Amish Breakfast Casserole: A Comforting and Flavorful Dish
This Amish Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that brings together the warmth of home-cooked ingredients. Perfect for feeding a crowd at breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
For this comforting breakfast casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
1 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups of milk
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of dried mustard
6 cups of cubed bread (French or Italian bread works well)
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes crisp.
Once cooked, remove the bacon and crumble it into small pieces. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. This adds a savory depth of flavor to the casserole.
Next, layer the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it creates a nice base for the casserole.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sautéed onions and bell peppers over the bread cubes. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top to add that creamy, melty goodness.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and dried mustard until well combined.
Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, bacon, and vegetables in the baking dish. Make sure the bread is soaked with the egg mixture for optimal texture and flavor.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
You can check if it’s done by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center – it should come out clean when fully cooked.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting breakfast that will leave everyone satisfied.
Variations
There are many ways to customize the Amish Breakfast Casserole to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon or swapping out some of the eggs for egg whites.
If you prefer a bit more heat, you could add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
For those who enjoy different types of cheese, swapping the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack can bring a new layer of flavor.
You could also experiment with a combination of cheeses for a richer taste. If you’re a fan of sausage, ground breakfast sausage could replace the bacon for a different protein choice.
Incorporating fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or thyme into the egg mixture will add an extra burst of freshness.
For a more indulgent dish, adding a layer of cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms can enhance the flavor while adding more nutrients.
If you prefer a more decadent version, a drizzle of hollandaise sauce over the finished casserole can make it feel even more special. You can also include a dash of hot sauce or barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
For those who like a more balanced dish, consider adding some vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or even diced tomatoes into the casserole for added texture and nutrition.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you could omit the bacon and replace it with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Finally, if you enjoy a sweeter breakfast, try adding diced apples or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the casserole.
This can be especially delightful during the colder months when warm flavors are most comforting.
Tips
To ensure your Amish Breakfast Casserole turns out perfectly every time, it’s important to use stale bread.
Fresh bread can become too soggy, so letting your bread sit out for a few hours or using day-old bread will result in a better texture.
If you want to prepare the casserole in advance, this dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight.
This allows the flavors to meld together, and you can simply pop it in the oven the next morning for an effortless breakfast.
For a crispier top, try broiling the casserole for the last 3-5 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. The high heat will help to create a beautifully browned, crunchy top layer.
If you’re making this casserole for a crowd and want to serve it buffet-style, consider offering a variety of toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce to give everyone the option to personalize their dish.
This casserole can also be made in smaller, individual portions if you want to serve it at a brunch or holiday gathering.
Simply divide the ingredients into smaller baking dishes and adjust the baking time accordingly.
To prevent the casserole from being too greasy, ensure that you drain the bacon well after cooking.
You can also blot the crumbled bacon with paper towels to remove excess fat before adding it to the casserole.
Finally, consider using a variety of bread types for added flavor and texture. Rye, whole wheat, or sourdough bread can offer a unique twist on the traditional French or Italian bread.