Spinach Bacon Egg Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Breakfast or Brunch!

This Spinach Bacon Egg Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and can even be prepared ahead of time. The combination of savory bacon, earthy spinach, rich cheese, and fluffy eggs creates a symphony of flavors that everyone will love. This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Bacon Egg Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is a breeze to prepare, even for novice cooks.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or meats.
* **Perfect for a Crowd:** This casserole serves a generous number of people, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of spinach, bacon, eggs, and cheese is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this savory Spinach Bacon Egg Casserole:

* **Bacon:** 1 pound, cooked and crumbled. Bacon provides a salty, smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. You can use regular or thick-cut bacon, depending on your preference. Turkey bacon can be used as a substitute for a healthier option.
* **Spinach:** 10 ounces, fresh or frozen (thawed and squeezed dry). Spinach adds a healthy dose of nutrients and a mild, earthy flavor to the casserole. Fresh spinach should be washed thoroughly and chopped before using. Frozen spinach should be thawed completely and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy casserole.
* **Eggs:** 10 large. Eggs are the base of the casserole, providing structure and richness. Use large eggs for the best results.
* **Milk:** 1 cup. Milk adds moisture and helps to create a creamy texture in the casserole. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a plant-based milk alternative like almond milk or soy milk.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup. Heavy cream adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups, shredded. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory flavor to the casserole. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference. Other cheese options include Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
* **Monterey Jack Cheese:** 1/2 cup, shredded. The flavor is mild and buttery, which compliments the stronger cheddar.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup, chopped. Onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the casserole. You can use yellow or white onion, depending on your preference. Sautéing the onion before adding it to the casserole will mellow out its flavor and enhance its sweetness.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the casserole. Use fresh garlic for the best results. You can also use garlic powder as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance the overall taste of the casserole.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon. Black pepper adds a subtle spicy kick to the casserole.
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the other flavors in the casserole. It’s not essential, but it can add a nice touch.
* **Bread:** 4 slices, cubed (optional). If you want to turn this recipe into a strata, or add additional texture, use cubed bread.
* **Fresh Chives:** 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish. Chives add a fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color to the finished casserole.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** This is the perfect size for baking the casserole. You can use a glass, ceramic, or metal baking dish.
* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the bacon and sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For combining the eggs, milk, cream, and seasonings.
* **Whisk:** For beating the eggs and combining the wet ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delicious Spinach Bacon Egg Casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Bacon**

* Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Alternatively, bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. This method requires less monitoring and can be less messy.

**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* In the same skillet (with some of the bacon grease reserved, if desired), add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.

**Step 3: Prepare the Spinach**

* If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and chop it into smaller pieces. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture. This is crucial to prevent a soggy casserole. You can do this by placing the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeezing until no more water comes out.

**Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.

**Step 5: Assemble the Casserole**

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
* Spread the cooked onion and garlic mixture evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
* Top with the spinach, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Distribute the ingredients evenly across the dish.
* If using bread, layer the bread over the bottom of the baking dish before the spinach, bacon and cheese.
* Pour the egg mixture over the top of the ingredients, making sure to cover everything evenly. Gently press down on the ingredients to ensure they are submerged in the egg mixture.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife into the center. If the knife comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If the knife comes out with wet egg mixture, continue baking for a few more minutes.

**Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up slightly and makes it easier to cut into slices.
* Garnish with fresh chopped chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some helpful tips and variations to make this Spinach Bacon Egg Casserole your own:

* **Make it Ahead:** Prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, bake it as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if necessary.
* **Add Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic before adding them to the casserole.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Pepper Jack. A combination of cheeses can add depth and complexity to the flavor.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and add extra vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts, for a vegetarian version.
* **Add Sausage:** Substitute some or all of the bacon with cooked and crumbled sausage for a different flavor profile.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little bit of heat.
* **Use Gluten-Free Bread:** If you are gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for the croutons or omit them altogether.
* **Lower the fat:** Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk and substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or more milk. Use turkey bacon.
* **Add a topping:** Top the casserole with crushed crackers or toasted bread crumbs for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Bacon Egg Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the richness of the casserole.
* **Toast or Muffins:** Serve with toasted bread, English muffins, or croissants for a heartier meal.
* **Yogurt Parfaits:** Yogurt parfaits with granola and berries add a healthy and satisfying element to the meal.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the casserole.
* **Breakfast Potatoes:** Serve alongside roasted or fried breakfast potatoes for a classic brunch pairing.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Spinach Bacon Egg Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. To prevent the casserole from drying out, cover it with foil while reheating in the oven.
* **Freeze:** While freezing is not recommended due to changes in texture of the eggs and dairy, if you need to freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

* **Serving Size:** 1 slice
* **Calories:** Approximately 350-400
* **Fat:** 25-30g
* **Saturated Fat:** 15-20g
* **Cholesterol:** 250-300mg
* **Sodium:** 500-600mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 5-10g
* **Fiber:** 1-2g
* **Sugar:** 2-3g
* **Protein:** 20-25g

Conclusion

This Spinach Bacon Egg Casserole is a versatile and delicious recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding a crowd, or simply looking for a satisfying and easy meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its simple ingredients, customizable nature, and make-ahead convenience, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this flavorful and comforting casserole!