This Overnight Breakfast Casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings. Loaded with colorful veggies, crispy hashbrowns, and a savory egg mixture, it’s the perfect way to start your day with flavor and fuel. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a weekday breakfast or hosting brunch, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and simple.
Customizable with your favorite ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or vegan cheese, this casserole fits into almost any dietary need. Just prep the night before, pop it in the oven the next day, and enjoy a wholesome, warm breakfast with zero morning stress. Ideal for families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants to hit snooze one more time.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 bag (20 oz) frozen hashbrowns (shredded or diced)
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1 cup chopped red bell pepper
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1 cup chopped green bell pepper
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese)
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6 large eggs (or egg substitute)
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1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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Optional: chopped spinach, mushrooms, or cooked veggie sausage
Directions:
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly across the bottom.
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Layer the chopped peppers and onions over the hashbrowns. If adding optional veggies or sausage, sprinkle them in now.
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Sprinkle shredded cheese over the vegetables.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
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Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
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In the morning, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
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Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
The Magic of Make-Ahead Breakfasts
In the rush of daily life, especially during hectic mornings, having a meal that’s already prepared and just waiting to be baked or heated can feel like a small miracle. That’s exactly where make-ahead breakfasts shine—and few are as comforting and reliable as the Overnight Breakfast Casserole.
Designed to be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning, this hearty casserole saves you time, reduces stress, and provides a warm, nourishing start to your day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a holiday brunch, or simply wanting a few extra minutes of sleep, this dish works with your schedule, not against it.
A Wholesome Dish for Every Occasion
One of the best things about an overnight breakfast casserole is its versatility. It fits seamlessly into so many scenarios: holiday mornings when you want to spend time with loved ones instead of in the kitchen, weekday breakfasts that need to be both filling and fast, or brunches with friends where you want something that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
It’s also an excellent dish for meal prepping. You can make a large batch, bake it once, and enjoy leftovers for several days. This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a go-to for busy households and working professionals who don’t want to compromise on quality or flavor during the week.
Nutrient-Dense and Satisfying
This casserole isn’t just convenient—it’s also packed with nutrients. With ingredients like eggs (or egg substitutes), vegetables, and hashbrowns, it offers a balance of protein, complex carbs, and fiber to keep you full and energized throughout the morning.
The inclusion of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and optional leafy greens adds antioxidants and important vitamins like C, A, and K. Meanwhile, the eggs provide high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, satiety, and energy regulation.
By using plant-based milk and cheese alternatives, this dish can also be made suitable for those following dairy-free or vegetarian diets. The beauty lies in how customizable the casserole is while still delivering on nutrition and flavor.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Despite its simplicity, the Overnight Breakfast Casserole delivers deeply satisfying flavor. The combination of sautéed or raw vegetables, creamy eggs, crispy hashbrowns, and melty cheese creates a multi-textured bite that hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, and slightly crisp on top.
Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper are modest but effective. They enhance the overall flavor profile without overpowering the natural taste of the ingredients. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or chives for an extra layer of aromatic depth.
Customizations for Every Preference
Another reason this casserole stands out is its ability to adapt. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply working with what’s in your fridge, this recipe is incredibly forgiving.
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Vegetarian? Great—skip the meat entirely and load up on more vegetables or plant-based sausage.
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Dairy-free? Swap in vegan cheese and a milk alternative like oat or almond milk.
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Protein boost? Add cooked turkey sausage, crumbled tofu, or black beans.
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Low-carb? Replace hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or shredded zucchini.
You can make this casserole a reflection of your household’s tastes. It’s a great base recipe, one that invites creativity without sacrificing the integrity of the dish.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
It can be difficult to find meals that appeal to both adults and kids, but the Overnight Breakfast Casserole checks all the boxes. It’s cheesy, soft, and comforting—qualities that most children love—while still sneaking in plenty of vegetables and wholesome ingredients.
Plus, the ease of preparation makes it possible for older kids to help assemble the casserole the night before. Let them sprinkle the cheese, layer the veggies, or whisk the eggs. It’s a fun and easy way to involve kids in the kitchen and teach them about meal planning.
Ideal for Hosting and Holidays
There’s something so inviting about a hot, bubbling casserole coming out of the oven, especially during the cooler months. This dish is ideal for hosting, whether it’s for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or a casual Sunday breakfast with friends.
Since it can be prepared in advance, you won’t be stuck cooking while everyone else is relaxing. Just pop it into the oven an hour before mealtime, and let the delicious aromas greet your guests while you sip your coffee and enjoy the morning.
You can even double the recipe and bake it in two separate dishes if you’re serving a larger group. It’s one of those crowd-pleasing meals that disappears quickly—so make sure you set aside a portion for yourself before it’s all gone.
Budget-Friendly and Pantry-Smart
Many of the ingredients for this casserole are items you probably already have in your kitchen: frozen hashbrowns, eggs, onions, bell peppers, and cheese. That makes it a great option for feeding multiple people on a budget.
It also reduces food waste. Have a half-bag of spinach about to wilt? Toss it in. Leftover mushrooms from taco night? Slice them up and add them to the mix. This casserole helps you use up small quantities of ingredients before they go bad, which is both economical and environmentally smart.
Great for Leftovers and Reheating
One of the best parts about this dish is how well it holds up as leftovers. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will keep for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice or warm it in the oven until heated through.
The texture remains appealing, and the flavor often deepens after a day, making it even more delicious. You can also slice it into individual servings and freeze for future meals—a major win for batch cookers and meal preppers.
Tips for Best Results
If you want your Overnight Breakfast Casserole to turn out perfect every time, consider the following tips:
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Use well-drained hashbrowns. If they’re too wet, the casserole may become soggy.
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Let it rest after baking. Giving the dish 5-10 minutes to set before cutting ensures clean slices and a firmer texture.
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Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
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Season generously. Eggs and potatoes are naturally bland—don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, or seasoning mix.
Conclusion
The Hearty Overnight Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a lifestyle solution. It allows you to take control of your mornings, feed your family well, and enjoy the peace of knowing that breakfast is already taken care of. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding picky eaters, or just trying to make mornings smoother, this dish is an all-in-one answer.
With its high adaptability, nourishing ingredients, and cozy flavor, it’s a meal you’ll find yourself making again and again. The best part? It fits right into your schedule, your fridge, and your life.