Don't Forget the Bacon Breakfast Casserole

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This easy Bacon Breakfast Casserole is a hearty breakfast strata that combines big chunks of sourdough bread, roasted red peppers, and a cottage cheese egg mixture with melted cheddar cheese and lots of crispy bacon. Don’t forget the bacon!

Do you love bacon recipes? Try these Easy Bacon Cheese Biscuit Bites and these delectable Bacon Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches too!

Why We Love This Bacon Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Make-Ahead: The overnight egg casserole recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Ideal for holiday mornings: I love serving it on Christmas morning but also on Christmas Eve.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite ingredients.
Hearty & Filling: Sourdough and bacon make it a satisfying, complete meal.

Ingredients

Sourdough bread (cubed) Stale bread is perfect!
Roasted red peppers (chopped)
Cheddar cheese or Cheddar Jack cheese
Eggs
Cottage cheese – I use 4% milkfat, but you could use 2% to skinny it up a bit.
Milk – I typically use whole milk in recipes, but you could use 2% or skim.
Chili powder
Cumin
Black pepper
Bacon (pre-cook bacon and chop)

Step-by-Step Recipe Directions

Step 1: Spray an 11 x 9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place sourdough bread cubes into the prepared dish and add the roasted red peppers in a single layer.

bread cubes and red peppers in casserole dish.

Step 2: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 3: In a food processor, process the cottage cheese until smooth. Briefly blend in the eggs, milk and seasonings. (Don’t worry if there are a few cottage cheese lumps left. You won’t even notice them in the final dish.)

Step 3: Pour the cottage cheese egg mixture over the ingredients in the casserole dish. If any bread cubes are peeking out, gently press them into the egg mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 4: Don’t forget the bacon! The next morning, preheat the oven, and before baking, spread the crumbled bacon over the top of the overnight breakfast casserole.

bacon sprinkled on top of chilled casserole.

Step 5: Bake the breakfast casserole with bacon for about 45 minutes. Let sit for a few minutes before slicing to give it a chance to settle. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.

Helpful Tips and Variations

This easy egg casserole can be baked in an 11×9-inch casserole dish or divided evenly between two 8-inch square baking dishes. If you use two casseroles, the egg bake won’t be as thick, but it will be just as delicious.
Looking for a lighter version? Consider using turkey bacon or opting for low-fat cheese and milk. These alternatives can make the dish a bit more of a healthy breakfast casserole without compromising flavor.
Instead of cheddar cheese (or in addition to it), try mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack.
Add some crumbled breakfast sausage to the bacon, egg & cheese combo for meat lovers.
It’s an easy breakfast casserole recipe to customize. Consider adding diced onions, spinach, green bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. Get creative! Or make the bacon version this time and change it up next time!
While sourdough (or whole wheat sourdough) is my favorite bread to use in this easy recipe, I have a Wildgrain Box subscription, where I receive several artisan bread loaves each month, so I switch things up sometimes!

FAQ

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough adds a unique flavor, feel free to experiment with other artisan bread types. Just ensure they absorb the egg mixture well for the best results.

Is It possible to prepare the casserole without overnight refrigeration?

Overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in a richer and more flavorful breakfast casserole. However, a minimum of 4-5 hours is acceptable for those with less time.