Breakfast Is Ready When You Wake Up to These Make-Ahead Casseroles (2024)

Prep ahead, wake up happy!

By Kara Zauberman
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We love casserole recipes any time of day! But they're especially helpful in the morning hours when things get a little hectic around the house. Whether it's the holiday season or you just have a big family, getting a head start with make-ahead breakfast casseroles is one surefire way to make sure your mornings are easier. Just think about it: you can prep these breakfast casseroles the night before (or in some cases weeks before and pop them in the freezer), then all you need to do is stick them in the oven to heat them up. Ahead, you'll find make-ahead breakfast casseroles for any occasion, including Christmas brunch or lazy weekend mornings.

Choose from savory casseroles, like egg recipes, hash brown casseroles, and breakfast enchiladas, or sweeter options, like baked oatmeal with berries or the cinnamon French toast casserole. Looking for a Christmas casserole that feeds a crowd? Try the biscuits and gravy casserole for a fun twist on the classic Southern comfort food. Or go for sweet breakfast bread pudding inspired by the flavors of eggnog. And for those busy weekdays when you're trying to get everyone out the door, you can make Ree Drummond's individual sausage casseroles in advance and stash them in the freezer—it's the easiest way to rise and shine.

1

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

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You can think of tater tots like mini hash brown cakes in this crave-worthy casserole. They layer the top and bottom of the eggs and bacon dish.

Get the Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole recipe.

SHOP CASSEROLE DISHES

2

Eggnog Bread Pudding

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During the holidays, this dessert-like dish will be the ultimate breakfast showstopper! Use a fluffy challah or brioche bread and a rum-spiked eggnog mixture to make the custard.

Get the Eggnog Bread Pudding recipe.

3

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

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Not only can you prep this casserole the night before, you can use canned biscuits to make it even easier! Just be sure to plan for an additional 20 minutes of bake time.

Get the Biscuits and Gravy Casserole recipe.

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4

Baked Oatmeal with Berries

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There are so many delicious ways to enjoy baked oatmeal. You can prep the whole thing ahead and reheat it in the oven with a few of our helpful tips or scoop out individual portions to zap in the microwave. Either way, you'll want to serve it up with maple syrup!

Get the Baked Oatmeal with Berries recipe.

5

Individual Sausage Casseroles

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Ree likes to keep these bite-sized casseroles in the freezer at all times. On busy mornings, you can just thaw and reheat in the microwave when you're ready to serve.

Get Ree's Individual Sausage Casseroles recipe.

SHOP MUFFIN TINS

6

Crock-Pot Breakfast Casserole

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Let your Crock-Pot do all the work while you sleep and you can wake up to a hot breakfast of eggs, sausage, and hash browns. It's a hands-free and make-ahead dish.

Get the Crock-Pot Breakfast Casserole recipe.

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7

Everything Bagel Casserole

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This is a great way to use up leftover bagels! Layer the everything bagel pieces with bacon, red onion, and cream cheese filling. After it bakes, you can serve it up with fresh dill sprinkled on top.

Get the Everything Bagel Casserole recipe.

8

Walnut Brownie Baked Oatmeal

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Chocolate for breakfast: why not? This sweet treat can be prepped ahead, sliced, and stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to serve it up with whipped cream and berries.

Get the Walnut Brownie Baked Oatmeal recipe.

9

Breakfast Enchiladas

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These cheesy enchiladas will give you the kick you need to get you out of bed! They're filled with fluffy scrambled eggs and spicy Mexican chorizo.

Get the Breakfast Enchiladas recipe.

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10

Baked French Toast

Ree loves that this baked French toast gets "even more luscious in the fridge overnight." Plus, it's totally customizable by adding berries, peaches, or apples depending on the season.

Get Ree's Baked French Toast recipe.

SHOP PLATES

11

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

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Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to this already-made ham, egg, and cheese casserole? Now, that's a worthwhile gift.

Get the Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe.

12

White Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

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Flaky, buttery croissants get even more decadent in this make-ahead breakfast dish. They're soaked in a rich white chocolate custard, then baked until bubbling and golden.

Get the White Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding recipe.

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13

Grits Casserole

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Cheesy grits couldn't be easier when you make them in a casserole dish! Add bacon, jalapeño pepper, and plenty of hot sauce if you like your grits with a kick!

Get the Grits Casserole recipe.

14

Cinnamon Baked French Toast Casserole

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This variation on French toast is almost like a bread pudding. It's moist and tender with a crumb topping that's loaded with cinnamon and sugar.

Get Ree's Cinnamon Baked French Toast Casserole recipe.

15

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

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All it takes is a little planning ahead and you can have this fluffy egg and sausage casserole ready for breakfast in no time! It can be fully assembled, covered, and refrigerated for up to two days before baking.

Get the Sausage Breakfast Casserole recipe.

SHOP BAKING DISHES

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16

Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole

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This breakfast casserole tastes just like a slice of pecan pie! If that weren't enough to get you to serve it for the holidays, we don't know what will!

Get the Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole recipe.

