This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and convenient make-ahead meal, perfect for holidays, brunches, or busy mornings. Loaded with savory breakfast staples like ham, cheddar cheese, and fresh bell peppers, and seasoned with Dijon mustard, thyme, and garlic, it bakes up golden and satisfying. The best part? All the prep is done the night before, so all you have to do is wake up and bake!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed French bread

• 1 cup cubed ham

• 1 cup chopped peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green)

• 1½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese

• 12 large eggs

• 2 cups milk

• 2 tsp ground Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Add cubed bread, ham, chopped peppers, and cheddar cheese to the dish. Mix evenly.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture. Gently press the bread down with a spoon.

5. Sprinkle the top with shredded Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until eggs are fully set. If the top browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.

7. (For overnight prep: Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed.)

8. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per serving — estimated)

• Calories: 492 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 60g

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 17g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 189mg

• Sodium: 1091mg

• Potassium: 334mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 10g

• Vitamin A: 861 IU

• Vitamin C: 16mg

• Calcium: 350mg

• Iron: 5mg

A Balanced, Flavorful Breakfast in Every Bite

Each bite of this casserole brings a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The French bread cubes absorb the egg mixture, softening into a custardy base with golden edges once baked. The ham adds a savory, meaty bite, while bell peppers offer a touch of sweetness and a pop of color. Shredded cheddar melts into the mix, creating a creamy, cheesy experience with every forkful. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a salty finish and a crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft center. It’s hearty, well-seasoned, and balanced, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or indulging in a weekend breakfast that feels a little extra special.

Simple Ingredients, Big Impact

Despite how impressive this casserole looks and tastes, it’s made from ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The combination of eggs, milk, bread, cheese, and ham forms the foundation, while garlic powder, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper elevate the flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need anything fancy to create a standout meal. The fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note that ties everything together, and the Dijon mustard brings a mild tang that cuts through the richness of the eggs and cheese. These little details transform it from a basic breakfast bake into something worth remembering.

Flexible and Easy to Customize

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. Don’t have ham? Swap it for cooked bacon, sausage, or even smoked turkey. Prefer a vegetarian version? Simply omit the meat and load up on extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also experiment with different cheeses—try gruyère for a nutty flavor, Monterey Jack for a milder melt, or even feta for a tangy kick. The base recipe is your canvas, and once you master it, the possibilities for variation are endless. It’s the kind of dish that adapts to what you have on hand, making it ideal for using up leftovers or pantry staples.

A Time-Saving Solution for Busy Mornings

One of the biggest advantages of this casserole is its make-ahead magic. All the prep work is done the night before—chopping, mixing, and assembling—so when morning arrives, your only task is popping it into the oven. This means you can enjoy a homemade, nourishing breakfast without scrambling in the kitchen. It’s perfect for holiday mornings when you want something special without missing out on time with family. It’s also a lifesaver for hosting overnight guests, giving you a low-stress way to serve a warm, impressive breakfast that requires minimal effort in the moment.

A Crowd-Pleaser That’s Great for Sharing

With generous portions and bold flavors, this casserole is made for sharing. The 9×13-inch pan serves 8–10 people easily, making it perfect for brunches, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family. Its inviting look—golden on top with colorful flecks of pepper and herbs—makes it a centerpiece-worthy dish on any breakfast or brunch table. Because it holds its shape well after baking, it’s easy to slice and serve neatly. Whether plated individually or presented family-style, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and keeps them coming back for seconds.

Nutritionally Satisfying and Balanced

This breakfast casserole isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with nutrients that will keep you full and energized. With over 20 grams of protein per serving, it’s a great way to start your day with a meal that supports sustained energy and satiety. The eggs and cheese provide high-quality protein and calcium, while the bread adds satisfying carbs to keep you going. Bell peppers contribute fiber and vitamin C, while the herbs and seasonings offer added antioxidants and flavor without unnecessary calories. It’s indulgent, yes—but also balanced, making it a smart choice for both occasional treats and everyday fuel.

Reheats Like a Dream

Leftovers of this casserole are just as good the next day—if not better. The flavors continue to meld as it rests, and a quick reheat in the microwave or oven restores its warm, fluffy texture. This makes it perfect for meal prep; bake a batch on the weekend and enjoy slices throughout the week. It also freezes well—just wrap individual portions and store them in the freezer for a quick breakfast option that’s far more satisfying than anything store-bought. It’s efficient, delicious, and designed for real life.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

This casserole is also a winner with kids. The mild, cheesy flavor and soft texture make it approachable for even picky eaters, while the colorful peppers add visual appeal and subtle sweetness. You can adjust the seasoning or ingredients to cater to younger palates, leaving out herbs or swapping in familiar flavors. Because it’s a single-dish meal, there’s no need to make multiple breakfast items—everyone can dig into the same satisfying slice. It’s a great way to introduce new vegetables or flavor combinations in a familiar format that feels fun and comforting.

Elevates Any Brunch Menu

If you’re planning a brunch menu, this casserole is an anchor dish that complements both sweet and savory offerings. Pair it with fresh fruit, muffins, pastries, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal that looks and feels complete. It also pairs beautifully with mimosas, coffee, or herbal teas, depending on your event. Its rustic charm and hearty ingredients make it perfect for relaxed gatherings, while its bold flavor and lovely presentation make it suitable for more formal celebrations as well.

Conclusion

This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is everything you want in a make-ahead breakfast—flavorful, comforting, easy to prepare, and sure to please a crowd. From the fluffy eggs and golden bread to the savory ham and melted cheese, every bite is packed with taste and satisfaction. With the flexibility to customize, the convenience of overnight prep, and the ability to serve as a main event at any brunch or breakfast table, it’s a recipe that earns a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want to make mornings easier, this casserole delivers warmth, comfort, and a delicious start to any day.