This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is a hearty dish that’s perfect for breakfast! With eggs, crispy bacon, and lots of veggies, it’s a great way to start your day.
It’s like a hug in a dish! I love how you can mix and match your favorite ingredients. Plus, leftovers reheat perfectly for an easy meal later. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: The base of this casserole is the eggs. I recommend using large eggs for the best texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute some eggs with egg whites or a mixed egg substitute.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon or even sautéed mushrooms can be a delicious substitute for a meatless version!
Vegetables: I used onion and bell pepper for sweetness and color. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or kale. Leftover veggies from the fridge can also be a great way to customize this dish.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a nice sharp flavor. If you’re looking for something different, you could use Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese if you need a dairy-free option.
Potatoes: Adding potatoes makes the casserole heartier. If you’re short on time, frozen hash browns work well. You can skip them entirely for a lighter dish.
How Do I Make Sure the Eggs Are Perfectly Set?
Making sure your eggs are set just right is key to this casserole. You don’t want them too runny, but also not overcooked. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix the eggs with milk and seasonings well to ensure an even texture.
- Watch the baking time closely. Start checking around 30 minutes to see if the eggs are just set—a gentle jiggle in the center is okay, as they’ll continue to cook slightly once removed.
- Don’t forget to let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving! This helps everything firm up together and makes slicing easier.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have a flawless Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole every time! Enjoy making it your own!
Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (green or mixed colors)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup diced cooked potatoes or hash browns (if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 to 40 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes of resting time. In total, you can expect around 1 hour of time from start to finish. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy family breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and nice. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Keep some of the tasty bacon drippings in the pan for flavor!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the leftover bacon drippings. Sauté them until they’re softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until everything is blended well and smooth.
5. Layer the Casserole:
If you’re using potatoes or hash browns, spread them evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, layer the sautéed veggies over the potatoes. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked bacon and half of the shredded cheese over the veggies.
6. Add the Egg Mixture:
Now, pour the egg mixture evenly across the entire casserole, making sure all layers are well covered.
7. Nestle the Eggs:
Carefully crack the remaining eggs one by one on top of the casserole, so the yolks stay whole and visible. This adds a lovely presentation!
8. Bake the Casserole:
Sprinkle the rest of the bacon and cheese atop the casserole. Bake uncovered for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and slightly puffed.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped chives and diced tomatoes before slicing it into squares. Serve warm and enjoy the hearty goodness!
This casserole is a wonderful way to enjoy breakfast with family or friends, packed with flavor and nutrients. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Egg Substitutes for This Casserole?
Yes, you can! If you need to avoid eggs, consider using an egg substitute such as a commercial egg replacer or a mix of silken tofu blended until smooth. Adjust quantities according to the instructions on the package for equivalency.
How Can I Customize This Recipe with Different Vegetables?
Feel free to get creative! This casserole is versatile. You can add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just make sure to sauté any firm vegetables before adding them to the casserole so they cook through properly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Absolutely! If you want to make it ahead of time, bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until warmed through.
