Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

This Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole is the ultimate make-ahead meal that brings comfort and flavor to any gathering. Packed with layers of creamy potatoes, cheese, and savory goodness, it’s perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring you’ll have more time to enjoy with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have this casserole ready in no time.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy mornings, this dish can be prepared the night before and baked when you’re ready to serve.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields eight generous servings, making it ideal for brunches or family get-togethers.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of cheesy goodness and crispy potatoes creates a comforting dish everyone will love.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools beforehand. Having everything in place will help streamline your preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Casserole dish
• Baking sheet
• Frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Casserole dish: Essential for baking your breakfast casserole evenly while retaining moisture.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting potatoes until they are crisp and golden.
• Frying pan: Ideal for sautéing your onions and bacon mixture to bring out rich flavors.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining eggs, milk, and seasonings easily without mess.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 3 large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 250 g (+-9oz) chicken (chopped)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 5 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ¾ cup heavy/whipping cream
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

How to Make Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180ºC. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly throughout.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

• Toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil and salt in a mixing bowl.
• Transfer the seasoned potatoes to a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 30 minutes or until they are crisp and golden. Remove from the oven once done.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Mixture

In a frying pan:
* Cook chopped chicken until crispy.
* Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft.
* Stir in crushed garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds before removing from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a casserole dish:
* Combine roasted potatoes with the chicken and onion mixture.
* Add half of the grated cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Prepare Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl:
* Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper until well combined.
* Pour this mixture over the potato blend in the casserole dish.

Step 6: Bake

Top with remaining cheese before placing in the oven:
* Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
* Once finished, remove from oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

This delightful Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole is sure to become a favorite at any brunch table! Enjoy each bite packed with flavor as you share this comforting dish with loved ones.

How to Serve Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

This cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family brunch. It can be served in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences.

Individual Portions

• Serve in small bowls for a more refined presentation. Top each serving with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added color and flavor.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair the casserole with a side of fresh fruit salad. The sweetness of fruits like berries, melons, or citrus provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the dish.

Topped with Avocado

• Add slices of ripe avocado on top for creaminess. This addition enhances the texture and adds healthy fats that complement the casserole perfectly.

With Salsa

• Offer some homemade salsa on the side. The acidity and spice from salsa can brighten up each bite of the cheesy casserole.

How to Perfect Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

To ensure your cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh potatoes and quality cheese. Fresh ingredients enhance flavor and texture.

• Pre-cook potatoes: Partially cook your cubed potatoes before adding them to the casserole. This step ensures they are tender and golden by the end of baking.

• Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest after removing it from the oven. This helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve.

• Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

Serving sides alongside your cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness that balances the richness of the casserole.

2. Fruit Smoothie: A refreshing smoothie made with yogurt and seasonal fruits can serve as a nutritious complement.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and a healthy touch to your brunch spread.

4. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs can be served alongside for an extra protein boost, making your meal even heartier.

5. Toast or Bagels: Serve with toasted bread or bagels spread with cream cheese for additional texture and flavor.

6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a delightful sweet contrast that pairs well with savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Bold Phrase: Using Old Potatoes – Always use fresh potatoes for the best texture and taste. Old potatoes can be dry and mealy, affecting your casserole’s overall quality.

• Bold Phrase: Overcooking the Potatoes – Baking the potatoes too long before mixing can lead to mushy results. Aim for a crisp, golden exterior while keeping them firm inside.

• Bold Phrase: Skipping the Seasoning – Don’t forget to season your casserole! A lack of salt or pepper can make it bland. Be generous with spices for a more flavorful dish.

• Bold Phrase: Not Letting It Rest – After baking, allow the casserole to rest before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier without falling apart.

• Bold Phrase: Ignoring Customization – Feel free to customize your ingredients! Adding vegetables or different cheeses can elevate your cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

• Wrap portions tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 180ºC (350ºF) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, reheat slices until warmed thoroughly, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this delicious dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding the Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole.

Can I make the Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?

For a healthier option, consider turkey bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor without using pork products.

How do I know when my Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole is done?

It’s done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.

Can I add vegetables to the Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well and add extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy bacon potato breakfast casserole is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at brunch or just looking for a hearty breakfast option, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try!