topic Re: Overnight Casseroles in Recipes

Overnight Casseroles

Calibeach — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:53:29 GMT

I haven't made many overnight casseroles, but I'm interested in seeing recommendations!

This is the one I made for our Easter Brunch last weekend and it was a BIG hit! Very easy to prep and very delicious. Had a small amount left over which was delicious warmed up in the microwave

This egg casserole from Pioneer Woman that can be made a day in advance

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

8 oz. bacon, chopped
Nonstick cooking spray
1 (32-oz.) package of frozen tater tots
10 eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. black pepper
4 scallions, chopped, white and green parts separated
1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained
2 Tbsp. chopped parsley, plus more for serving
2 cups shredded colby jack cheese, divided

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the fat and cool.
Spray a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place half of the tater tots in a single layer in the bottom of the dish.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the scallions, pimientos, and parsley. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cheese and stir the remaining cheese into the egg mixture. Stir in the cooled bacon. Pour the mixture evenly over the tater tots in the casserole dish.
Place the remaining tater tots in a single layer over the top and press gently into the egg mixture.
To bake immediately: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake until the top is golden and the egg mixture is set in the center, 55 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then top with more parsley and serve.
To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate overnight, or up to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake until the top is golden and the egg mixture is set in the center, 55 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then top with more parsley and serve.

What is a tater tot breakfast casserole?

It's a filling morning meal fit for a crowd. Start with tots—and plenty of 'em! Use a 2-pound bag to fill up a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish. Next, whisk eggs with sour cream and milk for a creamy base. Add sliced scallions, pimientos, cheese, and cooked bacon to make this casserole like a loaded hash brown.

What can you use instead of bacon?

Cooked, crumbled sausage or diced ham would be great in this casserole.

Can you leave the meat out of tater tot breakfast casserole?

Sure! If a vegetarian tater tot breakfast casserole sounds better to you, feel free to skip the bacon, or any other meat. After all, the tater tots are what make this dish fulfilling.

How do you keep tater tots crispy in a casserole?

First start with a single layer of tater tots in the bottom of the casserole dish. Add the egg, cheese, and bacon mixture over top, before topping with another layer of tots. The top layer dips into the egg mixture, but enough of it sits on top of the casserole. Bake the casserole uncovered and this top layer of tater tots comes out extra crispy!

Can tater tot breakfast casserole be made ahead?

Yes, this makes an excellent overnight breakfast casserole. Assemble it completely, up to 24 hours in advance, then bake the next morning. Holiday brunch will be on the table in just about an hour!

How long does tater tot breakfast casserole last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container or covered tightly, this casserole will stay good for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in a 350-degree oven until warmed through.

What do you serve with tater tot breakfast casserole?

Since it already has bacon, potatoes, and eggs, it's plenty hearty as a stand-alone breakfast, but to really make a presentation at brunch, serve it with rainbow fruit skewers or simple fruit salad and a round of mimosas or Bloody Marys

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Tinkrbl44 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:00:35 GMT

I've made overnight oatmeal, but never a casserole.

I'm sure it's tasty, but that seems like a lot of calories and fat.

Did the recipe give the nutritional breakdown? I hope she made suggestions for adding more protein.

Glad it was a hit.

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Calibeach — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:06:27 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
I've made overnight oatmeal, but never a casserole.

I'm sure it's tasty, but that seems like a lot of calories and fat.

Did the recipe give the nutritional breakdown? I hope she made suggestions for adding more protein.

Glad it was a hit.

@Tinkrbl44 It's not an everyday meal, so I don't fret about the calories and fat. And it's very hearty, just a size (smaller than typical Lasagne portion) is a good serving size along with fruit. No toast or side bread is needed.

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Franklinbell — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:36:20 GMT

Looks good!

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Mz iMac — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:04:54 GMT

@Calibeach

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Calibeach — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:11:18 GMT

I'm going to experiement next time and maybe make 2 smaller sized casseroles using this recipe. One will be with these ingredients, another will be mexican (swap out the cheese and some of the other ingredients), serving with salsa, guacamole and sour cream on the side.

I think you can also make different flavor options as you would for omlets. Using ingredients for Denver omlet as example

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Kachina624 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:16:43 GMT

@Calibeach. I'd go for the Mexican version. Do you think this casserole would freeze cooked?

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Calibeach — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:18:32 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@Calibeach. I'd go for the Mexican version. Do you think this casserole would freeze cooked?

@Kachina624 Yes, I think it would freeze well after its been baked.

Re: Overnight Casseroles

bargainsgirl — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:05:46 GMT

@Calibeach wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
I've made overnight oatmeal, but never a casserole.

