The Bacon Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fluffy eggs all baked into one delicious breakfast treat. It’s the kind of meal that smells amazing while it’s cooking and looks golden and inviting when it comes out of the oven. The mix of salty bacon with soft potatoes and rich eggs always makes a crowd happy.
I love making this casserole for weekend mornings when there’s time to enjoy a slow breakfast with family or friends. One of my favorite things about it is how easy it is to put together ahead of time — I usually prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven next morning. It feels like a special breakfast, but without any complicated steps, which makes me look like a morning kitchen rockstar!
When I serve this casserole, I like to add a little fresh salsa or a dollop of sour cream on the side to brighten it up and bring some extra flavor. It’s also great with a simple green salad or some fresh fruit to balance out the richness. This dish always brings a cozy, happy start to the day, and I find it’s perfect for sharing around the breakfast table with good conversation and plenty of coffee.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that lifts the whole dish. If you want a lighter option, try turkey bacon or even smoked sausage. For a vegetarian choice, crispy tempeh bacon works nicely.
Potatoes: I use peeled, diced potatoes for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Russet potatoes are perfect because they hold shape but still become tender. You can also try Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor.
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and give the casserole that classic fluffy structure. Feel free to add an extra egg or two for a firmer texture, or substitute some with egg whites for a lighter dish.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds richness. You can swap it for mozzarella for gooey stretchiness, or a sharper cheese like Parmesan for extra punch.
How Can I Make Sure the Potatoes Cook Perfectly in This Casserole?
Cooking the potatoes well is key for a great casserole. Here’s how I do it:
- Cook diced potatoes in bacon fat to add flavor and help them crisp up a bit before baking.
- Stir them regularly while cooking so they brown evenly without burning.
- Make sure potatoes are tender by the time they’re done sautéing; this prevents undercooked bites later.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan so potatoes get enough contact with the heat.
Taking these steps ensures your potatoes stay tender inside with a slight golden edge, giving the casserole great texture without needing extra baking time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Large skillet – great for crisping bacon and sautéing potatoes in one pan.
- Mixing bowl – big enough to whisk eggs and mix all ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs and seasonings without lumps.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – ideal for stirring potatoes and transferring the mix to the dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for cooked sausage or ham for a different meaty flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Try pepper jack cheese to give a mild spicy kick.
- Mix in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to brighten the taste.
Bacon Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian seasoning (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and roughly 30-35 minutes to bake. Overall, plan on around 50-55 minutes from start to finish, including a few minutes to let the casserole rest before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Bacon and Potatoes:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook, stirring now and then, until the potatoes are tender and lightly browned—around 10 to 15 minutes. Then remove from heat and set aside.
3. Mix the Eggs and Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until blended and smooth.
Stir in the cooked potatoes, chopped bacon (reserve some for topping), shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions if you’re using them.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the egg mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the reserved bacon pieces and a little extra cheese on top. Optionally, add dried parsley or Italian seasoning for a lovely color and extra flavor.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the casserole is fully set and the top is golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the casserole out of the oven, let it rest a few minutes, then cut into squares. Serve warm with optional sides like sour cream, salsa, or fresh herbs for an added fresh touch.
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes to save time. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Bacon?
You can swap bacon for cooked sausage, ham, or turkey bacon. For a vegetarian twist, try crispy tempeh bacon or smoked tofu cubes.