This savory Herbalicious Breakfast Casserole Recipe transforms simple store-bought onion rolls into a gourmet make-ahead feast. Layered with pockets of cream cheese, roasted red peppers, and melting mozzarella, it is soaked in a vibrant pesto-egg custard that infuses every bite with fresh basil and oregano flavors. It is the ultimate freezer-friendly brunch solution, designed to bake from frozen for a stress-free holiday morning.
Jump to RecipeHerbalicious Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
The Savory Base:
- 8 Store-Bought Onion Rolls: Torn into chunks. The onion bits in the bread add a deep savory flavor without chopping raw onions.
- 1/4 cup Roasted Red Peppers: Sliced. Adds a sweet, smoky char and bright color.
- 8 tablespoons Salted Butter: Cut into pats for richness.
The Cheesy Layers:
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese: Torn into chunks. These create pockets of hot, creamy luxury throughout the bake.
- 1 cup Grated Mozzarella: For the classic cheese pull and golden crust.
The Pesto Custard:
- 10 Large Eggs: The binder.
- 2 cups Milk: Creates a fluffy, tender custard.
- 3 heaping tablespoons Basil Pesto: The flavor bomb that turns the eggs green and aromatic.
- Fresh Herbs: 1 tbsp parsley and 1 tsp oregano to reinforce the “herbalicious” name.
- Seasoning: 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
How To Make Herbalicious Breakfast Casserole
- Prep the Dish: Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Foundation: Tear the onion rolls into bite-sized chunks and scatter them evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the sliced roasted red peppers over the bread.
- Add the Cheese: Tear the block of cream cheese into small nuggets and distribute them over the peppers. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella over everything. Cut the 8 tablespoons of butter into small pats and scatter them on top.
- Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, basil pesto, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. The pesto should be evenly distributed.
- Pour and Soak: Slowly pour the green-flecked custard over the bread layers, ensuring you get it into all the crevices. Press down slightly to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Wrap and Freeze: Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface, then wrap again with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Bake (From Frozen): Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove foil and plastic wrap; discard plastic. Re-cover tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the center is firm and the top is golden.
- Bake (From Thawed): Thaw overnight in the fridge. Preheat to 325°F. Remove plastic, re-cover with foil. Bake 45 minutes. Raise heat to 350°F, remove foil, and bake 10-15 minutes more to set and brown the top. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Bread Choice: If you can’t find onion rolls, savory bagels or everything bagels work wonderfully as a substitute, offering a similar chew and flavor profile.
- Pesto Quality: Since pesto is the main flavor driver, use a high-quality jarred brand (like refrigerated Buitoni) or homemade pesto. Avoid shelf-stable jars that taste mostly of oil.
- Cream Cheese Tempering: Cold cream cheese is easier to “tear” into chunks. If it’s too soft, it will smear rather than creating distinct pockets.
- Vegetarian: This dish is naturally meat-free but rich enough to satisfy carnivores. You can add cooked sausage crumbles if desired.
What To Serve With Breakfast Casserole
- Fruit Salad: A citrus-heavy fruit salad cuts through the intense richness of the cream cheese and butter.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon on the side is a must for texture contrast.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of vinegar-based hot sauce complements the roasted peppers.
- Mimosas: The perfect drink for a celebratory brunch.
How To Store Herbalicious Casserole
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Freeze: While designed to be frozen before baking, you can freeze baked slices for up to 1 month.
Herbalicious Breakfast Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 18g
- Calcium: 300mg
Nutrition information is estimated per serving.
FAQs
Yes. Let it sit for 20 minutes on the counter to soak up the custard, then bake at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes (covered first, then uncovered).
Yes, but use half the amount. Fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor that lifts the heavy cheese and bread elements.
Roasted red peppers can release liquid. Pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the dish to prevent a soggy bottom.
Herbalicious Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings20
minutes55
minutes550
kcalA freezer-friendly breakfast strata packed with onion rolls, pesto, cream cheese, and roasted peppers.
Ingredients
8 onion rolls, torn
10 eggs
2 cups milk
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup mozzarella
3 tbsp pesto
1/4 cup roasted red peppers
8 tbsp butter
Herbs: Parsley, oregano
Directions
- Butter a 9×13 dish.
- Layer onion rolls, peppers, cream cheese chunks, mozzarella, and butter pats.
- Whisk eggs, milk, pesto, herbs, and spices.
- Pour custard over bread mixture.
- Wrap and freeze (up to 2 months).
- From Frozen: Bake covered at 350°F for 45 mins; uncover and bake 10 mins.
- From Thawed: Bake covered at 325°F for 45 mins; raise to 350°F, uncover, bake 15 mins.
Notes
- Designed specifically for freezer meal prep.
- Onion rolls provide essential savory flavor.
- Pockets of cream cheese create a luxurious texture.
- Great vegetarian main for holidays.
