Small Batch Breakfast Casserole

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

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A recipe that combines the comforting flavours of bacon, eggs, and pan-fried/skillet potatoes, all in one hearty dish. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a cozy weekend breakfast, or looking for a portable meal to grab on the go, this recipe has you covered. Serve it on its own or pair it with toast or my American biscuits, this bacon egg casserole is a true crowd-pleaser.

Why this recipe is amazing

Bursting with flavours from crispy bacon, grated potato, and tomato and cheese.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings. A casserole to go, whenever you need.
A versatile recipe that allows for customization with additional ingredients like vegetables or herbs.
A yummy standalone dish or even better paired with toast or English muffins.
Small batch = 2 serves but adaptable to make larger portions to feed a large group!

Knife slicing breakfast casserole on grey plate

What ingredients are needed

Eggs: Eggs serve as the base of the casserole, providing structure and binding the other ingredients together. They create a fluffy and creamy texture when baked.
Bacon: It provides savoury richness and a crispy texture, enhancing the overall taste. Swap for ham, chopped chicken, tofu or more veggies if necessary.
Potato: The grated potato adds substance and texture to the casserole. It softens during cooking and adds a mild earthy flavour, making the dish more filling. Make the egg casserole with hash browns or potato gems/tater tots too for quicker prep.
Red Onion: The diced red onion contributes a sweet and slightly tangy taste to the casserole. It also adds a pleasant crunch. Use regular brown/yellow onion or spring onion/scallion too.
Tomato: Diced tomatoes add a pop of freshness and juiciness to the casserole. They bring a tangy and slightly sweet flavour, balancing the richness of other ingredients.

Ingredients for breakfast casserole in small individual bowls.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish. It provides a distinct aromatic quality and adds depth to the savoury elements.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the eggs, resulting in a softer and more velvety texture.
Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall taste of the casserole, bringing out the flavours of the other ingredients. They add a necessary balance and depth to the dish. Try more seasonings in addition too.
Cheese: The grated cheddar cheese adds a rich and creamy flavour to the casserole. It also provides a gooey and melty texture when baked, making the dish more indulgent. Try other types of cheese, maybe a combo!
Parsley: Herbs add a fresh and herbaceous element to the casserole. Parsley brings a burst of vibrant green colour and complements the other flavours. You can try chives, basil and more!

Breakfast casserole on grey plate with coffee cup in background.

How to make Breakfast Casserole

Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
In a 20cm/8 inch oven-safe frying pan, cook bacon and potato over medium heat until lightly crispy and the potato softens.
Add the red onion, sautéing for about 5 minutes before adding garlic and cooking for another 2 minutes. Don’t burn the garlic.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients except for the cheese until well combined.
Stir the cheese into the vegetables before pouring over the egg mixture. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted with a slightly golden surface.
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before inverting it on a plate.
Slice the breakfast casserole into wedges and serve while warm.

Setting you up for success – Tips & Tricks

Choose your frying pan: Small pan = thicker slices & longer cooking. Larger pan = thinner + less cooking time.
Precook the bacon: Precooking the bacon until it’s lightly crispy will ensure that it’s cooked through and adds more delicious flavour to the casserole.
Grate the potato: Grating the potato instead of slicing or dicing it allows for faster and more even cooking. It also helps the potato blend well with the other ingredients. Frying it also gives it a slightly crispy texture.
Save time, use frozen has browns: Make the breakfast casseroles with hash browns or potato gems/ tater tots! Simply defrost by frying or baking before adding to the casserole. Easy!
Sauté the vegetables properly: When sautéing the red onion and garlic, make sure to cook them until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Customize with additional ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or capsicum/bell peppers to personalize the casserole to your taste preferences.
Use an oven-safe frying pan: Ensure that the pan you use is oven-safe, so you can easily transfer it from the stovetop to the oven without any issues.
Stir in the cheese: Mixing the grated cheese into the vegetable mixture before pouring the egg mixture helps distribute the cheese evenly, resulting in a cheesy and flavourful casserole.
Bake until set: Keep an eye on the casserole while baking. It should be cooked until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted with a slightly golden surface.
Let it cool slightly before slicing: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing helps it retain its shape and makes it easier to handle.

hand holding breakfast casserole slice showing inside texture

Frequently Asked Questions

When I made this dish on our live cooking show, some community members asked:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover portions of the casserole. Wrap them tightly in cling wrap or place them in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or parmesan etc.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables such as capsicum/bell peppers, corn, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them beforehand to soften and remove excess moisture.

Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can dairy free breakfast casserole with oat, almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk or heavy cream. It may slightly alter the taste and texture, but it should still work well.

Can I make this recipe in a different pan?

If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, you can transfer the cooked ingredients to a greased baking dish before pouring the egg mixture over them. Adjust the baking time if needed.

Can I serve this casserole with a sauce or condiment?

While the casserole is flavourful on its own, you can serve it with a side of hot sauce, salsa, or sour cream to add an extra kick or creaminess, if desired.

Can I make breakfast casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is possible to adapt this breakfast casserole skillet recipe to be made in a slow cooker. You’ll need to increase the portion by at least double to ensure even cooking. I have a specific recipe for slow cooker breakfast casserole in my cookbook All In Together: Slow & Pressure.

Close up of two slices breakfast casserole stacked on grey plate

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