Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and what could be better than a delicious Breakfast Casserole to start your morning? This dish combines all your breakfast favorites into one hearty meal. It’s simple to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Why make this recipe
Making a Breakfast Casserole is a great way to enjoy a fulfilling meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Plus, once it’s in the oven, you can focus on other morning tasks while it bakes. It’s ideal for lazy weekends, family gatherings, or any busy morning when you want something warm and satisfying.
How to prepare Breakfast Casserole
Preparing this Breakfast Casserole is easy and straightforward. Just follow these simple steps to whip up a delicious dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 cup sweet onions, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy (about 8-10 minutes), then drain on paper towels.
- Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers in the same skillet until soft (about 5 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Fold in the thawed hash browns until well coated in the egg mixture.
- Spread the cooked bacon evenly in the greased baking dish, then pour the egg mixture on top.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the casserole and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
How to serve Breakfast Casserole
Serve the Breakfast Casserole warm straight from the oven. You can cut it into squares and serve with slices of fresh fruit or a dollop of sour cream on the side. It pairs nicely with coffee or fresh orange juice for a complete breakfast experience.
How to store Breakfast Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole can last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish back in the oven until heated through.
Tips to make Breakfast Casserole perfectly
- Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely for even cooking.
- You can cook the bacon ahead of time to save a few minutes.
- Don’t skip the spices; they add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- For a creamier texture, add more milk or use half-and-half.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Breakfast Casserole! You can substitute the bacon with sausage or spinach for a vegetarian version. Try different cheeses or add in your favorite veggies, like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes.
FAQ
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven in the morning.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you are using gluten-free frozen hash browns and bacon. Always check the labels to be sure.
3. Can I freeze the Breakfast Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze slices of the casserole, and when you’re ready, just reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a comforting and tasty Breakfast Casserole! It’s the perfect way to kickstart your day, and your family will love it too!
Breakfast Casserole
A hearty Breakfast Casserole combining eggs, bacon, cheese, and veggies for a satisfying morning meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 cup sweet onions, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy (about 8-10 minutes), then drain on paper towels.
- Sauté the diced onions and bell peppers in the same skillet until soft (about 5 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Fold in the thawed hash browns until well coated in the egg mixture.
- Spread the cooked bacon evenly in the greased baking dish, then pour the egg mixture on top.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the casserole and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
For a creamier texture, consider adding more milk or switching to half-and-half. You can also make this casserole the night before.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Keywords: breakfast, casserole, brunch, eggs, bacon, cheese