Mornings can be chaotic—coffee brewing, kids rushing out the door, or just trying to feed a hungry family. That’s why this 3-ingredient baked breakfast is a true lifesaver. With eggs, milk, and bread as the base, you can create a golden, fluffy, custard-like casserole that practically makes itself in the oven.
What makes this breakfast special is that it’s:
- Hands-off:Â Mix, bake, and serve.
- Versatile:Â Customize with extras like cheese, herbs, or fruit.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd:Â Great for family breakfasts, brunches, or holiday mornings.
- Lightly sweet or savory:Â Depending on your add-ins, it works either way.
Servings & Time
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
- Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients (Base 3-Ingredient Version)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 6–8 slices of bread (any type—white, wheat, or brioche)
Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Boost:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss)
- ½ teaspoon salt + ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon + 2 tablespoons sugar (for sweet version)
- Fresh or frozen berries, diced apples, or chopped vegetables like spinach, peppers, or mushrooms
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Optional: Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
- Tear or cube 6–8 slices of bread into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Spread them evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
Tip: Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard better, creating a soft but not soggy texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Milk
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 eggs and 2 cups milk until smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, or sweeteners depending on whether you want savory or sweet.
Optional: For a richer texture, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Egg Mixture
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the dish.
- Press the bread gently down with a spatula to make sure each piece absorbs the custard.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before baking so the bread soaks up the mixture for a creamier texture.
Tip: This is the secret to fluffy, custard-like baked eggs—don’t skip the soak time!
Step 5: Add Optional Extras
- Sprinkle cheese, cooked bacon, sausage, or vegetables evenly over the top.
- For sweet versions, layer berries, apples, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Optional: Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for aroma and golden color.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until:
- Eggs are set and no longer runny in the center
- Top is golden brown and slightly puffed
- Check with a knife inserted in the center; it should come out clean or slightly moist (not liquidy).
Tip: For extra fluffy results, whisk the eggs for 1–2 minutes longer to incorporate more air.
Step 7: Let Cool Slightly
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- This helps the custard firm up slightly, making serving easier and cleaner.
Step 8: Serve
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm.
- Suggested toppings for serving:
- Savory:Â Fresh herbs, hot sauce, salsa, or extra cheese
- Sweet:Â Powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream
Tip: Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2–3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ons
- Savory Breakfast Casserole:
- Cheese, cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, spinach
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top before serving
- Sweet Breakfast Casserole:
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, or maple syrup
- Fresh or frozen berries, chopped apples, or even raisins
- Top with powdered sugar after baking
- Protein-Packed Version:
- Add cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or ham
- Boost flavor with shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
- Vegetarian-Friendly Version:
- Use spinach, mushrooms, peppers, and onions
- Optional: add feta or goat cheese for extra flavor
Tips for Perfect Results
- Slightly stale bread works best—it soaks custard without becoming mushy.
- Let the egg mixture sit on the bread for a few minutes before baking for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Use a 9×13-inch dish for even cooking; smaller dishes will make it thicker and may require extra baking time.
- Do not overbake—it continues to cook as it rests.
Why This Breakfast Works for Crowds
- Minimal ingredients but maximum flavor
- One-pan preparation, easy to scale up for large gatherings
- Hands-off baking allows you to prepare coffee, set the table, or prep fruit while it cooks
- Versatile enough to serve sweet or savory depending on your crowd
Nutritional Highlights (Approximate, Base Version per Serving, 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 220–250
- Protein: 12–14 g
- Carbs: 18–20 g
- Fat: 12–14 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
Adding cheese, meat, or fruit will adjust calories, protein, and carbohydrates accordingly.
Conclusion
This 3-Ingredient Baked Breakfast is a true morning miracle—fluffy, versatile, and effortless. With eggs, milk, and bread, you can create a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, golden breakfast casserole that satisfies both savory and sweet cravings.
It’s perfect for:
- Family breakfasts on busy mornings
- Holiday brunches and potlucks
- Feeding a hungry crowd without stress
Once you try it, this hands-off, fluffy breakfast will become a staple in your morning routine—easy to make, easy to love, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
