Moist, fluffy, and flavorful breakfast bake is a lifesaving casserole for busy cooks feeding a crowd!
Egg-soaked bread is layered with ham, diced onion, bell pepper, and cheddar cheese under a crunchy buttery breadcrumb topping for a cozy and comforting breakfast or brunch.
This one-dish overnight brunch or breakfast is a guaranteed family favorite and makes it easy to host guests.
![For a scrumptious cheesy morning meal, serve this crowd-pleasing breakfast bake. This simple overnight recipe features layers of fluffy egg-soaked bread, smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a buttery breadcrumb topping for that perfect crunch. Make it extra tasty by adding sausage or bacon. Feel free to switch it up by using biscuits or hashbrowns for the bread layer. Breakfast just got a whole lot more delicious! #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe A slice of breakfast bake being served](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife-8.jpg)
Our Favorite Breakfast Bake
- Relax and ease into your morning with this make ahead recipe.
- Stretch your food dollar with this budget helper and use up leftover buns, or bits of meat or veggies from the week.
- This a great weekend meal to feed a crowd – just set the casserole on the table and let guests and family help themselves.
- Delish served with a piping hot latte, a coffee, or even a London fog.
![Treat your guests to a delightful cheesy breakfast bake. This simple overnight casserole features layers of egg-soaked bread, smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Increase the smoky goodness with sausage or bacon. Switch things up by using biscuits or hashbrowns for the bread layer. Your breakfast game just reached a whole new level! #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe Breakfast Bake prepped in a casserole dish](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
Ingredients & Variations
Eggs – Scrambled eggs are the essential foundation. Use egg whites for extra protein or if cutting back on fat. Be sure to add milk, or the bread will not absorb the eggs.
Bread – Leftover bread, hamburger or hot dog buns work well here because they have just the right amount of crust. If they are starting to stale, that’s even better. Or, you can use slices of stale bread.
Ham – Diced ham of any kind combined with egg and cheese for a delicious rich and smokey flavor.
Vegetables – Use fresh bell peppers and onions. Yellow bell peppers are a good middle of sweetness between green (least sweet) and red, which are the sweetest. Use what you like best or have on hand. Breakfast egg bake is so forgiving!
Cheese – Cheddar cheese is the best for melting and flavor. Choose between mild, medium, or extra sharp.
Variations – This versatile recipe will accommodate your favorite flavors or your pantry stock. Substitute sausage or bacon crumbles. Switch out the cheddar for pepper jack. Tater tots or hash browns can be tossed in or used as the bottom layer, as could biscuits, crumbled or cut in half.
![This delectable breakfast bake will take center stage of your morning table. This easy overnight recipe delivers so much flavor in every bite, thanks to layers of egg-soaked bread, smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Enhance the taste with a touch of sausage or bacon. Experiment with biscuits or hashbrowns for a bread layer that adds extra flair. #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe Breakfast Bake topped with a crumb topping](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife-3.jpg)
How to Make a Breakfast Bake
- Place buns or bread in a single layer, cut side down, as described in the recipe below.
- Sprinkle with diced ham and peppers.
- Whisk eggs with milk, seasonings, and remaining ingredients, except cheese, and pour over the bread and ham layer.
- Top with shredded cheddar, reserving some for the topping.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow bread to absorb the egg mixture.
- In the morning, top with remaining cheese and buttered breadcrumbs, and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for an hour.
![Treat your guests to a delightful cheesy breakfast bake. This simple overnight casserole features layers of egg-soaked bread, smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Increase the smoky goodness with sausage or bacon. Switch things up by using biscuits or hashbrowns for the bread layer. Your breakfast game just reached a whole new level! #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe A baked breakfast bake](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife-6.jpg)
Tips & Tricks
- Bake this casserole with a foil cover to prevent it drying out. Then remove the cover 10-15 minutes at the end to allow the top to brown.
- Use a glass casserole dish instead of a metal baking pan to prevent the bottom from burning.
Leftovers?
- Tightly wrap leftovers in individual portions, and refrigerate up to 3-4 days, or in a freezer zip bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw before reheating in the oven in a foil packet or covered baking dish.
