This Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate morning treat! It’s packed with eggs, crispy bacon, crunchy veggies, and gooey cheese, combining all your breakfast favorites in one dish.
What I love is how easy it is to make! Just mix everything in a pan, bake, and enjoy. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you have friends over. Who doesn’t like a breakfast that does all the work for you? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: These are the stars of the dish! For the fluffiest texture, use fresh eggs. If you’re vegan or looking for a substitute, you can try a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for every egg.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamier texture, but you can use any milk you have on hand like almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or any favorite cheese like feta or goat cheese.
Bacon: While I think bacon adds a nice crunch, you can replace it with cooked sausage or even turkey bacon for a leaner option. For a vegetarian dish, omit the meat entirely or use plant-based sausage.
Veggies: The green bell pepper and onion add great flavor, but you can swap them for spinach, mushrooms, or any other veggie you enjoy. Really, the sky’s the limit!
How Do You Ensure a Perfectly Set Casserole?
Getting your casserole just right can be tricky. You want it set but not dry. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure to whisk the eggs and milk thoroughly to incorporate air; this helps with fluffiness.
- Don’t overmix when adding other ingredients; gentle folding is key.
- Bake until the center is firm—use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean.
- Let it rest before cutting. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice.
Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and then needs 35-40 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’re looking at approximately 50-55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a family breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and rise perfectly. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure it’s combined well; you want everything to be nice and fluffy! A whisk or fork works just fine for this job.
3. Add the Good Stuff:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, diced green bell pepper, and diced onion to the egg mixture. Be gentle when you mix to keep the air in—this will help your casserole puff up nicely during baking.
4. Pour and Spread:
Pour the egg mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. Make sure it’s level as much as possible to ensure even cooking.
5. Bake Until Set:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is firm and the top is lightly golden. To double-check, you can insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
6. Cool and Serve:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier. If you’d like, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch before serving warm.
This hearty casserole features a savory blend of eggs, cheese, crisp bacon, and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch centerpiece. Enjoy!
Can I Use Egg Whites Instead of Whole Eggs?
Yes, you can substitute egg whites for whole eggs! Use about 1/4 cup of egg whites per egg. This will reduce the fat and calorie content, making a lighter casserole, but keep in mind it may not be as rich in flavor.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it in the morning. Just remember to adjust the baking time, as it might take a bit longer if it’s starting cold from the fridge!
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, warm them gently in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help keep it moist!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes. Just make sure to chop them small and sauté any that have a high moisture content, like mushrooms or zucchini, before adding them to avoid a soggy casserole.
