Description
Hearty Amish breakfast casserole brings layers of savory bacon, eggs, and cheese together in a comforting morning dish. German-inspired ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that nourishes and delights you.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs, beaten
Dairy:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) cottage cheese
Vegetables and Starches:
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chopped onion (optional)
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Whisk eggs in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate hash browns, creating a hearty base for the casserole.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Add cottage cheese to enhance creaminess and texture of the dish.
- Crumble crispy bacon and sprinkle evenly, distributing protein throughout the casserole.
- Dice fresh onions and gently mix into the assembled ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading carefully to create an even layer.
- Position in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface turns golden brown.
- Verify doneness by checking that the center is set and no longer runny.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps the casserole stabilize.
- Slice into generous portions and serve while still warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make this dish vegetarian by swapping bacon with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based bacon alternatives for protein and smoky flavor.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium cheese and bacon, and cutting back on added salt.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline morning cooking and save precious minutes during busy weekdays.
- Customize the casserole with seasonal vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg