Green Chilies Casserole
A savory casserole combining bread, cheeses, bacon, and green chilies, perfect for brunch or family dinners, delivering a flavorful, hearty, and comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cubed bread or 6 slices bread buttered on one side ⓘ
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 pound cooked bacon crumbled ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 2 cups grated Jack cheese ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
- Put bread in a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the bread.
- Sprinkle diced green chilies over the cheese and bacon.
- Add grated Jack cheese on top.
- Beat eggs, milk, pepper, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and dry mustard together and pour over the layered ingredients.
- Refrigerate the casserole overnight.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute bacon with cooked mushrooms or spinach. You can switch out the cheeses for your favorites—try using pepper jack for a spicy kick. Using stale bread can enhance the texture, so don’t hesitate to use day-old loaves.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve with a light green salad drizzled with vinaigrette. It also makes a great centerpiece for a potluck, alongside dishes like Macaroni And Cheese Hamburger Casserole for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Chilies Casserole contains roughly 699 calories, with 24g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), calcium (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1107mg per serving (48% 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 prepare the casserole in advance?
You can prepare it ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese. Aged cheddar or a blend like mozzarella and gouda can add unique flavors. Just ensure the cheese melts well to keep the casserole creamy.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
You'll know it's done when the casserole is puffed and golden brown on top. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let it set properly.
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).