Bacon Egg Cheese Breakfast Bake

Bacon Breakfast Casserole is a tried and true crowd pleaser you can prep the night before. This bake marries crispy bacon with fluffy eggs creamy cheese and golden bread cubes for a breakfast everyone requests whenever family visits. It is particularly perfect for those mornings when you want to relax and serve something special without juggling pans at sunrise.

I first baked this for a holiday brunch and now it is my son’s favorite request any time his friends stay over. There is something comforting about waking up to that savory oven aroma filling the house.

Ingredients

• Eggs: They create the custardy structure of the casserole Use fresh eggs for the fluffiest texture
• Milk: This adds creaminess and keeps the mixture tender Whole milk works best for richness
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness Sea salt is great for a clean taste
• Dry mustard: Provides a warm depth and a subtle tang Look for ground mustard in the spice aisle
• Bread: The backbone of the dish Dried cubes are best for soaking up everything Choose a simple white or country loaf
• Bacon: The star Salty savory bites throughout Cook fully and cut into uniform pieces High quality thick cut bacon amps up the flavor
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty sharp goodness Try to grate your own for the best melt
• Chives for garnish: Add a fresh pop of color and a hint of onion If possible use freshly snipped chives

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Lightly coat your nine by thirteen inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks and you get easy slices later

Layer the Bread:

Scatter dried bread cubes evenly on the bottom of your skillet They should not be too crowded

Add Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the bread This ensures that every bite gets a bit of melty cheese

Scatter Bacon on Top:

Evenly distribute bacon pieces across the cheese pushing them gently between cubes to make sure the bacon is spread throughout

Mix the Egg Custard:

In a large bowl whisk eggs until thoroughly mixed Add milk dry mustard and salt Whisk again until the mixture is totally smooth and the mustard is well incorporated

Pour Over Casserole:

Pour the egg mixture slowly over the layered bread bacon and cheese making sure all the bread cubes are soaked well

Chill Overnight:

Cover tightly with plastic wrap Refrigerate overnight so the bread absorbs all the eggy goodness and the flavors meld

Bake the Casserole:

Remove from fridge while you preheat oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit This takes the chill off Bake uncovered for thirty to forty five minutes until golden and the center is set A knife should come out mostly clean

Garnish and Serve:

Top with fresh chives for color and flavor Slice and serve while hot

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My favorite part is the way the bacon gets extra crisp around the edges and my kids always fight for those corner pieces. We once had a sleepover breakfast where everyone chimed in to pick out add ins and the laughter around the table made it truly special.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to three days. For longer keeping portion and wrap slices before freezing. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through and you will still have those irresistible bacon layers.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of cheddar Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese both work well. Turkey bacon gives you a lighter option. For bread any sturdy loaf will do even leftover buns or rolls. You can also add diced bell peppers sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetable twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad for brunch balance. Slices pair well with orange juice or coffee and if you are feeling festive a mimosa takes it over the top. For a big breakfast try alongside roasted breakfast potatoes.

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Cultural Context

Breakfast casseroles like this one are classic in American Midwest kitchens especially around holidays like Christmas or Easter. Preparing everything ahead means hosts get to enjoy the morning too. It is a tradition in my family to bake it every New Year as a warm comforting welcome to the next chapter.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, assemble the ingredients the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for best results.

→ What type of bread works best for the base?

Stale, dried bread cubes are ideal as they absorb the egg mixture and keep the casserole from becoming soggy.

→ Is it possible to add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Try mixing in sautéed vegetables, extra cheese, or herbs like chives or green onions for more flavor.

→ How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The casserole is done when it’s puffed, golden, and the center is set without jiggling when gently shaken.

→ Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat perfectly in the oven or microwave.