Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of bacon and melted smoked cheddar wafting through your home, inviting you to indulge in a breakfast that feels like a warm hug. Our Slow Cooker Bacon Smoked Cheddar and Egg Casserole is not just a meal; it's a delicious experience that transforms your morning routine into a feast. Perfect for busy families or lazy weekends, this easy-to-make casserole requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, serving up to 8 hungry mouths. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to a hearty morning meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 4 cups cubed bread
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting bacon into small pieces, shredding cheddar cheese, dicing bell peppers and onions, and cubing bread into 1-inch chunks.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker as the base layer.
- Sprinkle diced onions and bell peppers over the bread cubes.
- Distribute crispy bacon pieces uniformly across the vegetable layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the bread, vegetables, and bacon in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle shredded smoked cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 4 hours, or until eggs are set and cheese is melted.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center - it should come out clean.
- Let casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set completely.
- Slice and serve warm, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or additional cheese.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time in the morning, you can prepare all your ingredients the night before. Chop the vegetables, cook the bacon, and even layer everything in the slow cooker. Just cover it and refrigerate overnight, then start cooking in the morning!
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the bell peppers and onions for your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or even tomatoes. This casserole is versatile and can be tailored to your taste.
- Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use stale bread or toast fresh bread lightly before cubing. This prevents the casserole from becoming too soggy.
- Check Doneness: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker. Always check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is ready.
- Add More Cheese: If you're a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to sprinkle extra smoked cheddar or even other cheeses like mozzarella or feta on top for a gooey, flavorful finish.
- Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a sprinkle of extra cheese to make your dish look as good as it tastes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 210mg
