Nothing says ‘family time’ like a well-spent weekend morning. For my family, Sunday mornings are for long pajama sessions, unlimited coffee, and of course, the best home-cooked breakfasts. My neighbor Mrs. Thompson introduced me to Charleston Breakfast Casserole many years ago, and it has since become a staple in our household.
Once a month, the ladies in the neighborhood get together for a potluck brunch. It was during one of these cherished gatherings that Mrs. Thompson brought her infamous casserole. The moment I took a bite, I knew I had to get the recipe. She was gracious enough to share it, and now I’m passing along my twist on her classic dish for you all to enjoy!
How to Prepare Charleston Breakfast Casserole
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Ingredients for Charleston Breakfast Casserole
- 12 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 3 cups seasoned bread cubes
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 and 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1 diced bell pepper (your choice of color)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, as needed
Directions for Charleston Breakfast Casserole
- Fry the bacon strips in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and then crumble them into small pieces.
- Heat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Melt your butter using a microwave or stovetop, then set aside. Coat a 9×12-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Evenly distribute the seasoned bread cubes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over them. Add a layer of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, break the eggs and lightly whisk them. Incorporate the milk, diced bell pepper, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cheese in the baking dish. Top with the crumbled bacon.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until set.
- Remove from oven and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What kind of bread should I use?
You can use any type of bread that you like, but I personally prefer using seasoned bread cubes as they add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Pop it into the oven in the morning and extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
How should I store leftover casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
Can I use different kinds of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the Cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well.
What can I serve alongside the casserole?
This casserole pairs well with fresh fruits, a side salad, or even a hot cup of coffee for a complete and satisfying meal.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Just be aware that additional veggies may release extra moisture, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Charleston Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 3 cups croutons
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
- 6 eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1 bell pepper any color, diced
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F).
- Melt butter in the microwave, or in a small pan on the stove over low heat. Spray a 9x12 inch baking dish with vegetable spray. Place croutons in the bottom of the dish, and drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Crack the eggs into a bowl, whisking to break up the yolks. Add milk, peppers, mustard, salt, and pepper, and beat until well-combined. Pour over the croutons and cheese, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.
