This Bacon Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole is a perfect way to start the day with a mix of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fluffy eggs all baked together. It’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with amazing smells and makes mornings feel extra special. The crispy bacon bits add just the right amount of saltiness and crunch that pairs so nicely with soft potatoes and creamy eggs.
I love making this casserole for a lazy weekend brunch or when I have guests coming over. It’s super easy to prepare ahead of time and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. One thing I always do is make sure the potatoes are cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook perfectly and mix well with the eggs. It’s a simple trick that makes every bite just right.
Serving this casserole warm, straight from the oven with a side of fresh fruit or toast is how I like it best. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together at the breakfast table, and I’ve found it’s a total crowd-pleaser no matter who’s sitting down. Every time I make it, someone asks for the recipe, so I’m guessing you’ll love it just as much as we do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bacon
- Bacon gives this casserole its smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture. If you want a lighter option, try turkey bacon or even diced ham. For a vegetarian twist, use smoked mushrooms or plant-based bacon.
- Potatoes
- Thinly sliced potatoes cook evenly while staying tender. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well, but russets are great if you want a fluffier texture. Pre-cooking helps avoid underdone potatoes.
- Eggs
- Eggs bind everything together and create that fluffy, rich base. You can use large eggs, or if you want to cut calories, swap half of the eggs for egg whites.
- Cheese
- Cheddar adds a nice sharpness and melts beautifully. Feel free to use Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for extra flavor layers.
- Green Onions
- These add a fresh, mild oniony crunch that lifts the whole dish. If you don’t have green onions, regular onions or chives are good alternatives.
How Do I Cook Potatoes So They’re Tender but Not Mushy?
The key is to par-cook your potatoes before baking. Here’s how I do it:
- Thinly slice them for quick, even cooking.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat with a little bacon fat or oil.
- Stir often for about 10 minutes until they start to soften but hold their shape.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper to bring out flavor early.
This way, your potatoes won’t be raw in the casserole, and they won’t turn mushy either. It also helps the dish bake evenly and finish at the same time as the eggs.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing.
- Large skillet – for frying bacon and cooking potatoes before baking.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings smoothly.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs and milk without lumps.
- Knife and cutting board – to slice potatoes and chop green onions cleanly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring potatoes in the skillet without scratching.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for diced ham or sausage for a different meaty flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies and color.
- Try pepper jack or Swiss cheese in place of cheddar for a new twist.
- Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the taste.
Bacon Potato Egg Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including cooking the bacon and potatoes. Then, you’ll bake it for 35 to 40 minutes until it is golden and fully set. Plan for about an hour total from start to finish, including a few minutes to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Cook Bacon and Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces. Pour off all but a little bacon fat from the skillet. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to soften but are not fully cooked. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix Eggs and Other Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and most of the crumbled bacon (saving some bacon for topping).
3. Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Spread the partially cooked potatoes evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces and extra cheddar cheese on top for a crispy finish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
4. Cool and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped green onions before slicing and serving. Enjoy your warm, hearty breakfast casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen diced or shredded potatoes to save time. Just thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole gently in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be chilled.
What Are Good Substitutions for Bacon?
You can substitute cooked sausage, ham, or turkey bacon if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try smoked mushrooms or a plant-based bacon alternative to maintain that smoky flavor.