Irish Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

Name: Irish Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 slices of crusty bread, cubed; 2 cups shredded Irish cheddar cheese; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup diced vegetables (optional, e.g., bell peppers, spinach); 1/2 cup cooked sausage or bacon (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love starting my day with a hearty meal, and this Irish Cheddar Breakfast Casserole never disappoints. Combining creamy cheese with fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that warms the soul and fuels the morning. I often prepare it for weekend brunches with friends or family, and it disappears almost as quickly as I can take it out of the oven! The best part? You can customize it with your favorite veggies or meats, making it a versatile and satisfying breakfast option.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-18T15:42:23.653Z

When I first attempted this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to prepare such a delicious breakfast. The layering of chunks of bread, creamy custard, and sharp Irish cheddar creates a delightful texture and flavor profile that is truly unmatched. I also love how you can prepare it the night before, letting the flavors meld for even better results.

One of my favorite tips is to use a mix of fresh herbs to brighten the dish. I often add chopped chives and parsley, which not only enhance the flavor, but also add a lovely pop of color. Each bite is brimming with cheesy goodness and a hint of freshness that makes it a standout breakfast option!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, sharp Irish cheddar gives each bite a delightful punch.
Simple prep means you can enjoy a homemade breakfast any day.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying delicious leftovers!

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

When preparing your Irish Cheddar Breakfast Casserole, the quality of your ingredients plays a crucial role. Fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers and spinach, not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color to the dish. I recommend using in-season produce for the best taste and texture, ensuring every bite is packed with freshness. Notably, sautéing your vegetables lightly before adding them to the casserole can elevate their flavor, allowing them to meld beautifully with the cheese and eggs during baking.

The choice of bread is just as important as the fillings. A crusty artisan loaf works wonders as it holds its shape during soaking without becoming too mushy. You could also experiment with sourdough for a tangy twist or even a gluten-free bread if dietary needs require it. Just remember to cube your bread into uniform pieces so it bakes evenly and absorbs the custard mixture thoroughly.

Technique for the Perfect Custard

Creating the custard base is a simple yet vital step in achieving a rich and creamy casserole. Whisking the eggs with whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper is crucial; this mixture needs to be smooth and well-combined to ensure even flavor distribution. I find that allowing the custard to rest for a few minutes before pouring it over the bread lets the ingredients marry into a cohesive mixture that results in superior taste and texture throughout the dish.

For a more pronounced flavor, consider infusing your custard with herbs or spices. Adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish without overwhelming the classic flavors of the Irish cheddar and bread. Be careful not to over-whisk; you want a homogenous mixture that is still airy, affecting the final bake's fluffiness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the beauties of the Irish Cheddar Breakfast Casserole is its versatility regarding meal prep. You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld overnight, and all you need to do in the morning is pop it straight into the preheated oven. Just keep in mind that if it’s chilled, you might need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time to fully set the center.

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal, or place it back in the oven covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This keeps your casserole moist and prevents the top from over-browning while ensuring it is warmed through.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

8 slices of crusty bread, cubed
2 cups shredded Irish cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup diced vegetables (optional, e.g., bell peppers, spinach)
1/2 cup cooked sausage or bacon (optional)

Combine the ingredients to make a delicious casserole!

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Layer the Ingredients

Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle the shredded Irish cheddar cheese on top. If using, add the diced vegetables and meat.

Mix the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and Bake

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soak. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Enjoy this delicious breakfast casserole!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite spices or experiment with different types of cheese for a fun twist on flavor. Leftovers are also fantastic as they can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of the Irish Cheddar Breakfast Casserole makes it suitable for various occasions. Serve it as a substantial breakfast on a chilly morning, or offer it as a centerpiece for a brunch gathering with mimosas and fruit salad on the side. I often pair it with a light green salad to balance the richness of the casserole, keeping brunch vibrant and fresh.

For a more indulgent touch, consider topping individual servings with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of chives just before serving. This not only adds a creamy element but also enhances the presentation of your dish, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a leisurely weekend at home.

Variations to Try

While this recipe highlights Irish cheddar, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. A sharp aged cheddar, a melty Gruyère, or even a bit of blue cheese can each impart their unique flavor profiles to the dish. Mixing cheeses also creates a depth of flavor that can surprise your taste buds and keep things interesting at breakfast.

If you want to make the dish even heartier, consider adding cooked quinoa or hash browns to your base for added texture and nutrition. Just ensure that if you add these ingredients, you adjust the wet ingredients slightly to account for their absorption capacity. This small tweak will ensure that your casserole remains perfectly custardy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when baking casseroles is uneven cooking, where some areas are undercooked while others are overbaked. To avoid this, ensure your bread cubes are evenly distributed in the baking dish, and give the casserole enough time to soak up the custard mixture before baking. A good visual cue is watching for golden edges and a puffed center, signaling it’s ready to come out of the oven.

If you find the casserole is browning too quickly on top, you can lightly cover it with aluminum foil during the later stages of baking. This allows the center to cook through without burning the top. Conversely, if the casserole appears too soft after the designated baking time, continue to bake it in five-minute increments until set, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it in the morning.

→ What other cheeses can I use?

While I love Irish cheddar, other good choices include Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.

→ Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include mushrooms, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat well in the microwave or oven.