Bacon is a common ingredient in egg casseroles.
Egg Casserole is a classic dish for Sunday brunch, holiday breakfasts for large families, and even a “breakfast for dinner” entree. While the basic ingredients in each egg stew are the same, there are many versions, ensuring there is a flavor combination for almost every palate. These casseroles can contain just three or four ingredients, or a whole host of herbs and vegetables. They can also include meat or be prepared vegetarian-style. Vegans can use egg substitutes to adapt these stews to their needs.
A box with a dozen eggs.
The simplest egg casseroles contain only three ingredients: cheese, bread, and eggs. The cook usually breaks his favorite type of bread into coin-sized pieces and places them on a lightly oiled baking sheet. No need to press parts; they should rest lightly in the pan and fill it completely. The cook then whisks six to 12 eggs into a foamy, yellow mixture. A small saucepan requires only six eggs, while a saucepan for a large family may require 12.
After being beaten, the eggs are poured over the bread and the casserole is covered with grated cheese. The casserole is in the oven until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This very simple version is tasty in its own right, but it can also be a blank canvas for some cooks. Even this easy recipe can be tweaked a bit by adding tarragon, garlic, onion powder, and paprika to the eggs before baking.
The second type of egg stew almost always includes meat and often sauteed onions. The bacon, sausage, ham and even the loin slices are fried together with the onion and mixed with the bread in the pan. The eggs and cheese are added last, and the egg casserole is baked as usual.
Variations of this dish include different types of bread and cheese. Aged cheddar cheese and whole grain rye bread can go well with sausage, while focaccia bread and fresh goat cheese can go well with bacon. Garbage usually tastes good on rye bread and you may not need cheese.
Those looking for a very healthy and balanced egg casserole might appreciate a third better type. This includes vegetables like broccoli, potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes. Any combination of these vegetables can be cut into small pieces, sautéed until tender, and mixed into the bread. Cooks can use meat in this recipe or leave it out for a vegetarian egg casserole. Gently pat vegetables dry after cooking, this usually prevents the pan from getting soggy.