If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying start to your day, this Savory Potato Breakfast Casserole is just the ticket. Packed with crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, it's the perfect comfort food that's easy to whip up for any occasion.
Russet potatoes serve as the hearty base, offering a filling and starchy component that crisps up nicely. Bacon introduces a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the potatoes. The sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy layer of flavor, melting into the dish to bring everything together. Green onions provide a hint of freshness and mild zing, balancing the richness of the cheese and bacon. The eggs create a custard-like binding that holds the casserole together while adding protein. Whole milk ensures the eggs are creamy and smooth. Salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika season the dish, enhancing the natural flavors. Unsalted butter is used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a fresh, herbal note as a garnish.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast. A side of sautéed spinach or a simple mixed green salad can also complement the richness of the casserole. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of toast or English muffins.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. This gets the oven ready while you prepare everything else. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with softened butter. It’s like giving the dish a non-stick coating, which makes serving and cleanup a breeze.
Next, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it's crispy. Once it's done, remove it from the skillet and crumble it up. Set it aside for later. Using the same skillet, add in the diced potatoes. Let them cook until they're lightly browned, which should take about 10 minutes. You want them to have a bit of a crispy edge. Transfer these potatoes to the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This mixture will be poured over the casserole to hold everything together and add flavor. Make sure everything is well combined.
Now, take the crumbled bacon and evenly distribute it over the potatoes in the baking dish. Follow this with a generous layer of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. These layers of goodness will melt and mingle as they bake.
Pour the egg mixture over the top of the layered ingredients in the dish. This will seep down and fill in the gaps, creating a cohesive casserole. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top is a lovely golden brown.
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This short resting time helps everything firm up a bit, making it easier to serve. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Share