A Mexican-Inspired Breakfast Casserole combines traditional Mexican flavors into a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. This flavorful casserole features a blend of eggs, smoky bacon, colorful bell peppers, fresh cilantro, and three types of cheese, all baked together to create a savory delight.
Ingredients:
For the casserole:
- Cooking spray
- 1 (16-ounce) package bacon
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ medium red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup croutons, or more to taste
- ½ cup shredded pepper Jack cheese, or more to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into smaller pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped red and yellow bell peppers and onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the crumbled bacon evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Distribute the sautéed bell peppers and onions over the bacon.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the vegetables.
- Evenly scatter the croutons over the mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle the shredded pepper Jack cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly browned.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve warm.
Variations and Tips:
- Cheese Options: While pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld and can make morning preparation easier.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by adding diced jalapeños to the vegetable mixture or using a spicier cheese.
This Mexican-Inspired Breakfast Casserole offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for feeding a crowd or enjoying a special breakfast at home. Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
