Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 454 gbacon, sliced
• 1 smallonion, diced
• 6eggs, beaten
• 450 g (4 cups)shredded hash browns, frozen (thaw if clumped together)
• 340 g (3 cups)cheddar cheese, grated
• 360 g (1½ cups)cottage cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Fry bacon and onion

   In a large frying pan, cook the bacon and onion until crisp. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

2. 2

   Mix ingredients

   Add the frozen potatoes, cheddar and beaten eggs to the bowl, then mix together.

3. 3

   Fill the dish

   Spread the mixture into a 33 × 23 cm (13 × 9-inch) baking dish.

4. 4

   Bake the casserole

   Cover the dish and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, keep it stored until you are ready to bake, following the make-ahead options provided with the original recipe.

What is breakfast casserole?

Breakfast casserole is an American-style baked dish that brings familiar breakfast ingredients together in one pan. The combination of potatoes, eggs, bacon and cheese makes it suitable for serving at brunch or preparing for a group.

This version layers no separate components: the ingredients are mixed before baking. Hash browns make a substantial base, while cottage cheese joins the cheddar and eggs in the mixture.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 313 calories, 15g protein, 12g carbs, 23g fat.

The hash browns provide most of the carbohydrates, while the bacon and cheeses contribute much of the fat; eggs, bacon and dairy all supply protein. Pair a serving with fruit or vegetables for a more balanced plate.

The role of each ingredient

Hash browns: Frozen shredded potatoes keep preparation simple. If they have clumped together, thaw them enough to separate before mixing.

Cheeses: Grated cheddar brings a pronounced cheesy flavour, while cottage cheese adds another dairy element to the egg mixture.

Bacon and onion: Frying them together first gives the onion time in the pan and cooks the bacon before it goes into the casserole.

Frying before baking

Bacon and onion: Cook them until the bacon is crisp, as directed, then transfer both to the mixing bowl. This is the only part of the method that uses the frying pan.

Mixing: Add the potatoes, cheddar and beaten eggs to the bowl and combine them. Take care to distribute the bacon and onion through the mixture rather than leaving them in one patch.

Getting the bake right

Covered baking: Keep the dish covered for the specified 1 hour and 30 minutes at 190°C (375°F). The recipe does not give a separate uncovered finishing stage.

Doneness: The provided method does not specify a visual cue or internal temperature. If you need to check that the centre is cooked, use a food thermometer and follow local food-safety guidance.

Planning the timing

Baking: Allow 1 hour and 30 minutes in the oven, as well as time to fry the bacon and onion, mix the ingredients and heat the oven. The stated total time is 90 minutes, though the method does not break out preparation time separately.

Make ahead: The recipe description mentions preparing the casserole ahead or freezing it, but the supplied method does not include those storage or baking instructions. Use the original publisher’s make-ahead notes if you plan to do that.

What to serve alongside

Fresh fruit: A bowl of sliced fruit makes a bright, simple contrast to the savoury casserole.

Vegetables: Serve with a green salad or lightly dressed tomatoes if you want something fresh alongside the rich, cheesy bake. For a larger brunch, add toast or another breakfast side.

Recipe notes & tips

• Thaw the hash browns if they are stuck together so they mix more evenly.
• Beat the eggs before adding them, as directed.
• Use a large mixing bowl to make room for all the ingredients.
• Grate the cheddar before you begin mixing.
• Keep the baking dish covered throughout the stated baking time.

Variations

• Add pepper: Mix black pepper into the ingredients before baking.
• Use another cheese: Swap the cheddar for a similarly sized amount of grated cheese you enjoy.
• Add herbs: Stir chopped chives into the mixture for a fresh savoury note.
• Include peppers: Dice and fry a small pepper with the onion and bacon.
• Serve with greens: Add a green salad on the side for freshness.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Clumped hash browns: Thaw them enough to separate before mixing.
• Skipping the frying step: Cook the bacon and onion in the pan before adding them to the bowl.
• Uneven mixing: Stir thoroughly so the potatoes, cheese and egg are distributed throughout.
• Uncovered baking: Cover the dish as the recipe directs for the full baking time.
• Guessing the centre is done: Check it with a food thermometer if you are unsure, using local food-safety guidance.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat portions until steaming hot throughout. The recipe description also mentions freezing ahead, but gives no specific freezing or thawing instructions.

Frequently asked questions