The Art of Ultimate Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bake Perfection

Perfect Bacon Cooking Mastery

Master the technique of cooking bacon to ideal crispiness while preserving rendered fat for vegetables.

Egg Mixture Excellence

Learn the skill of creating smooth, well-seasoned egg base that bakes to fluffy perfection.

Layering Strategy Perfection

Perfect the method of building layers for optimal texture and flavor distribution throughout.

Cheese Melting Technique

Master the art of cheese placement and selection for perfect melting and golden browning.

Baking Timing Excellence

Learn optimal temperature and timing techniques for perfectly set center and golden top.

Perfect Breakfast Bake Mastery Secrets for Ultimate Bacon Egg Cheese Combination

Bacon Preparation: Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt - it will continue cooking in the oven.

Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs thoroughly with dairy for fluffy, creamy texture throughout the bake.

Hash Brown Success: Squeeze excess moisture from thawed hash browns for crispier bottom layer.

Cheese Selection: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and avoid pre-shredded when possible.

Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble completely the night before for stress-free morning baking.

Doneness Test: Center should be set but still slightly jiggly when you remove from oven.

Ultimate Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bake with Golden Hash Browns and Fresh Herbs

Name: Ultimate Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bake with Golden Hash Browns and Fresh Herbs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Bacon Foundation:; 12 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; For the Egg Mixture:; 12 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Cheese Blend:; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 4 oz cream cheese, cubed; For the Hash Brown Layer:; 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; For the Vegetable Mix:; 1 large onion, diced; 2 bell peppers, diced; 3 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; For the Herb Blend:; 3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

The perfect make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and golden hash browns baked to perfection. This hearty comfort food masterpiece combines the classic breakfast trio of bacon, eggs, and cheese with tender potatoes and aromatic herbs, creating an unforgettable brunch experience that feeds a crowd. Enhanced with caramelized onions, fresh chives, and a perfect blend of cheeses, this gourmet breakfast bake delivers restaurant-quality flavor while being perfect for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or any time you want to serve a satisfying meal that brings everyone together.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Total Time

65 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Bacon Foundation:

12 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Egg Mixture:

12 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Cheese Blend:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

4 oz cream cheese, cubed

For the Hash Brown Layer:

4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Vegetable Mix:

1 large onion, diced

2 bell peppers, diced

3 green onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Herb Blend:

3 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Bread Component:

6 slices day-old bread, cubed

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Topping Elements:

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Fresh chives for garnish

For the Equipment Needs:

9x13 inch baking dish

Large skillet

Mixing bowls

Whisk

For the Make-Ahead Option:

Aluminum foil

Plastic wrap

Refrigerator space

Overnight chilling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease 9x13 inch baking dish.

Cook chopped bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crispy.

Remove bacon with slotted spoon, leaving 2 tablespoons fat in pan.

Sauté diced onions and bell peppers in bacon fat until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Remove vegetables from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, and seasonings.

Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to egg mixture.

Stir in cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs thoroughly.

Toss thawed hash browns with melted butter, salt, and onion powder.

Layer seasoned hash browns evenly in bottom of prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle half of the cheese blend over the hash brown layer.

Add cubed bread pieces over cheese for additional texture and substance.

Pour egg mixture evenly over all layers in the baking dish.

Distribute remaining cheese blend and cream cheese cubes on top.

Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan for topping.

Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over entire casserole for golden crust.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes covered.

Remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes until eggs are set.

Check doneness by inserting knife in center - should come out clean.

Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set properly.

Garnish with fresh chives and additional black pepper if desired.

Cut into squares and serve hot with fresh fruit or toast.

For make-ahead, assemble night before and refrigerate, add 10 minutes baking time.

Leftover portions reheat well in microwave or low oven for later meals.

Ultimate Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bake with Golden Hash Browns and Fresh Herbs

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bake Perfection

Ultimate Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bake with Golden Hash Browns and Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

Instructions