How to Make The Best Wifesaver Recipe – Overnight Breakfast Casserole
This recipe comes together easily with a few simple steps. It can be prepped the night before, leaving you with minimal work in the morning.
Step 1: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Then, layer the cubed bread evenly at the bottom of the dish.
Step 2: Distribute the diced ham and crumbled bacon over the bread cubes. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture, ensuring it’s evenly spread out.
Step 3: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, bacon, and cheese layers. Press down gently to ensure the bread cubes are fully soaked in the egg mixture.
Step 5: Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and cover the casserole with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit for 10 minutes to come to room temperature.
Step 7: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and the eggs have set. You can check doneness by inserting a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
Step 8: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor, if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful breakfast!
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers after enjoying this hearty breakfast casserole, don’t worry – they store well for future meals. Here’s how to store your casserole:
- Refrigerator – Allow the casserole to cool completely before placing any leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.
- Freezer – If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. The casserole can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Tips for the Best Wifesaver Recipe – Overnight Breakfast Casserole
To ensure your breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use Stale Bread – Slightly stale bread works best for this casserole, as it absorbs the egg mixture more easily. If your bread is fresh, leave it out for a few hours or toast it lightly to dry it out before using it.
- Add Extra Veggies – For a bit more flavor and color, try adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.
- Cheese Variety – While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Spicy – For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, some chopped jalapeños, or use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar.
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