Ingredients for Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- 8 slices of bacon (or more, depending on preference)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- 4 cups day-old bread (cubed; French bread or challah works great)
- Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish
How to Make Ina Garten’s Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cubed bread and chopped bacon to the egg mixture. Stir gently until the bread is coated and absorbs the mixture.
- Fold in the shredded cheese, reserving a little for topping.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the reserved cheese and any additional bacon or toppings you like.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Cut into squares and serve warm.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet for cooking bacon
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick breakfast!
Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole
- Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic, you can experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.