Cheesy Breakfast Delight: Three Cheese Brunch Bake 🧀🍳

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate source for culinary inspiration and detailed, comprehensive recipes. Today, we delve into a rich, hearty, and versatile brunch dish that brilliantly combines the comforting goodness of melted cheeses with the savory depth of bacon and onions. The Three Cheese’s Brunch Bake is a perfect choice for weekend brunches, casual family gatherings, or even a weeknight dinner when you crave something warm, satisfying, and customizable. This dish is designed to be highly adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or to suit dietary preferences. Its layers of bread, cheese, and aromatic ingredients meld together into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will delight every palate. As always, this recipe is meticulously curated and tested to ensure perfect results, and it’s published exclusively on Love With Recipes, where culinary excellence meets accessible cooking.

Time

Total preparation and cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Oven: Standard household oven, capable of maintaining a consistent 350°F (177°C)
• Baking Dish: 1 1/2-quart (around 1.4 liters) oven-safe baking dish, preferably ceramic or glass
• Mixing Bowls: Large mixing bowl for blending liquids and ingredients
• Whisk: For thoroughly combining eggs, milk, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onions and any optional add-ins
• Cooking Utensils: Spatula or large spoon to layer ingredients and press down layers
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurement of ingredients for consistent results
• Aluminum Foil or Plastic Wrap: For covering and refrigerating, if preparing ahead of time
• Oven Mitts: For safe handling of hot baking dish

Tags

• Brunch
• Cheese
• Breakfast casserole
• Easy recipes
• Comfort food
• Make-ahead
• Family-friendly
• Vegetarian (optional, if bacon substituted)

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings, making it ideal for family brunches or brunch parties. Each serving is approximately 1/6th of the dish, but portion sizes can be adjusted based on appetite and accompanying dishes.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is rated as Easy to Moderate. It involves layering, whisking, and baking, but no complex techniques. Suitable for beginner cooks with some experience or anyone looking for a straightforward, satisfying dish.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

This recipe is naturally vegetarian if you omit or replace bacon with plant-based options. For low-fat or low-calorie diets, use reduced-fat cheeses and skim milk. It can also be adapted to gluten-free diets by selecting gluten-free bread or bread substitutes.

Course

Brunch, Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine

American comfort food, brunch cuisine

Ingredients

Ingredient Details in Table Format

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients and preheat oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the optimal temperature for baking the casserole evenly. While the oven heats, prepare your ingredients. Dice the onion finely or roughly, depending on preference, and set aside. Cook the bacon until crispy in a skillet over medium heat, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat. Once cooled, chop or crumble into small pieces. Shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and set aside. Measure out all remaining ingredients for easy assembly.

Step 2: Prepare the baking dish

Grease a 1 1/2-quart (about 1.4 liters) baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. You can also lightly dust with breadcrumbs if desired for extra crunch, but this is optional. Set the dish aside.

Step 3: Layering the base

Start by placing half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a sturdy bread such as French bread or sourdough, cut into approximately 1-inch cubes. Distribute half of the cooked bacon evenly over the bread layer, followed by half of the chopped onions. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Then, dollop all of the cottage cheese evenly over this layer. These layers create a rich, cheesy base that forms the foundation of the dish.

Step 4: Repeat layering

Repeat the layers by adding the remaining bread cubes, bacon, onions, and cheeses. This double-layering ensures a balanced distribution of flavors and textures. The cottage cheese is only added in the first layer to maintain its creamy texture, but you can experiment with adding more or less in future variations.

Step 5: Prepare the liquid mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform. The eggs act as a binder, while the milk ensures a moist, custard-like consistency. The mustard and Worcestershire sauce add depth of flavor, balancing creaminess with savory tang.

Step 6: Pour the mixture over the layered ingredients

Carefully pour the liquid mixture evenly over the assembled layers in the baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to gently press down on the layers, ensuring the liquid penetrates all the nooks and crannies, saturating the bread and cheeses thoroughly. This step is crucial for achieving a cohesive, moist casserole.

Step 7: Rest and refrigerate (optional)

Allow the assembled dish to rest for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. This helps the bread absorb the custard, leading to a more cohesive bake. Alternatively, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor melding and convenience. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking.

Step 8: Baking

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.

Step 9: Serving

Remove from the oven and allow the brunch bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the casserole set, making portions cleaner and easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, such as chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot, accompanied by fresh fruit, toast, or a light salad for a complete brunch experience.

Preparation Tips

• Use day-old bread for better soaking and flavor absorption, but fresh bread works fine if sliced thinly or toasted lightly beforehand.
• Adjust cheese quantities to suit your taste; for a milder flavor, reduce cheddar and increase mozzarella or add other cheeses like gouda or fontina.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread or croutons.
• Include vegetables such as chopped tomatoes, green beans, or corn for added texture and nutrients.
• To make it vegetarian, omit bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based bacon alternatives.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Enhance flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the egg mixture for a smoky or spicy twist.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack, Swiss, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free brunch.
• Texture play: Incorporate toasted bread cubes or crispy toppings like fried onions or herbs before baking for added crunch.

Add-ons

• Fresh herbs: chopped parsley, chives, basil
• Spicy elements: jalapeños, hot sauce
• Additional proteins: cooked sausage slices, ham, or sautéed mushrooms
• Vegetables: spinach, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes
• Crunchy toppings: crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs

Side Dishes

• Fresh mixed greens salad with vinaigrette
• Fresh fruit platter or fruit salad
• Whole-grain toast or bagels with cream cheese
• Yogurt with honey and granola
• Roasted breakfast potatoes or hash browns

Improvements and Variations

• Replace bread with sweet potatoes or zucchini slices for a low-carb version.
• Incorporate different cheeses or herbs to tailor the flavor profile.
• Add a layer of sautéed greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
• Use plant-based cheeses and meat substitutes for vegan adaptations.
• Spice it up with hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.

Save and Store

If you have leftovers, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a warm, hearty brunch. This enhances flavors and saves time on the day of serving.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Yes. Feel free to swap or blend cheeses according to your preferences. For example, Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can be delightful alternatives, adding different flavors and textures.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if you use gluten-free bread or bread substitutes. Always check ingredient labels to ensure all components are gluten-free.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can omit it or substitute with soy sauce or a splash of fish sauce for a similar umami flavor. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

How can I make it healthier?

Use low-fat cheeses, skim milk, and add more vegetables. Reducing bacon or replacing it with plant-based proteins also cuts down on saturated fat and calories.

Conclusion

The Three Cheese’s Brunch Bake embodies comfort, versatility, and ease, making it an ideal centerpiece for any brunch or casual gathering. Its layers of cheesy goodness, aromatic onions, crispy bacon, and custard-like egg mixture create a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Whether prepared for a weekend celebration or a quick weeknight meal, this dish adapts effortlessly to your taste and pantry. Remember, the key to perfection lies in quality ingredients and thoughtful layering. Enjoy this indulgent yet customizable casserole, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite add-ins and flavors. For more delicious recipes and culinary insights, visit Love With Recipes—your trusted partner in home cooking excellence.

References

• Food Network. “Breakfast Casserole Recipes.” Accessed October 2023.
• Allrecipes.com. “Cheesy Breakfast Casserole Variations.”