Egg Casserole(Brunch)
A hearty egg casserole layered with bacon, cheese, and herbs, perfect for brunch gatherings, offering savory flavors and a comforting, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Hard-cook eggs; peel, slice and set aside.
- Fry bacon until crisp.
- Drain, crumble and set aside.
- Melt margarine in a saucepan; add flour, milk, and half and half to make a cream sauce.
- Add basil, thyme, marjoram, and shredded cheese to the sauce.
- Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Grease a 9 x 6-inch baking dish.
- Layer half the sliced eggs, half the bacon, and half the cheese mixture in the dish.
- Repeat with the remaining eggs, bacon, and cheese.
- Melt remaining margarine and add bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Let set for 8 hours or overnight.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until browned on top, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or a different cheese like Gruyère. Make sure to let the casserole set overnight for the best flavor absorption. Using fresh herbs can elevate the dish, but dried herbs work well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the egg casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete brunch. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be complemented with a refreshing mimosa or coffee. Consider serving with toast or muffins for added variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it's wrapped tightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg Casserole(Brunch) contains roughly 1054 calories, with 28g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 973mg per serving (42% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for a delicious, hassle-free brunch.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you prefer a healthier option or need a vegetarian version, you can substitute bacon with cooked turkey bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a savory flavor. Alternatively, consider adding crumbled sausage or diced ham for a different meat option.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If you find the top browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning while the center cooks through.
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).