English Muffin Breakfast Casserole-Overnight Recipe

The ultimate all-in-one breakfast solution? A buttery make-ahead English Muffin Breakfast Casserole with fluffy eggs, savory ham, and melty Gruyere cheese! As delicious as it is convenient for a holiday brunch or a lazy Sunday breakfast. This stuff is sooo good!

I’ve told you before that breakfast is my favorite meal, but I also like mixing things up. How about some fruit-forward breakfast recipes? Tangy Lemon Raspberry Coffee Cake, Cheesy Breakfast Sliders, oven-baked Blueberry Sheet Pan Pancakes, or fruity-sweet Mixed Berry Breakfast Pizza will fit the bill! (Just in case, I’ll throw in my yummy Tomato & Basil Fritatta.)

Why Ham & Cheese English Muffin Breakfast Casserole is the “B’s” Knees!

Besides how good, one of the best things about this breakfast bake is that you can make everything ahead of time. Once all the ingredients are mixed into the casserole dish, rather than baking it, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight.

• Breakfast casseroles are a simple way to include all your favorite morning flavors in one dish.
• Better than fast food, an English muffin casserole epitomizes an “anti-deconstructed” ham, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich.
• Blessedly quick, easy, and convenient for an overnight recipe.
• Best way to keep busy mornings hassle-free is with a make-ahead casserole in the fridge waiting for you! 
• Boundless ingredient variations to make an overnight breakfast bake to your taste.
• Breeze through your morning routine and still have time for a hearty and delicious breakfast that lasts to lunch.

DYK? Egg strata are casseroles with layers of bread, cheese, meats, and veggies in different combinations. The casserole ingredients are soaked in an egg and milk mixture overnight and baked.

Ingredients For Ham & Cheese Overnight English Muffin Casserole:

For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• English Muffins –  split and cut muffins into 1-inch pieces.
• Diced Ham – or Canadian bacon.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – shredded and divided.
• Gruyere Cheese – shredded and divided.
• Eggs – You’ll need almost a carton of eggs, but you don’t need to bring them to room temperature since the breakfast casserole goes back into the fridge.
• Half And Half – You can also use whole milk if needed. 
• Seasonings – Salt & Pepper, Garlic & Onion Powder.
• Melted Butter – Shh…the addition of drizzled melted butter heightens the unique breakfast sandwich flavor in an egg bake. 
• Optional Garnish – Chopped Chives, Scallions, Or Parsley

How To Make Overnight English Muffin Breakfast Casserole With Ham And Cheese

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Delicious, easy, and time-saving make-ahead egg casserole recipe is a filling and satisfying breakfast; no fuss-no muss. Toast the English muffins on a lined baking sheet, make a strata in a casserole dish, and whisk the egg mixture in a large bowl. Simple ingredients, simple tools, yet rich, complex flavors.

When you are making this recipe, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. TOAST: Evenly toast English muffin pieces and spread half in the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.
2. SPRINKLE: Add half of the ham, cheese, and top with the remaining English muffin pieces.
3. WHISK: Combine eggs, half and half, and seasonings and pour over the ham mixture: use gentle presses to soak the bread.
4. LAYER: Add the rest of the ham and cheeses over the breakfast casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
5. BAKE: Take the English muffin egg bake out of the fridge and drizzle with melted butter. Place in preheated oven until golden brown.
6. SERVE: Remove from oven and let it sit for 10-15 minutes* before serving. Sprinkle with desired garnish and “B-line” to the table!

*Note: While the egg casserole sits, it continues to cook due to residual heat. If needed, loosen the English muffin bake from the edges and cut portions to decrease the heat. Consider plating slices if they are already easy to remove.

Make Ahead English Muffin Casserole Recipe Notes & Tips

• Be sure to read through the entire recipe before starting.
• The English muffins are toasted in the oven for the prep, and the breakfast casserole is baked the next day.
• Baking pre-cubed pieces allow more surface to be toasted; you can use a toaster oven or the air-fryer setting.
• Drizzling butter over the egg casserole before baking helps complete the breakfast sandwich flavors.
• If you prefer to use bacon or another breakfast meat, it should be pre-cooked, then incorporated into the overnight English muffin casserole. 
• For a smoother, creamier melt and consistency, shred a block of cheese instead of a pre-shred,
• You’ll want the semi-soft (young) Gruyere, not aged (hardened), for superior melting.
• It is easier to shred cold cheese, especially on a box grater or food processor, and avoid a “crumbled” or oily texture.

Serving Suggestions

• This breakfast casserole is delicious served with a Hollandaise sauce, asparagus, and fresh fruit.
• Go Southern and enjoy this egg bake with pickled beats, a side of cottage cheese, and pineapple
• For an easy brunch, serve ham and cheese overnight breakfast recipe with a make-ahead retro Pistachio Salad/Classic Watergate and Morning Glory Muffins.

Variations and Substitutions

Veggies, meats, and cheese, all to your taste. Create your own overnight breakfast bake with English muffins. This easy and versatile egg casserole can be tailored to suit your family’s diet, just like a good quiche recipe!

• Try a sprinkle of sweet or smoked paprika on top.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you want a little kick.
• Choose your favorite melty cheese.
• Use up odds and ends from the dairy drawer.
• Add sauteed onion and/or sliced mini-sweet peppers for a savory note.
• Sauteed spinach and mushrooms are also a nice add-in for an extra nutrition boost.
• Make your breakfast casserole vegetarian and leave out the meat.
• Cut fat in this English muffin breakfast casserole by using 2% milk and reducing the cheese content.