Bacon: The star of the show! Crispy, cooked, and crumbled bacon infuses the entire casserole with its signature smoky, salty, and savory flavor. It adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft bread and eggs.

Eggs: The binding agent that creates the fluffy, custard-like base of the casserole. Eggs provide richness and structure, holding all the delicious components together in a cohesive dish.

Milk: Essential for achieving a creamy, moist texture in the egg mixture. Milk helps to soften the bread and creates a tender, rather than rubbery, casserole. Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor, but any milk will work.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy, and undeniably cheesy flavor that melts beautifully throughout the casserole. Cheddar is a classic choice for its robust taste, complementing the bacon perfectly.

Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients. Just a pinch makes a world of difference in balancing the taste profile.

Black pepper: Provides a subtle hint of spice and aromatic depth, adding another layer of flavor to the savory medley. Freshly ground pepper is always preferred for maximum impact.

Day-old bread cubes: This is a crucial element for the perfect casserole texture. Stale or day-old bread absorbs the egg and milk mixture much more effectively than fresh bread, preventing the casserole from becoming soggy and instead giving it a delightful, custardy interior with a slightly crisp top.

To ensure your casserole has a perfect texture, make sure the bread cubes are truly day-old or slightly stale. Fresh bread, while tempting, can become too soggy when mixed with the egg and milk mixture, leading to a dense, undesirable consistency. Day-old bread, having lost some of its moisture, acts like a sponge, soaking up the liquid without disintegrating.

What if you don’t have day-old bread? No problem! You can easily “stale” fresh bread yourself. Simply cut your fresh bread into cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cubes are dried out and slightly firm but not browned. This quick process will remove excess moisture, preparing them perfectly to absorb the egg mixture and give your casserole the delightful structure and texture it deserves.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix the ingredients once the bread is added. Gentle folding will ensure the bread cubes remain intact and can properly soak up the liquid, leading to a more even bake and consistent texture throughout the casserole.

• bacon – Substitute with turkey bacon: For a leaner option that still provides a delightful smoky flavor and crispy texture, turkey bacon is an excellent choice. Cook until extra crispy before crumbling.

• bacon – Substitute with vegetarian bacon: For a plant-based alternative, vegetarian bacon strips can mimic the taste and texture of traditional bacon, making this dish accessible to more diets.

• eggs – Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. This mixture works effectively as a binding agent in casseroles for an egg-free version.

• eggs – Substitute with silken tofu: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg until smooth to create a creamy, protein-rich alternative that also acts as a binder.

• milk – Substitute with almond milk: For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond milk maintains the creamy consistency needed for the casserole without altering the flavor significantly.

• milk – Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another excellent dairy-free choice, offering a neutral flavor and rich, creamy texture that works wonderfully in this casserole.

• cheddar cheese – Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and offers a milder flavor that complements the casserole without overpowering other ingredients.

• cheddar cheese – Substitute with vegan cheese: Many varieties of vegan cheese now melt and taste remarkably similar to dairy cheese, providing a fantastic dairy-free alternative.

• salt – Substitute with soy sauce: A dash of low-sodium soy sauce can add a savory umami depth, enhancing the dish’s flavor and potentially reducing the need for additional salt.

• salt – Substitute with sea salt: For a more natural and mineral-rich option, sea salt offers a slightly different flavor profile compared to regular table salt.

• black pepper – Substitute with white pepper: If you prefer a smoother appearance without the visible black specks, white pepper provides a similar heat and flavor.

• black pepper – Substitute with cayenne pepper: For those who enjoy a little extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper will add a pleasant warmth and different flavor dimension to the casserole.

• day-old bread cubes – Substitute with gluten-free bread cubes: Perfect for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious casserole.

• day-old bread cubes – Substitute with hash browns: For a different texture and a heartier, more filling casserole, a layer of cooked hash browns can replace the bread cubes entirely or partially.

• Cool Completely First: Always allow the bacon breakfast casserole to cool down to room temperature before attempting to store it. This crucial step prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to a soggy texture and faster spoilage.

• Short-Term Refrigeration: For storing in the short term (up to 3-4 days), cover the entire casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection. Alternatively, cut the casserole into individual portions and transfer them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator.

