Bacon & Egg Casserole Recipe

This delicious Bacon & Egg Casserole is a delightful breakfast option, especially perfect for those mornings when you want something hearty and satisfying. This recipe, inspired by Penzey’s Spices catalog, cleverly uses stale bread to create a comforting and flavorful dish. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, ideal for busy mornings when you need a nutritious and delicious breakfast without the hassle. Adding a diced, sautéed onion can elevate the flavors even further, giving a savory depth to each bite. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to prepare this wonderful casserole that will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Let’s start by gathering all the ingredients needed for this scrumptious casserole:

• 1 pound of bacon 🥓
• 6 large eggs 🥚
• 2 cups of milk 🥛
• 1 teaspoon of mustard powder 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon of salt 🧂
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
• 6 cups of cubed stale bread 🍞 (cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
• Optional: 1 medium onion, diced and sautéed until golden 🍠

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content per serving, so you know exactly what you’re indulging in:

• Calories: 460.4 kcal
• Fat Content: 36.7 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 14.2 g
• Cholesterol Content: 201.4 mg
• Sodium Content: 1029.7 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 13.2 g
• Fiber Content: 0.5 g
• Sugar Content: 1 g
• Protein Content: 18.3 g

Preparation Time

Time is of the essence, and here’s how you’ll manage it for this recipe:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the heart of the recipe with detailed, step-by-step instructions. Each step is crafted to ensure you create a dish that’s not only delicious but also beautifully prepared.

1. Grease the Baking Dish: Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. This step is crucial to prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish, making it easier to serve and clean up later. Use a bit of butter or cooking spray for this purpose.

2. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease. After it has cooled slightly, cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces. This will ensure even distribution throughout the casserole, giving every bite a perfect balance of flavors.

3. Prepare the Bread: Cube the stale bread into 3/4 inch pieces. Stale bread works best for this recipe as it absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a perfect texture. Set the bread cubes aside in a large mixing bowl.

4. Beat the Eggs: In another large bowl, beat the 6 eggs until they are well combined. This step is essential as it ensures the casserole has a light and fluffy texture.

5. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the beaten eggs. Whisk everything together until well blended. The mustard powder adds a subtle tangy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.

6. Combine with Bacon, Cheese, and Bread: Stir in the bacon pieces and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Once combined, add the cubed bread. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the bread pieces are well coated with the egg mixture. If you’re adding the optional sautéed onion, now is the time to mix it in.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure the bacon, cheese, and bread are distributed uniformly throughout the dish.

8. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in a cohesive and flavorful casserole.

9. Bake the Casserole: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for one hour, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set a bit more, making it easier to cut into neat portions. Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheddar cheese in every bite.

Tips and Variations

To make this Bacon & Egg Casserole even more special, here are a few tips and variations you might find useful:

• Vegetable Additions: For a healthier twist, consider adding some vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them lightly before mixing them into the casserole.
• Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of crumbled feta for a unique flavor.
• Spices and Herbs: Add some freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to the egg mixture for an extra burst of freshness. A pinch of black pepper or paprika can also add a nice kick.
• Bread Choices: Although stale white bread works great, you can use other types of bread like sourdough, whole wheat, or even brioche for a richer flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it lends itself to advance preparation:

• Make-Ahead: As mentioned, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. This makes it a fantastic option for holiday mornings or when you have guests staying over.