What’s your favorite breakfast treat? What is a Breakfast Casserole? Eggs, bacon Is it like a warm hug on the plate, packed with savory goodness and surprisingly easy to throw around? Think of it as a cross between quiche and strata, but way more forgiving and supportive. Is there anything infinitely more delicious Forget standing over a hot stove flipping pancakes, this is the kind of breakfast that bakes itself. While sipping coffee and catching up on the news. It’s also infinitely adaptable. Can you substitute bacon for sausage, add veggies or even sprinkle some cheese on top? What is the best bacon and egg combo? My grandma used to make something similar, and honestly, the smell of this baking brings back the memories. What are some of your best childhood memories I’m telling you, this will become a new staple in your home.
What is a breakfast casserole?
What is an Egg Bacon Breakfast Casserole? What is essentially a baked dish made from custard-like egg mixture, bread, and, of course, eggs? Think of it as bread pudding but with a savory twist. The bread soaks up all that eggy goodness, and the bacon adds that smoky, salty flavor that just so happens. What does it mean when What is the best thing about putting a box in the fridge the night before? What are some ways to bake a cake in the morning? Is it a lifesaver when you have guests staying over? No more frantic breakfast scrambles – just a delicious, comforting casserole that everyone will love. What is a good way to use up leftover bread? If you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? This Egg Bacon Breakfast Casserole is not just good, it’s ridiculously good. First and foremost, the *flavor* is incredible. You’ve got the richness of the eggs, the smokiness of the bacon, and the subtle sweetness of the bread, all coming together in perfect harmony. What I love most about this is how *simple* it is to make. Seriously, it takes maybe 15 minutes of prep time, and then the oven does all the work. Plus, it’s incredibly *cost-efficient*. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. And let’s not forget the *versatility*! You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or even spices.
For me, though, the magic is in the texture. The top gets all golden brown and slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and custardy. My family is obsessed with this dish; they request it for every holiday and special occasion. I’ve even been known to whip it up for a simple weeknight dinner when I’m craving something comforting. It’s like a warm hug in a pan, and it never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. I’ve tried other breakfast casserole recipes, but this one is hands-down my favorite because it’s the perfect balance of savory, salty, and comforting. It’s also forgiving – I’ve messed up ingredients before and it *still* turns out delicious!
How do you make a breakfast casserole?
Quick Overview
How do you make a breakfast casserole? What’s the best way to cook bacon? Then, whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings. Set aside. What is the best way to make bread, bacon, and egg mixture in a baking dish? What makes this method special is the overnight soak – letting bread soak in the egg mixture. How do I make it soft overnight? What are some of the best things to do with bacon?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the main B
* 8 large eggs (I always use free-range for the best flavor)
* 3 cups milk (whole milk works best, but you can use 2% or even almond milk for a lighter option) I’ve tested it, and it’s great!
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, but adds a nice savory touch)
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (just a pinch, but it elevates the flavor)
For the Filling:
* 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (I prefer thick-cut bacon for extra flavor)
* 6 cups cubed bread (I like using a day-old baguette or sourdough – it soaks up the egg mixture).
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese – Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even peppermint) or 1 pound mozzarella cheese. Is jack a good food?
Optional Add-in
* 1/2 cup chopped onion or bell pepper (sautéed until softened)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley)
What are the Step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking? I usually do this right before I start prepping the ingredients so that the oven is ready to go when I put it in the microwave.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
How do you cook bacon in the oven? Once cooked, drain off the excess grease and crumble the bacon into small pieces. I usually bake my bacon – less mess and it gets perfectly crispy every time!
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Milk
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and nutmeg. Mix well. Add more milk if necessary. Do you want streaks of egg white?
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle bacon over the bread. If you have bread, bacon, and cheese, pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press down on the bread to make sure it’s fully submerged in the egg mixture. How do I get a custardy texture?
Step 5: Let it Soak (Important!)
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a softer, more flavorful bread. What is that one step you don’t want to skip? I’ve tried baking it without soaking, and it’s just not the same.
Step 6: Bake
Remove the plastic wrap and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is browned. What is golden brown and set? A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary!
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help it hold its shape better. I like to sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese or chopped fresh herbs on top before serving.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best breakfast casseroles to make? What are some suggestions to take it to the next level?
For Breakfast:Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or melon. What are the best ways to enjoy hot tea?
For Brunch:What’s a good brunch dish? Pair it with your favorite Bloody Mary or Mimosa. What are some good Side Dishes to serve with your meal?
As Dessert:Is it a good snack to eat later in the day? Serve with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for an extra kick.
For Cozy Snacks:Is this good cold or hot? My family loves this with a simple green salad and roasted potatoes. Is this the perfect combination of savory and comforting? I’ve been known to serve it with a side of maple syrup for those who like sourness. What are some good savory recipes? Don’t knock it until you try it!
How do I make a perfect breakfast casserole?
What are some of my favorite tips for making breakfast casserole, based on years of experience? What is trial and error?
Bread Prep: Use day-old bread for the best texture. If your bread is too fresh, it will get mushy when soaked in the egg mixture.
Bacon Advice:Cook bacon until crispy, but not burnt. Burnt bacon will ruin the entire casserole.
Mixing Advice:Make sure the egg mixture is well combined before pouring it over the bread. How do I ensure that the casserole is evenly seasoned?
Cheese Customization: WhatDon’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! What are some good ways to serve Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack?
Overnight Soak: Don’t skip the overnight soak! This is crucial for getting that soft, custardy texture.
Baking Tips: If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. This will prevent it from burning.
Add-ins!: Sautéing your vegetables first will ensure they cook evenly in the casserole. I sometimes use leftover roasted vegetables from dinner the night before!
I learned the hard way that using fresh bread results in a soggy casserole. And trust me, you don’t want that! Also, don’t overcook the bacon. Slightly undercooked is better than burnt! I’ve also found that adding a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture really elevates the flavor. It’s subtle, but it makes a difference. And remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here are some tips for storing and reheating your Egg Bacon Breakfast Casserole:
Room Temperature: You can leave the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to make sure it’s properly covered to keep it fresh!
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. I prefer to slice it into individual portions before freezing so I can easily thaw and reheat just what I need.
When reheating, you can microwave individual slices or reheat the entire casserole in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. The microwave is faster, but the oven will give you a better texture. I usually reheat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it will become dry and rubbery. Trust me, I’ve done it before!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Egg Bacon Breakfast Casserole recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, a weeknight dinner, or just a cozy weekend breakfast, I know you’re going to love it. The best part? It’s so adaptable, you can truly make it your own. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole or my Spinach and Artichoke Quiche. They’re both equally delicious and easy to make. Now go forth and bake! And don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear about your own variations and experiences. Happy baking!
Egg Bacon Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices Bacon
- 6 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook bacon until crispy and crumble.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Combine crumbled bacon and cheese with the egg mixture.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until set.
