Ann’s Brunch Casserole (Low Carb)

🍳🧀🥦🍅🍞 Ann’s Brunch Casserole 🍳🧀🥦🍅🍞

What is it?
Ann’s Brunch Casserole is a delicious and low-carb breakfast dish that’s perfect for brunch or any meal of the day. It’s a hearty and satisfying casserole filled with a combination of eggs, cheese, vegetables, and your choice of protein. This dish is not only tasty but also a great option for those looking to cut down on carbs.

History:
The exact origin of Ann’s Brunch Casserole is unclear, as it’s likely a variation of classic breakfast casseroles that have been enjoyed by families for generations. Casseroles, in general, have a long history in American cuisine, and they became especially popular in the mid-20th century. Over time, people have adapted these recipes to suit various dietary preferences, leading to creations like this low-carb version.

Components:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers (red, green, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup of diced onions
• 1/2 cup of diced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage (optional for protein)
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes. If you’re adding bacon or sausage, cook and crumble them.

3. Grease the Baking Dish: Use cooking spray or butter to grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish.

4. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten.

5. Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream and add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together.

6. Layer the Ingredients: Spread half of the shredded cheese evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then, layer the diced vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes) and cooked protein (bacon or sausage) on top of the cheese.

7. Pour the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and cream mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.

8. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.

10. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your low-carb brunch casserole!

Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for Ann’s Brunch Casserole is approximately 45-50 minutes, including prep and baking time. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward dish to make, perfect for a leisurely brunch with friends or family. 😊🍽️

Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for a serving of Ann’s Brunch Casserole:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 300-350 calories
• Total Fat: 23-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 11-13g
• Cholesterol: 240-260mg
• Sodium: 550-600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 5-7g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugars: 2-3g
• Protein: 18-20g

Health Information:

• Low Carb: This casserole is considered low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets like keto or Atkins.

• High in Protein: With eggs and optional protein sources like bacon or sausage, this dish is rich in protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

• Good Source of Vegetables: The bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes in this casserole provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Moderate Calories: The calorie content can vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used, but it generally falls within a reasonable calorie range for a meal.

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. Eggs also provide some vitamin D, which is important for calcium absorption.

• Sodium Content: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you’re watching your salt intake. You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium cheese and seasoning to taste.

• Customizable: You can customize this casserole to fit your dietary preferences by choosing leaner protein options or adjusting the amount of cheese or cream used.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition labels on the products you use and consult with a nutritionist or healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.