Sam When it comes to celebrating Father’s Day with flavor and ease, my Bacon Cheddar Breakfast Casserole never fails me. I bake this rich, savory dish with crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, and hearty cubes of bread—and every time, it delivers comfort in every bite. Whether I’m hosting a full brunch spread or just surprising Dad with breakfast in bed, this casserole always checks every box: it’s satisfying, simple to make, and packed with everything we love about a hearty morning meal.
I love recipes that let me do the work ahead of time, and this one is perfect for that. I mix everything together the night before, pop it in the fridge, and in the morning all I have to do is slide it into the oven. As it bakes, the smell of smoky bacon and melted cheese fills the kitchen—and that first golden, cheesy bite is always worth the wait. It’s one of those dishes that feels impressive, but really couldn’t be easier to pull off.
What makes this casserole so special to me is how customizable it is. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped bell peppers or green onions for extra flavor, or use leftover sourdough when I have it. The eggs soak into the bread overnight, giving it that pillowy, almost soufflé-like texture when it bakes. The edges get crispy, the cheese bubbles and browns, and the whole thing comes together in a way that feels both rustic and refined.
Bacon and cheddar are a classic combo for a reason—they’re rich, bold, and always crowd-pleasing. But this dish is more than just a flavor win. It’s a stress-free solution for busy mornings, especially when I want to focus more on making memories than standing over the stove. Whether I’m cooking for a big family gathering or just keeping things cozy at home, this breakfast casserole lets me serve something warm, homemade, and loaded with love (and cheese).
If you’re looking for a dish that feels special without adding stress to your holiday, this one’s it. It’s my go-to for Father’s Day, and honestly, any day I want a comforting start that feeds a crowd with ease.
For tips on safe egg cooking and storage, check out USDA’s egg safety guidelines. To better understand how breakfast impacts energy and mood, see Harvard’s guide to healthy breakfasts. Curious about the different types of cheddar? Explore this breakdown of cheddar cheeses from Cheese.com.
Bacon Cheddar Breakfast Casserole (Father’s Day Favorite Bake)
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon cooked and chopped
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cups cubed bread day-old or slightly dry
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley green onions, or diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:– Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.– Cube the bread and shred the cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Assemble the Casserole:– In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the bread cubes, half the cheese, and cooked bacon.– In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.– Pour egg mixture over the bread and bacon.– Top with remaining cheese.
- Chill or Bake:– For best results, cover and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture.– If baking right away, let sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Bake and Serve:– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).– Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until eggs are set and top is golden.– Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): Overnight or 1 hour
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour (or overnight)
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Budget Breakdown:
- Eggs: ~$1.50
- Cheddar cheese: ~$2.50
- Bacon: ~$3.00
- Bread: ~$1.50
- Milk and seasoning: ~$1.00
- Total Cost: ~$9.50
- Cost per Serving: ~$1.20
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
- Make-ahead friendly for busy mornings
- Loaded with savory, cheesy, crispy bacon flavor
- Perfect for Father’s Day breakfast or brunch
- Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully
- Easy to customize with pantry and fridge staples
Perfect For:
- Father’s Day celebrations
- Brunch gatherings
- Meal prepping breakfast for the week
- Christmas morning or holiday brunches
- Leftover bread or cheese cleanout
Behind the Recipe
My dad has always been a fan of bold, savory breakfasts, and this bacon cheddar breakfast casserole has become a Father’s Day staple. We prep it the night before, and on Sunday morning, the smell of sizzling bacon and bubbling cheese welcomes him to the kitchen like a hug in casserole form.
It started as a simple egg bake but evolved over time—crusty bread for structure, sharp cheddar for a punch of flavor, and thick-cut bacon for richness. This recipe is tried and true, and I know it’ll become a favorite for your family too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cups cubed bread (day-old or slightly dry)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, green onions, or diced bell peppers
Ingredient Highlights
- Bacon: Thick-cut for better texture and flavor
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar holds up best to baking and gives bold taste
- Eggs: The protein-rich base that holds everything together
- Bread: Day-old white, sourdough, or French bread works well
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute 2% if needed
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Cube the bread and shred the cheese if not pre-shredded.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the bread cubes, half the cheese, and cooked bacon.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour egg mixture over the bread and bacon.
- Top with remaining cheese.
Step 3: Chill or Bake
- For best results, cover and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
- If baking right away, let sit for 15–30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until eggs are set and top is golden.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture
- Let casserole sit after baking to set properly
- Mix in sautéed veggies for extra flavor and nutrition
- Use foil during baking if top browns too quickly
- Shred your own cheese for best melt and taste
Easy Variations
- Veggie Lovers: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce
- Meat Swap: Use sausage, ham, or turkey bacon
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella
- Mini Bakes: Use muffin tins for individual portions
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave 1–2 minutes or reheat in oven at 325°F until warmed through
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before and bake the next day
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Pair this casserole with:
- Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
- Yogurt parfaits
- Freshly brewed coffee or cold brew
- Hash browns or roasted sweet potatoes
It’s a complete Father’s Day breakfast spread in just one casserole dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning, or bake ahead and reheat individual portions.
Day-old or crusty bread like sourdough or French bread works best. Avoid very soft sandwich bread.
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Yes! Let it cool, slice into portions, and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat in microwave or oven.
Yes. Pre-cooked bacon adds crispness and flavor. Raw bacon won’t fully cook in the casserole.
Use drier bread and allow the casserole to rest after baking so the eggs set fully.
Monterey Jack, gouda, and Swiss all melt well and bring unique flavor profiles.
Yes! Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese. The texture may vary slightly but it will still bake well.
Cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave with a damp paper towel on top.
Absolutely! It’s a hearty, customizable dish that can be made ahead and served with sides for a full celebratory spread.
Yes, croissants add richness, and bagels hold up well too—just adjust the quantity as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheddar Breakfast Casserole is everything you want in a Father’s Day breakfast—hearty, comforting, cheesy, and completely make-ahead friendly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating Dad to something special, it’s an easy way to serve up bold flavor with very little effort.
This dish is all about convenience without compromising on taste. From the crispy bacon to the gooey cheese and fluffy eggs, every bite is rich with love and flavor. Plus, the overnight prep means less time in the kitchen and more time spent celebrating with Dad.
Don’t be surprised if this casserole becomes a holiday tradition—it’s just that good. Try it once, and you’ll be coming back to it for brunches, holiday mornings, and lazy Sunday breakfasts.
Want more Father’s Day brunch ideas? Try our Steak and Eggs Breakfast Skillet, Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes, or Creamy Macaroni Salad with Bacon for the ultimate celebratory spread.
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Savory, cheesy, and perfect for make-ahead mornings—this egg casserole is the ultimate way to start Father’s Day right!
