Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and truth be told, it might taste even better the next day. That is how Southern flavors settle and sing. Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate with the lid on, and cook in the morning. If you plan to cook overnight, be mindful of your slow cooker’s low setting and timing.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Certainly. Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, and hearty greens like spinach. Use a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Taste as you go to balance seasoning.

What if my eggs seem watery after cooking?

That can happen if vegetables released too much moisture or if the ratio of liquid to bread is off. Next time, sauté vegetables until softened and slightly reduced. Use slightly drier bread. If it happens now, let the casserole rest without the lid to allow some steam to escape and the top to firm.

Is it okay to skip the cheese?

Yes. Cheese adds richness and a melty texture, but if you skip it, consider adding a spoon of cream or a tablespoon of butter to enrich the custard. Fresh herbs at the end will also lift the flavor.

Which is better, low or high?

For tenderness and depth of flavor, low is better. Low brings out a custardy texture and allows flavors to meld. High can work in a hurry, but you may miss a few layers of nuanced flavor.

Easy Overnight Crockpot Breakfast Casserole 2026

Name: Overnight Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 4 cups cubed bread (white or whole grain); 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage (or other meat); 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, onions, mushrooms); Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Description

A warm, comforting casserole that combines bread, eggs, and cheese, perfect for gathering family around the breakfast table.

Ingredients

Scale

8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
4 cups cubed bread (white or whole grain)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage (or other meat)
1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, onions, mushrooms)
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Layer half of the cubed bread in the crockpot, followed by half of the cheese, half of the sausage, and half of the vegetables.
Pour half of the egg mixture over the first layer.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, ending with the remaining egg mixture on top.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, slice into squares, and serve warm.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with smoked tempeh or roasted mushrooms and use vegetable stock. Day-old bread is preferred for better texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 280mg