Bacon Brunch
A hearty brunch casserole combining crispy bacon, rice, zucchini, olives, and a cheesy sauce, perfect for a comforting morning meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry or microwave bacon until crisp and break into small pieces.
- In a large pan, sauté onions in margarine.
- Blend in flour and pepper, then gradually add milk.
- Cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, bacon, cooked rice, zucchini, and olives.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle paprika on top.
- Bake, covered, at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using turkey bacon for a leaner option or adding bell peppers for extra flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano can work. Make sure to drain the olives well to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Also, feel free to use leftover cooked grains instead of rice.
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon Brunch dish is perfect for a cozy family breakfast or brunch. Serve it alongside a fresh salad like Simply Salad for a balanced meal. For a complete experience, pair it with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait. It also makes a hearty side for any American recipes you might be preparing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Brunch contains roughly 1672 calories, with 20g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1926mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble everything in the baking dish and cover until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld and can save you time in the morning.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini, you can substitute with other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Each will provide a different flavor profile and texture, making the dish versatile and customizable.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or sautéed mushrooms for a similar savory flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a lighter base, and ensure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).