• Freezing for Longer Storage: To freeze your casserole, first cut the completely cooled casserole into individual serving portions. This makes reheating much more convenient. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air gaps, then place these wrapped portions into a freezer-safe bag or a rigid airtight container. Don’t forget to label each package with the date, which helps you keep track of its freshness. The casserole can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• Thawing Frozen Portions: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen portion, it’s best to thaw it gradually. Transfer the wrapped portion from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain the casserole’s texture and flavor, preventing it from becoming dry or crumbly.

• Reheating Thawed Casserole: Reheat thawed casserole portions using your preferred method (oven or microwave, detailed below). For the microwave, place a single portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s heated thoroughly to your desired temperature. For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the center is warm and the edges are slightly crispy.

• Crispier Texture during Reheating: If you desire a crispier top and edges, reheating the casserole in the oven is generally preferred over the microwave. For the last few minutes of oven reheating, you can uncover the dish to allow the top to crisp up even more.

• Avoid Refreezing: Once the casserole has been thawed, it is important to avoid refreezing it. Refreezing can significantly affect the quality, texture, and potentially the safety of the dish.

• Oven Method (Recommended for Best Texture):

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover bacon breakfast casserole in an oven-safe dish. If it’s a large piece, you might want to cut it into smaller portions first for more even heating.
  3. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the casserole from drying out, especially the top layer.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through to the center.
  5. For a deliciously crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating, allowing the edges to brown slightly.

• Microwave Method (Quickest Option):

  1. This method is ideal for single portions when you’re short on time. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel. The damp towel helps retain moisture and prevents splattering.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes initially, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If it’s not heated through, continue heating in 30-second intervals until it’s warm throughout. Be careful not to overheat, which can make the eggs rubbery.

• Stovetop Method (Great for Single Portions with Crispy Bottom):

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  3. Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes. Flip the portion halfway through to ensure even heating and to crisp up both sides, giving it a nice crust.

• Air Fryer Method (For Extra Crispiness):

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a single portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket. Ensure there’s space around it for air circulation.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook or dry out.
  4. If needed, extend the cooking time by 1-2 minutes until the casserole is thoroughly heated and satisfyingly crispy on top and edges.

• Oven: Your primary cooking appliance, used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) until golden and set.

• Mixing bowl: A large and sturdy bowl is essential for combining the beaten eggs, milk, seasonings, and all the other delicious ingredients.

• Whisk: Perfect for thoroughly beating the eggs and ensuring they are well mixed with the milk, salt, and pepper for a uniform custard base.

• Measuring cups: Indispensable for accurately measuring the liquid ingredients like milk and the bulk dry ingredients such as shredded cheddar cheese and bread cubes.

• Measuring spoons: Used to precisely measure smaller quantities of ingredients like salt and black pepper, ensuring the seasoning is just right.

• Baking dish: A greased 9×13 inch (or similar size) baking dish is needed to hold and bake the casserole mixture. Ceramic or glass dishes work wonderfully.

• Spatula: A versatile tool useful for gently folding the bread cubes, cooked bacon, and shredded cheese into the egg mixture without crushing the bread.

• Knife: A sharp kitchen knife is needed to neatly cut your day-old bread into uniform cubes.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable and safe surface for cutting the bread into cubes, protecting your countertops.

• Cooling rack: While not strictly essential for cooking, allowing the casserole to cool on a rack for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes for easier slicing.

• Oven mitts: Crucial for protecting your hands when handling the hot baking dish, both when placing it in and taking it out of the oven.

Cook bacon in advance: The longest step is often cooking the bacon. Prepare and crumble the bacon the night before, or even earlier in the week. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to go when you are. You can even bake a large batch of bacon in the oven for minimal effort!

Use pre-shredded cheese: Skip the grating! Opt for good quality pre-shredded cheddar cheese from the grocery store. While freshly shredded cheese often melts a bit better, the convenience of pre-shredded varieties will significantly cut down on your prep time.

Prep ingredients ahead: The night before, go through all your ingredients. Cube the bread, measure out the milk, and have your cheese ready. Store everything separately in covered containers in the refrigerator. This way, morning assembly is just a matter of combining.

Mix and refrigerate overnight: For the ultimate make-ahead convenience, combine all ingredients (except perhaps half of the cheese to sprinkle on top just before baking) in your greased baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking (to let it come closer to room temperature), sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and pop it into the baking dish to bake. This method ensures maximum flavor absorption and minimal morning fuss.

Use a non-stick spray: Before adding your ingredients, lightly grease the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This simple step ensures easy cleanup after baking and helps prevent any sticking, saving you precious time and effort.