Ah, the smell of bacon sizzling in the morning—does anything compare? Imagine waking up to the irresistible allure of cheese, spinach, and that smoky bacon aroma all mingling together in a breakfast casserole that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. It’s one of those dishes that makes you grateful for the little things, like the way the cheese gets all bubbly and golden on top.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9” x 13” casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Discard all but two tablespoons of the bacon grease from the skillet, then add the shallots. Sauté the shallots for about two minutes until they become fragrant and brown around the edges. Stir in half of the spinach, allowing it to mix with the shallots, then add the remaining spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs. Reserve one cup of cheese, then mix the remaining cheese with the eggs. Add the milk, salt, pepper, cooked spinach mixture, and bacon to the eggs and combine thoroughly.
- Pour the egg mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved cheese on top. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes.
- Move the oven rack to a higher position, switch to broil, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the top is browned. Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before cutting it into eight pieces and serving.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced shallots
- 1 package (about 6 ounces) baby spinach
- 12 whole eggs
- 2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese, divided
- 1 cup of nonfat or 2% milk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2208 kcal | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Protein: 176 g | Fat: 152 g | Saturated Fat: 68 g | Cholesterol: 2504 mg | Sodium: 4216 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 24 g
FAQ
- Can I substitute Gruyère cheese in the casserole?
- Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with other cheeses like Swiss or Fontina if you prefer.
- What is the best way to prepare this casserole in advance?
- You can prepare the filling the day before and bake it just before serving. This makes it ideal for meal prepping or serving at gatherings.
- How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through.
- What dishes pair well with this breakfast casserole?
- To create a complete meal, consider serving it with a green salad or fruit salad. For a holiday brunch, you might include options like a bagel bar or sweet treats such as baked oatmeal or overnight French toast.
- Can I adjust the recipe to be lower in calories?
- To make the recipe lighter, you can replace some of the whole eggs with egg whites and use nonfat or 2% milk instead of whole milk.
Tips
- When preparing the bacon, be sure to remove and discard most of the grease, leaving only about two tablespoons in the pan. This will enhance the flavor of the shallots and spinach while keeping the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Consider preparing the casserole filling the night before if you want to save time in the morning. This allows you to simply bake it before you’re ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
- For a lighter version of this casserole, substitute some of the whole eggs with egg whites and use a lower-fat milk option. This will reduce the calorie content while maintaining the dish’s delicious taste.
- To ensure the casserole has a nice golden brown top, move the oven rack closer to the broiler toward the end of the baking time and watch closely to prevent burning.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Slotted Spoon
- 9” x 13” Casserole Dish
- Whisk
