Weekend Brunch
A hearty weekend brunch dish featuring crispy bacon, creamy rice, zucchini, and Parmesan, baked to perfection with a hint of paprika—perfect for family and friends gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon on medium heat until crisp; drain and set aside.
- Remove bacon drippings from the pan.
- In the same pan, cook chopped onion in butter on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and pepper.
- Gradually add milk and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, cooked bacon, cooked rice, and sliced zucchini.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle paprika on top.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative to make this dish lighter. You can substitute the Parmesan with cheddar or a dairy-free cheese if desired. Adding spinach or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Ensure to cook the bacon until crisp to avoid a greasy texture in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a hearty weekend brunch. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or fruit to balance the richness. For a special touch, pair it with a glass of Champagne Jelly or a refreshing beverage like iced tea. It can also be a great side to an Omelet Sandwich for a full spread.
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, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps retain crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Weekend Brunch contains roughly 1159 calories, with 33g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (300% of the Daily Value), iron (168% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1147mg per serving (50% 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 remember to bake it fresh before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor. If baking from cold, you may need to extend the baking time slightly.
What can I use instead of rice?
If you don't have rice, quinoa or couscous can be excellent substitutes. These alternatives will still provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish well. You could even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap it tightly in foil and store for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add extra time in the oven. If baked, allow it to cool completely before freezing for best results.
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).