Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole: A Luxurious Start to Your Day

Looking for a breakfast that’s both elegant and satisfying? This Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and ideal for brunch gatherings or a special weekend treat. The combination of creamy eggs, savory smoked salmon, and fluffy bread creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

## Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole

* **Flavorful:** The smoky richness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy egg custard and herbs.
* **Easy to Prepare:** This casserole requires minimal prep time and can be assembled ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings.
* **Impressive Presentation:** It’s a showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests.
* **Versatile:** Customize the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bread:** 6-8 slices of your favorite bread (such as sourdough, challah, or brioche), cut into 1-inch cubes. Stale bread works best.
* **Smoked Salmon:** 8 ounces, flaked or cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Eggs:** 8 large eggs.
* **Milk:** 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer flavor).
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened and cubed.
* **Fresh Dill:** 2 tablespoons, chopped.
* **Fresh Chives:** 2 tablespoons, chopped.
* **Shallot:** 1 medium, finely diced.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, melted (for greasing the dish and sautéing the shallots).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional:** Capers, red onion (thinly sliced), everything bagel seasoning, Gruyere cheese (shredded).

## Equipment Needed

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Skillet
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. **Cube the Bread:** Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, you can lightly toast it in a low oven (250°F) for about 15-20 minutes to dry it out slightly. This will prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.

### Step 2: Sauté the Shallots

1. **Melt Butter:** Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. **Sauté Shallots:** Add the diced shallots to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This will mellow out the shallot’s flavor and add a subtle sweetness to the casserole. Set aside to cool slightly.

### Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. **Grease the Baking Dish:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
2. **Layer Bread and Salmon:** Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Scatter the flaked or chopped smoked salmon over the bread. Distribute the sautéed shallots evenly over the salmon.
3. **Add Cream Cheese:** Dot the cream cheese cubes evenly over the bread, salmon, and shallots.
4. **Optional Additions:** If you’re using capers or thinly sliced red onion, sprinkle them over the casserole at this stage.

### Step 4: Prepare the Egg Custard

1. **Whisk Eggs and Milk:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), lemon juice, chopped dill, and chopped chives.
2. **Season:** Season the egg mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content of the smoked salmon; you may need less salt than you think.

### Step 5: Pour and Soak

1. **Pour Custard:** Pour the egg custard evenly over the bread, salmon, and cream cheese in the baking dish. Make sure the bread is well saturated.
2. **Gently Press:** Use a spatula or spoon to gently press down on the bread to ensure that it is fully submerged in the egg mixture. This will help the casserole bind together properly.
3. **Soak (Optional):** For best results, cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful casserole. If you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking step, but the texture may be slightly different.

### Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. **Bake Covered:** Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from browning too quickly.
2. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
3. **Uncover and Bake:** Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the egg custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.

### Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. **Rest:** Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the egg custard to set completely and makes it easier to slice.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh dill or chives, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, or a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche, if desired.
3. **Serve:** Slice the casserole into squares and serve warm. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Bread Choice:** Use your favorite bread for this casserole. Sourdough, challah, brioche, or even croissants work well. Stale bread is ideal as it absorbs the egg custard better.
* **Smoked Salmon:** You can use different types of smoked salmon, such as lox or Nova Scotia salmon. Hot-smoked salmon will also add a different but delicious flavor profile. Adjust the amount of salmon to your liking.
* **Cheese:** Gruyere cheese, cheddar cheese, or Parmesan cheese are all great additions. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melted, cheesy topping.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms, to the casserole. Sauté them before adding them to the dish to ensure they are cooked through.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little bit of heat.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use almond milk or another plant-based milk alternative to make this casserole dairy-free. You can also substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as tarragon or parsley, to customize the flavor.
* **Eggs:** For a richer casserole, use more egg yolks and fewer egg whites. Conversely, for a lighter casserole, use more egg whites and fewer yolks.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the egg mixture for a brighter flavor.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Add Capers and Red Onion:** These add a briny and sharp contrast to the richness of the salmon and eggs.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle some on top before baking for added flavor and texture.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if the casserole is very cold.

## Serving Suggestions

This Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients)
* Protein: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

## Conclusion

This Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its combination of smoky salmon, creamy eggs, and fluffy bread makes it a truly unforgettable breakfast or brunch dish. With its easy preparation and make-ahead convenience, it’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a luxurious start to your day! This recipe is easy to adapt, so feel free to experiment and add your own favorite ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a brunch party or simply treating yourself, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite.

Enjoy the deliciousness! Remember to adjust the ingredients based on your preference and dietary needs. Breakfast should be a delightful experience. And with this elegant casserole, you’re sure to impress your family and friends. Make it your own, and create lasting memories around the breakfast table.

Don’t be afraid to try different variations of this recipe. It’s a wonderful base to experiment with your favorite flavors. Happy cooking, and happy breakfast!

This is truly a great recipe because:

* It uses readily available ingredients.
* The steps are simple and easy to follow.
* It’s extremely versatile.
* It tastes absolutely amazing!
* It’s perfect for special occasions and weekend breakfasts alike.

The key to a perfect casserole is the quality of your ingredients. Use the freshest eggs you can find and high-quality smoked salmon. This will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor.

Finally, remember to let the casserole rest before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set properly. It also makes it easier to cut and serve.

So go ahead, give this Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!