This Cheesy Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole is a warm and hearty dish! It combines crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes for a delicious start to your day.
It’s perfect for brunch or meal prep. I love making it on weekends and enjoying the yummy smells wafting through the kitchen. Trust me, it gets devoured fast! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen hash browns are convenient, but you could use fresh potatoes. Simply peel, dice, and partially cook them. I find that the frozen variety makes prep super easy!
Bacon: I love the flavor of crispy bacon, but turkey bacon or even sausage works if you’re looking for a lighter option. You can also make it vegetarian by leaving out the meat altogether.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a classic taste, but feel free to use your favorite types! Pepper jack adds a kick, while Monterey Jack offers a creamy texture. Use what you enjoy!
Onion: Diced onion gives a nice flavor boost, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use green onions for a milder taste.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best, but you can also substitute almond milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version. It might change the texture slightly, but it’ll still be tasty.
How Do You Achieve a Fluffy Casserole?
The key to a fluffy breakfast casserole is in the egg mixture. It’s essential to whisk the eggs thoroughly with milk, salt, and pepper. This ensures that the eggs get enough air and create a light texture.
- Use large eggs and consider using a stand mixer or whisk to get them fluffy.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before baking. This helps the hash browns absorb some of the egg mixture, keeping them moist without getting soggy.
- Don’t rush the baking—give it the full time for that fluffy top!
Enjoy cooking this dish and feel free to personalize it to your taste! With just a few adjustments, you can create a breakfast casserole that’s perfect for your family and friends.
Cheesy Bacon And Potato Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 6 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 45-50 minutes to bake. After it’s done, remember to let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 10 minutes until you can enjoy this cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be nice and hot by the time we’re ready to bake the casserole. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Assemble the Base:
In the prepared dish, spread the thawed hash brown potatoes evenly across the bottom. These will be the base of your casserole and provide that delicious, comforting potato flavor.
3. Add Bacon and Onion:
Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the hash browns. Then, add the diced onion evenly over the top. This will give your casserole a nice flavor boost!
4. Layer the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the mixture. Who doesn’t love extra cheese in the morning?
5. Whisk the Eggs:
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This is the creamy binder that will hold your casserole together!
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potato, bacon, and cheese layers in the casserole dish. Make sure it covers everything well. Now it’s time to bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set and golden, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set a little more. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a lovely touch of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy breakfast casserole! It’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for busy weekdays.
With creamy eggs, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes, this dish is sure to become a morning favorite!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just peel and dice them into small cubes. Pre-cook them in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and use them in place of the frozen hash browns.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a substitute for bacon, you can use turkey bacon, sausage, or even diced veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to sauté the veggies beforehand to enhance their flavor!
