Certainly! Here’s a cheesy breakfast recipe that’s delicious, comforting, and packed with flavor: Cheesy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Casserole.
Cheesy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage (optional, crumbled)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed (like French bread or sourdough)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bacon and Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Drain most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving just a tablespoon. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon, sautéed onion, and bell pepper over the bread cubes.
- If using breakfast sausage, sprinkle it evenly over the mixture.
- Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese mixture in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread cubes are soaked.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into squares.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Tips:
- Bread Choice: Using day-old bread helps the casserole absorb the egg mixture better, creating a more cohesive texture. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared the night before. Simply assemble it up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
This Cheesy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a hearty weekend brunch. Enjoy the melty cheese and savory bacon with every bite!