17

Eggs Benedict Strata

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This recipe combines who classic egg dishes: strata and eggs Benedict. It even has the flavorful hollandaise sauce!

Get Ree's Eggs Benedict Strata recipe.

18

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

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Warm spices and comforting pumpkin puree make this baked oatmeal the coziest way to wake up in the morning. Consider pairing it with your favorite pumpkin spice latte.

Get the Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal recipe.

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19

Monte Cristo Casserole

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A monte cristo is a traditional grilled cheese sandwich made with ham and French toast. This casserole version is just as sweet and savory, and great for feeding a crowd.

Get the Monte Cristo Casserole recipe at Dinner Then Dessert.

20

Turkey Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

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Instead of shredded hash browns, this recipe uses diced hash brown potatoes along with ground turkey, peppers, and cheese. It's a hearty and comforting way to start the day.

Get the Turkey Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole recipe at Dude That Cookz.

SHOP SERVING SPOONS

Breakfast Is Ready When You Wake Up to These Make-Ahead Casseroles (2024)

FAQs

How long can you keep a breakfast casserole in fridge before baking? ›

You can either bake breakfast casserole immediately or cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to bake later.

Can you reheat a breakfast casserole? ›

Bake the casserole for only 30 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, then reheat in a 375 F oven for 30 minutes the next morning until the casserole is browned and heated through.

Do you cook a breakfast casserole before freezing? ›

If the casserole has raw protein (meat, poultry, seafood), you should cook it thoroughly before freezing. Line the baking dish with enough aluminum foil so that there is an overhang on all sides. After cooking, let the hot casserole cool a bit, then carefully remove it from the pan by lifting the foil on both sides.

Can you make a casserole with raw egg and leave it uncooked overnight in fridge? ›

An egg strata traditionally consists of layered bread, cheese, and other foods (such as cooked sausage, ham, bacon, shrimp, or vegetables) over which a mixture of raw beaten eggs and milk are poured. The casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the liquid ingredients to be absorbed into the bread.

Can you make a casserole with raw eggs ahead of time? ›

Can You Make Egg Casserole Ahead of Time? This easy egg casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast. Simply combine the ingredients the night before and place the mixture in a prepared baking dish, then cover it tightly with storage wrap or foil. In the morning, bake the casserole according to the recipe.

Can you leave raw egg mixture in fridge? ›

If you've got raw egg yolks or whites left over from a recipe which you don't want to waste (let's face it, why would you?), you can store them in the fridge as long as you plan to use them within the next few days.

Why is my breakfast casserole soggy? ›

Incorrect oven temperature - Casseroles that are baked at an oven temperature that is too low may not cook evenly, resulting in a soggy top and a firm or crunchy bottom. Too much liquid - Casseroles that have too much liquid may not be able to absorb all of the moisture, leading to a soggy top.

How many days is breakfast casserole good for? ›

After baking, leftover egg casserole can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed within 3-4 days.

How do you store breakfast casserole? ›

To do so, make the casserole right up to where you would refrigerate it overnight. Instead, cover it with plastic wrap or parchment paper, and then foil, and then freeze it.

Why do you have to refrigerate breakfast casserole overnight? ›

Success Tip: Refrigerate Overnight

During this time, the flavors mingle together and the bread has a chance to soak up some of the liquid and flavor. Wake up and all you have to do is slide it into the oven.

Can you freeze casserole including raw eggs to cook later? ›

Yes, you can. Raw eggs are fairly stable in the freezer, especially when beaten or mixed with other ingredients. Check to see what else is in the casserole, though. Hard-cooked eggs, potatoes, rice and pasta don't freeze particularly well because they break down and lose their texture.

Is it better to freeze casseroles cooked or uncooked? ›

The answer depends on what's in it. Casseroles with raw protein (meat, poultry, seafood) should be completely cooked before freezing. However dishes with pre-cooked meats or no meat are fine to go in the freezer uncooked.

How long to cook an uncooked casserole that has been refrigerated? ›

For example, assemble a vegetable casserole a day in advance, refrigerate and then bake the day of your dinner. Plan 15 to 20 minutes additional heating time for the refrigerated cold casserole.

How long can uncooked casserole stay in fridge? ›

8. Make it now, but bake it later. Most casseroles can be made ahead and refrigerated for a day or two or frozen up to three months. Not only is this convenient, but it also lets the flavors mingle and fully develop.

Is it safe to boil eggs at night and then consume them in the morning? ›

It is very much safe to boil eggs at night and consume them in the morning.

How long can a casserole stay in the fridge before cooking? ›

8. Make it now, but bake it later. Most casseroles can be made ahead and refrigerated for a day or two or frozen up to three months.

How long will breakfast casserole last in the fridge? ›

After baking, leftover egg casserole can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed within 3-4 days. Leftovers are delicious reheated in the microwave.

How long does it take a casserole to get to room temperature from fridge? ›

How long does it take a refrigerated casserole to come to room temp? Depending on the size of the dish and the density of its contents, it takes about an hour for to come up to room temperature. Add more time for a larger pan or one with dense contents.

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