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Cozy Maple Bacon Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

maple bacon cheddar breakfast casserole - featured image
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A warm and flavorful breakfast casserole combining sweet maple syrup, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese for a perfect morning meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200g)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • About 6 cups French bread, cubed (day-old or slightly stale)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 medium onion, diced and sautéed (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Add diced onions to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Cube about 6 cups of French bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. If bread is very fresh, toast cubes lightly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons melted butter, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the bread cubes, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, pressing down gently to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid.
  7. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  9. Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Letting the casserole rest before baking allows the bread to soak the custard fully for a creamy interior. Use room temperature eggs and milk for even cooking. Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded. For a dairy-free version, substitute cheddar with vegan cheese and milk with almond or coconut milk. Thick-cut bacon is preferred for texture and flavor. You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bacon cheddar casserole, breakfast casserole, easy breakfast recipe, brunch recipe, savory breakfast, maple syrup breakfast

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/cozy-maple-bacon-cheddar-breakfast-casserole-easy-recipe-for-perfect-morning-meals/