Overnight Bacon Brunch Casserole Recipe

Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky flavor to the casserole.

Bread: Provides the base and structure for the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add protein.

Milk: Creates a custard-like consistency when mixed with the eggs.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Dry mustard: Adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

To ensure your casserole has a perfect texture, make sure the bread cubes are slightly stale. Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked overnight. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out by toasting the cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes before assembling the dish. This will help the egg mixture absorb better and give you a more cohesive and flavorful brunch casserole.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that still provides a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture.

• bacon - Substitute with vegetarian bacon: For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian bacon made from soy or tempeh to maintain the smoky flavor without the meat.

• bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread adds more fiber and nutrients while still providing the necessary structure for the casserole.

• bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese offers a milder flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative to cheddar.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese made from nuts or soy to maintain the cheesy texture and flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Use a commercial egg substitute or a mixture of flaxseed meal and water for a vegan or lower-cholesterol option.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to create a similar consistency to beaten eggs, making it a suitable vegan alternative.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in casseroles, providing a similar texture and mild flavor.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free option that has a creamy consistency, making it a good substitute for regular milk.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of color to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• dry mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can provide a similar tangy flavor, though it is in paste form rather than powder.

• dry mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can also be used, though it will add a slightly different flavor profile and more moisture.

• To store the overnight bacon brunch casserole in the refrigerator, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Cut it into individual portions for easier reheating. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag. Label with the date and contents. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

• To reheat from frozen, it's best to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated storage. If reheating directly from frozen, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe cover or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly.

• If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes after microwaving.

• Always ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating to ensure food safety.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover overnight bacon brunch casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy top, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a toaster oven tray and cover it with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• For those with an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have a stovetop, you can reheat individual portions in a skillet. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Place the casserole in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Baking dish: A 9x13-inch dish used to hold and bake the casserole.

• Grease: Used to coat the baking dish to prevent sticking.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and dry mustard.

• Whisk: A tool used to beat the eggs and mix them with the other liquid ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and dry mustard.

• Knife: Used to cube the bread.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the bread on.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the casserole.

• Refrigerator: Used to store the casserole overnight before baking.

• Aluminum foil: Optional, to cover the casserole if it browns too quickly in the oven.

• Spatula: Used to serve the casserole once it is baked.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time on assembly day.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Prep the bread cubes: Cube the bread the night before and store in an airtight container.

Mix the wet ingredients in advance: Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and dry mustard the night before and store in the fridge.

Assemble in stages: Layer the bread cubes, bacon, and cheese in the dish, then pour the wet mixture over just before refrigerating overnight.