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Savory Smoky Applewood Bacon and Gruyere Breakfast Casserole

Applewood bacon and Gruyere breakfast casserole - featured image
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A cozy and comforting breakfast casserole featuring smoky Applewood bacon, melty Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and a creamy custard soaked into day-old bread. Perfect for easy brunches or hearty mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices Applewood smoked bacon, chopped (thick-cut recommended)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 6 ounces)
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or sourdough preferred)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped Applewood bacon until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add butter to the bacon fat in the skillet, then add thinly sliced onions. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions caramelize and turn golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Add bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently toss to coat. Fold in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, and shredded Gruyère cheese.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Press down lightly to ensure bread absorbs the custard.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The casserole should be puffed and set but still creamy inside.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture; caramelizing onions is key for sweetness and depth; rest casserole before slicing to set custard; tent with foil if top browns too quickly; can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free; gluten-free bread or roasted potatoes can replace bread for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, Applewood bacon, Gruyere cheese, savory casserole, easy brunch, caramelized onions, custard bake

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/savory-smoky-applewood-bacon-and-gruyere-breakfast-casserole-recipe-for-easy-brunch/