help it absorb the custard better. This step ensures your easy overnight breakfast casserole has the ideal texture when baked.

2-Preheat your oven: preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 3 cups of milk, ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to create the custard mixture. Layer half of the 12 slices of cubed bread (about 14 cups) in the dish, then add half of the cooked crumbled bacon or 1 cup diced ham, 3 thinly sliced green onions, ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper, and 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese on top.

3-Repeat the layers: repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients for a hearty build-up of flavors. Pour the egg mixture over everything, pressing gently to moisten all the bread cubes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. In the morning, let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to 350°F for even cooking. Bake it covered with foil for 45 to 55 minutes until set; if using two pans, extend the time to 60-80 minutes.

4-Once baked: you can broil it for about 3 minutes to get a crispy top. This method not only simplifies your breakfast routine but also allows for same-day preparation by soaking the bread cubes in the egg mixture before layering and baking. For those interested in similar recipes, check out our ham and cheese hash brown casserole for another tasty option.