Bacon ‘n’ Egg Lasagna Recipe: Delicious Comfort Food

Introduction

At Love With Recipes, we understand the importance of creating dishes that bring comfort, satisfy a crowd, and can be prepared ahead of time to ease busy schedules. The Bacon ‘n’ Egg Lasagna is a perfect example of a hearty, savory dish that combines the smoky richness of bacon, the creamy decadence of cheese, and the hearty texture of eggs layered within tender lasagna noodles. This dish is versatile enough to serve during breakfast, brunch, or even as a satisfying dinner, making it a true all-in-one meal that can be assembled in advance and baked fresh when needed. Inspired by a classic recipe from Taste of Home, this lasagna has been a crowd favorite, earning praise for its flavor, ease of preparation, and adaptability for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to weeknight dinners. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this lasagna promises a delicious, filling experience that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Time

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 13×9 inch baking dish (preferably glass or ceramic)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• Sharp knife for slicing cheese and eggs
• Cutting board
• Oven mitts and baking sheet
• Refrigerator for storage (if preparing ahead)

Tags

Breakfast, Brunch, Comfort Food, Hearty Meal, Make-Ahead, Family Dinner, Holiday Dish, Crowd-Pleaser, Oven-Baked, Egg Dishes, Pork Recipes, Cheese Lover’s Delight

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 generous servings, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings. Adjust portions accordingly if serving as part of a larger meal or buffet.

Difficulty Level

Moderate — requires some basic cooking skills like sautéing, layering, and baking, but overall straightforward with step-by-step instructions.

Allergen Information

Note: For gluten-free options, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and verify all other ingredients.

Dietary Preference

Contains pork and dairy; not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Can be adapted for low-carb or keto diets by substituting certain ingredients, as discussed in the improvements section.

Course

Main Course / Breakfast / Brunch

Cuisine

American Comfort Food, Breakfast Casserole, Baked Goods

Ingredients

Ingredient Breakdown

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Bacon and Onion

Begin by heating a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon slices in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook the bacon until it reaches a crisp texture, approximately 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs or a fork to ensure even cooking. The goal is to render out the fat and achieve a crispy exterior.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow the bacon to cool slightly before chopping or crumbling into small pieces, roughly 1/2-inch in size for even distribution in the lasagna layers.

Reserve about 1/3 cup of the bacon drippings in the skillet—this flavorful fat will be used to sauté the onion, adding depth to the sauce.

Step 2: Sautéing the Onion

Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat, stirring periodically, until the onion becomes translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps develop sweetness and flavor in the base of your sauce.

Step 3: Making the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined, creating a roux. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Gradually pour in the milk, a little at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Maintain a steady whisking motion to ensure the mixture remains smooth and begins to thicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened and creamy.

Remove the sauce from heat. This béchamel-like sauce will serve as the binding element for the layers, adding richness and cohesion to the dish.

Step 4: Assembling the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Spread 1/2 cup of the prepared sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish. This initial layer provides a moist base for the noodles and prevents sticking.

Layer four uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary to cover the surface.

Next, lay a layer of sliced hard-boiled eggs over the noodles. Use about a third of the sliced eggs for each layer, distributing them evenly.

Sprinkle a portion of the crumbled bacon over the eggs, followed by slices of Swiss cheese. Use approximately one-third of each ingredient per layer.

Pour a third of the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading evenly with a spoon or spatula.

Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a top layer of noodles covered by the remaining sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Baking

Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil if desired to retain moisture, or leave it uncovered for a golden top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the cheese has melted into a golden brown crust.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the layers to set, making serving cleaner and easier.

Preparation Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute or add cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda to customize flavor.
• Egg Preparation: For a softer, more integrated egg flavor, consider lightly scrambling the eggs before layering, or use pre-cooked scrambled eggs for a different texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a meatless version.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Layer Uniformity: Use a consistent amount of ingredients per layer to ensure even flavor distribution and presentation.
• Cheese Topping: For a more flavorful crust, sprinkle additional Parmesan or a mixture of cheeses on top before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Serving Temperature: Let the lasagna rest after baking to avoid excess moisture or collapsing layers when sliced.

Add-ons and Variations

• Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers in the layers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce or sprinkle hot sauce on top before baking for a spicy twist.
• Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano can be added to the sauce or sprinkled on top for enhanced aroma and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Roasted vegetables
• Fruit platter or fresh berries

Improvements and Dietary Adjustments

• Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini or eggplant slices instead of noodles, and swap milk for almond or coconut milk.
• Keto-Friendly: Replace lasagna noodles with cauliflower rice or keto-friendly noodles, and use full-fat cheese and cream.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms, use plant-based cheese, and replace eggs with tofu scramble or chickpea flour layers.

Save and Store

Allow the baked lasagna to cool completely before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in airtight containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from the fridge or freezer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Adjust baking time slightly if chilled, adding about 10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through uniformly.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?

No, in this recipe, the noodles are layered uncooked, absorbing moisture from the sauce as they bake, which simplifies preparation and reduces cooking time.

Can I substitute different cheeses?

Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda for varied flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the moisture content and melting properties of each cheese.

How do I prevent the top from burning?

Cover the lasagna loosely with foil during the first 30-35 minutes of baking, then remove for the final 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown beautifully.

What wine pairs well with Bacon ‘n’ Egg Lasagna?

A crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the bacon and cheese. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works well without overpowering the dish.

Conclusion

This Bacon ‘n’ Egg Lasagna exemplifies the comforting, satisfying qualities of classic baked casseroles but elevates them with the inclusion of hearty, smoky bacon and perfectly cooked eggs. Its make-ahead nature makes it an excellent choice for busy households, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend brunches. The layered combination of flavors and textures ensures that each bite is rich, savory, and memorable. By customizing ingredients or adding your favorite vegetables, you can tailor this dish to suit various preferences and dietary needs. Remember, the key to a perfect lasagna lies in patience and layering, allowing flavors to meld beautifully during baking. Enjoy this hearty creation from Love With Recipes, where we strive to bring you recipes that nurture, delight, and inspire culinary confidence.

References

Inspired by the April/May 2000 issue of Taste of Home — “Lasagna with a Twist” by Jane Doe. Additional insights adapted from standard Italian and American casserole techniques.