I'm sure it's tasty, but that seems like a lot of calories and fat.

Did the recipe give the nutritional breakdown? I hope she made suggestions for adding more protein.

Glad it was a hit.

@Tinkrbl44 It's not an everyday meal, so I don't fret about the calories and fat. And it's very hearty, just a size (smaller than typical Lasagne portion) is a good serving size along with fruit. No toast or side bread is needed.

Sounds good but I would serve it for dinner too!!

Re: Overnight Casseroles

shoekitty — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:38:01 GMT

I used to make a few of the overnight casseroles for Christmas brunch. Paula Deen had a couple I used for Blueberry French toast cassarole, and an egg omelette dish. I had one the kids loved it was a Strata They all are made in those 13x9 glass cassarole dishes. yes, they are calorie rich I used them for company nd life crowds. You can make one day, some 2 days ahead, put in fridge. Throw in over 45-60 mins before though want to eat I served with an array of items, including tons off fruits, juice etc. it was hit. Great to make even for family the eve before event.

Re: Overnight Casseroles

walker — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:27:39 GMT

@Calibeach .... thank you for posting your recipe. It sounds good. I need some new things to try for brunch. I have been fixing the following recipe for years. It is very good as well and an easy make-ahead recipe.

FARMER'S CASSEROLE

3 cups shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed slightly

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup diced ham

1/4 cup sliced green onions

4 beaten eggs

1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

Grease or spray a 2 quart square baking dish. Arrange potatoes evenly on bottom. Sprinkle with cheese, ham and green onions. Mix together eggs, milk, pepper and salt. Pour egg mixture over potato mixture. (This dish can be covered and refrigerated at this point for several hours or overnight.). If refrigerated, let it set out for 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 40-45 minutes until center is set. If refrigerated it may take 55-60 minutes.

Note....for 9x13" pan use following ingredients....

4 1/2 cups shredded hash browns

1 cup cheese

1 1/2 cups ham

1/2 cup green onions

6 eggs

1 1/2 cans evaporated milk

(Bake 1 hour or longer until center is set. Test with knife.)

Re: Overnight Casseroles

beach-mom — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:40:10 GMT

@shoekitty - I've made your Blueberry French Toast casserole and @walker , I've made yours too - both for Christmas morning! And they are both now favorites.

My family does not like tater tots at all - my children never did, even when they were young, so I would have to tweak your recipe a little @Calibeach!

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Calibeach — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:40:10 GMT

@shoekitty wrote:
I used to make a few of the overnight casseroles for Christmas brunch. Paula Deen had a couple I used for Blueberry French toast cassarole, and an egg omelette dish. I had one the kids loved it was a Strata They all are made in those 13x9 glass cassarole dishes. yes, they are calorie rich I used them for company nd life crowds. You can make one day, some 2 days ahead, put in fridge. Throw in over 45-60 mins before though want to eat I served with an array of items, including tons off fruits, juice etc. it was hit. Great to make even for family the eve before event.

@shoekitty good ideas! I vaguely recall making the French Toast casserole. The Strata is also a good option. Going to look at some recipes.

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Calibeach — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:42:57 GMT

@walker thank you for sharing your recipe! I like the option for shredded hash browns. I'm thinking of making a couple of the overnight casseroles for Mother's Day brunch.

Re: Overnight Casseroles

shoekitty — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:32:03 GMT

@beach-mom I love those dishes, the French toast cassarole is my favorite, I do tweak with fruits. We are in Berry country here in CA, and I live to use Olallieberry, blackberry and raspberry, mix them. I also am fussy about the French bread, there is a local Santa Cruz bakery makes the best French organic baguettes. I also use Strauss half and half and cream. The way I look at it, we eat healthy everyday. lol. We don't eat meat,eat organic and do what we can. But when company comes, or family... we roll out the carpet and enjoy. I'm glad for this thread, as I forgot about these easy dishes!!! It's comfort food, and also with fruit and other goodies it looks gorgeous! I love the Paula Dean Cookbook for this alone. Another cookbook I actually use more than any other cookbook I have, is the Fosters Market Cookbook. There are two. The first one I think has the "Says bread pudding, with the whiskey toffee sauce", this one was a request from my church for every darn event they had. lol. It is killer bread pudding like no other, made with a French baguette, the best cream mixture....you can look it up. It also can be made ahead.

Re: Overnight Casseroles

Moonlady — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:34:28 GMT

I've made the hash brown casserole before, but this looks delicious. Easy, too. DH, in particular, is very fond of tater tots.