Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

This Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole is a delightful dish perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of creamy cheese, hearty potatoes, and savory bacon, this casserole brings comfort and flavor to any breakfast or brunch occasion. Its make-ahead nature makes it a go-to for busy mornings or special gatherings, ensuring you can enjoy great taste without the last-minute rush.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This casserole requires minimal prep time and can be assembled in advance, making your morning stress-free.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of cheesy goodness and crispy bacon creates an irresistible dish everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a comforting dinner option.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning for a hassle-free meal.
• Hearty and Filling: This casserole is packed with protein and carbs, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment will help you create this delicious breakfast casserole with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Casserole dish
• Frying pan
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ideal for roasting potatoes to achieve that perfect crispiness before layering in the casserole.
• Casserole dish: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients while allowing even cooking throughout.
• Frying pan: Essential for sautéing onions and bacon to enhance their flavors before adding them to the casserole.

Ingredients

This cheesy breakfast casserole with bacon, potato, and egg is the easiest make-ahead breakfast and so perfect for feeding a crowd.

For the Base

• 3 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt

For the Filling

• 250 g (+-9oz) streaky bacon (chopped) (substitute with turkey bacon if desired)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)

For the Creamy Mixture

• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 5 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ¾ cup heavy/whipping cream
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

How to Make Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). This step ensures that your casserole bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

• Toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil and salt in a bowl.
• Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake until crispy and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven once done.

Step 3: Cook Bacon and Onions

In a frying pan over medium heat:
1. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp.
2. Once cooked, add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in crushed garlic for an additional 20 seconds; then remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large casserole dish:
1. Layer roasted potatoes, followed by the bacon-onion mixture.
2. Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese over these layers.

Step 5: Create Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping & Bake

Top off with remaining grated cheddar cheese.
Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through.
2. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into portions.

Enjoy serving this cheesy potato breakfast casserole at your next gathering!

How to Serve Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

Serving your cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole is simple and can be tailored to suit various occasions. Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

With Fresh Garden Salad

• A light, crisp garden salad adds freshness to balance the richness of the casserole. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with a light vinaigrette.

With Avocado Slices

• Creamy avocado slices complement the flavors of the casserole beautifully. Simply slice ripe avocados and season with salt and lime juice for an extra kick.

With Sliced Tomatoes

• Freshly sliced tomatoes bring acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheesy breakfast casserole. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt for added flavor.

With Hot Sauce or Salsa

• For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce or salsa. This adds a spicy dimension that pairs well with the creamy texture of the casserole.

How to Perfect Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

Perfecting your cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole can take your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh potatoes, cheese, and eggs enhance the flavor and texture of your casserole.
• Pre-cook potatoes: Baking the potatoes until golden before adding them to the dish ensures they get crispy edges and prevent sogginess.
• Control seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps set it up for easier slicing and serving.
• Experiment with cheeses: Mixing different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda can add depth and variety in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

Pairing side dishes with your cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits brings sweetness and freshness to your plate.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
3. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a smoky flavor that complements the richness of the casserole.
4. Toast or Bagels: Serve with toasted bread or bagels spread with cream cheese for added texture.
5. Baked Beans: A side of savory baked beans offers hearty protein that pairs wonderfully with breakfast dishes.
6. Smoothie Bowl: Blend up a refreshing smoothie topped with nuts and seeds for a nutritious addition.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or bell peppers add vibrant color and flavors to your meal.
8. Potato Wedges: For those who love potatoes, crispy potato wedges served on the side can be a delightful treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole even more delicious. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping Preheating: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden top.

• Overcooking Potatoes: Don’t cook the potatoes too long before adding them to the casserole. They should be just crispy enough to hold their shape while baking.

• Ignoring Cheese Quality: Use high-quality cheese for better flavor. Cheddar is best, but feel free to mix in other varieties for a unique taste.

• Using Too Much Liquid: Be careful with milk and cream amounts. Too much liquid can make your casserole soggy instead of creamy.

• Not Letting It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The casserole can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 180ºC (350ºF). Cover with foil and reheat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and cover until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole that might help you in making this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance! Just assemble it without baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it in the morning.

What can I substitute for bacon?

You can use turkey bacon or cooked chicken sausage as a leaner alternative that still adds flavor.

How do I customize my cheesy breakfast casserole?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also experiment with different cheeses for variety.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables or plant-based alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

The Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for serving a crowd. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an irresistible choice for any brunch gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices to make it your own!