![You’ll be the host with the most when you present your guests with this delicious cheesy breakfast bake casserole. This easy overnight recipe is made with egg-soaked bread layered with smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy buttered breadcrumb topping. Moist, fluffy, and flavorful breakfast egg bake tastes great with sausage or bacon added in! Use biscuits or hashbrowns for the bread layer if you want. #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe A slice of breakfast bake on a plate](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife-9.jpg)
More Breakfast Ideas
Have you tried this Breakfast Bake Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
![cut piece of breakfast bake on a spatula with the breakfast casserole in the baking pan in the background](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Breakfast-Bake-Recipe-IMG_4812-1-300x300.jpg)
Breakfast Bake
Ingredients
Base
- 4-5 dry hot dog buns, hamburger buns or thick bread or enough to cover bottom of 9 x 13 dish
- 1 cup diced ham or back bacon or cooked bacon
- 1 red bell pepper diced
Egg Layer
- 8 eggs
- 2 ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ small red onion finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper red or yellow, finely chopped (or other veggies)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or slices to cover casserole
Topping
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup dry bread crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
Instructions
Base
- Butter a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Place buns cut side down to cover the bottom of the casserole dish. Use broken pieces to fill in any empty spots.
- Top bread with ham and one diced red pepper.
Egg Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, dry mustard and black pepper. Add onion and finely chopped bell pepper. Pour mixture on top of buns.
- Sprinkle with 2 cups cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Topping
- In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle casserole with ¼ cup shredded cheese.
- In a small bowl, melt butter and mix with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 60 minutes. Check after 45 minutes. Place foil on top if browning too much for the remainder of cook time.
- Remove from oven and rest for 10 minutes before serving.*
Notes
- If you prefer less crumbs, pour ¼ cup melted butter over top of casserole, mix ¼ cup melted butter with ½ cup crumbs, and sprinkle over casserole.
- If using thinner bread (rather than buns), make two layers of the bread.
- *The breakfast casserole puffs up while baking, and settles after it’s been out of the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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![You’ll be the host with the most when you present your guests with this delicious cheesy breakfast bake casserole. This easy overnight recipe is made with egg-soaked bread layered with smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy buttered breadcrumb topping. Moist, fluffy, and flavorful breakfast egg bake tastes great with sausage or bacon added in! Use biscuits or hashbrowns for the bread layer if you want. #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe A slice of breakfast bake being served from a casserole dish with text](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SP-Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife2.jpg)
![For a scrumptious cheesy morning meal, serve this crowd-pleasing breakfast bake. This simple overnight recipe features layers of fluffy egg-soaked bread, smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a buttery breadcrumb topping for that perfect crunch. Make it extra tasty by adding sausage or bacon. Feel free to switch it up by using biscuits or hashbrowns for the bread layer. Breakfast just got a whole lot more delicious! #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe A slice of breakfast bake on a plate with text](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SP-Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife1.jpg)
![Treat your family and guests to a cozy morning with this easy breakfast bake! This fuss-free overnight recipe boasts layers of fluffy egg-soaked bread, smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Amp up the flavor by throwing in some sausage or bacon. Get creative with biscuits or hashbrowns as the bread layer. Your breakfast spread just became a mouthwatering feast! #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe Baked Breakfast Bake in a casserole dish with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NP-Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife2.jpg)
![Treat your guests to a delightful cheesy breakfast bake. This simple overnight casserole features layers of egg-soaked bread, smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Increase the smoky goodness with sausage or bacon. Switch things up by using biscuits or hashbrowns for the bread layer. Your breakfast game just reached a whole new level! #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe A slice of breakfast bake on a plate with text](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NP-Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife1.jpg)
![It’s fun serving as host with a tempting breakfast bake recipe like this to offer your guests! Layers of egg-soaked bread join smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping in the ultimate overnight casserole! Boost the flavor with sausage or bacon and get creative by using biscuits or hashbrowns for the bread layer. Your breakfast spread is about to steal the show! #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe Top image - a slcie of breakfast bake on a plate. bottom image - breakfast bake prepped in a casserole dish with text](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/LP-Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife2.jpg)
![Impress your family and guests with a cheesy breakfast bake made effortlessly overnight. This one-dish wonder features layers of egg-soaked bread, smoky ham, cheddar cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Elevate the flavor with the addition of sausage or bacon. Try biscuits or hashbrowns for a twist on the bread layer. This versatile recipe can be customized to taste! #breakfastbake #breakfasteggbake #ourzestylife #breakfastbakerecipe A slice of breakfast bake being lifted from the pan](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/LP-Breakfast-Bake-OurZestyLife1.jpg)