Description
This Bacon Egg and Cheese Casserole is a hearty and comforting breakfast dish packed with crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, creamy cheese, and savory potatoes. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it combines the richness of cheddar and cream cheese with a gentle kick from diced green chilies, making it an ideal make-ahead meal that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 1 lb. Bacon (cooked until crispy)
Vegetables
- 2 cups Frozen Potatoes or Hash browns
- 4 ounces Diced Green Chilies (from a can)
Dairy & Eggs
- 12 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk or Cream
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened and cut into small pieces)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Cook the bacon until it is nice and crispy. This can be done in a skillet over medium heat or by baking in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-24 minutes. Once cooked, transfer bacon to a towel-lined plate to blot excess grease, then crumble into small pieces and set aside.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the frozen potatoes or hash browns on the bottom of the pan, creating a base layer.
- Mix eggs and seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs, 1 cup of milk or cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until fully combined and smooth. Stir in the 4 ounces of diced green chilies evenly into the egg mixture.
- Add cream cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into small pieces. Evenly distribute these pieces across the potato layer, allowing them to be nestled into the egg mixture once poured, so they hold some shape instead of completely melting.
- Assemble casserole and add cheese: Pour the egg and chili mixture evenly over the potatoes and cream cheese pieces in the pan. Then, sprinkle the 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake and add bacon: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. When about 5 minutes remain (total baking time about 25-30 minutes), remove the casserole and sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon evenly over the top. Return to the oven to finish baking until the center is completely cooked and set.
- Let set before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest and set for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the casserole hold together when cut.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate; add the bacon before baking.
- Use sharp cheddar for a tangy flavor or substitute with Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
- Green chilies add a slight heat; adjust amount or omit to suit your preference.
- Ensure bacon is fully cooked and crispy for best texture contrast.
- Resting the casserole after baking is essential for clean slices.
