Imagine waking up to a mouthwatering breakfast that combines the crispy comfort of French toast with the irresistible allure of bacon and melted cheddar cheese. This Savory Bacon and Cheddar French Toast Bake is not just a meal; it's a morning game-changer that will transform your breakfast routine from mundane to extraordinary. Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special, this dish promises to be the star of your breakfast table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the bread slices into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let the cubes sit out for 15-20 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the egg mixture better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth.
- Layer half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the bread cubes.
- Add the remaining bread cubes as a second layer, then top with the remaining bacon and cheese.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the entire dish, ensuring it covers the bread cubes evenly and seeps into all layers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow bread to absorb the egg mixture.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped fresh chives or parsley for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for the best texture. The drier bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
- Bacon Preparation: For maximum flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it's crispy. Crumble it into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
- Cheese Variation: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or a blend of your favorites for unique flavor profiles.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish the night before and refrigerate, allowing the bread to soak overnight. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
- Customization: Add diced bell peppers, green onions, or even jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition. The recipe is versatile and welcomes creative additions.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 230mg
