This breakfast casserole combines spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs for a tasty morning treat. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying leftovers later!
Trust me, the cheesy goodness and a little heat from the jalapeños will wake you right up! I love making this for lazy weekends; just pop it in the oven and relax while it bakes! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: The foundation of this casserole. For a lighter option, you can replace some of the eggs with egg whites. Just use about 6 eggs and add 1 cup of egg whites.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella create a great cheesy flavor. You can switch to pepper jack for extra heat or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you don’t have it, sour cream or Greek yogurt can be good substitutes, yielding a slightly tangy flavor.
Bacon: I love the crunch and flavor it adds! You can use turkey bacon for a lower fat version or leave it out for a vegetarian version. Just add more cheese or veggies for extra flavor!
Jalapeños: Fresh diced jalapeños will give the best flavor. If you want less heat, use just one or opt for pickled jalapeños. For a milder taste, consider using bell peppers instead.
How Do You Get the Eggs Just Right?
Getting the eggs perfectly set can be tricky. Here are a few tips to help:
- Mix the eggs with milk until fully combined to get a fluffy texture.
- Fold in ingredients gently to keep air bubbles, making it lighter.
- Keep an eye on the time! Bake until the center is firm, but not dry. If you shake the pan gently, it should jiggle slightly, but no liquid should move.
Jalapeño Popper Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus extra for topping)
- 2 medium jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (plus a few slices for topping)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish
Time Needed
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 35-40 minutes to bake, plus a little time to cool. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour for the entire process. Perfect for a hearty brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, take your 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until it’s fully blended together. This helps create that perfect fluffy texture in each bite!
3. Adding Creamy Goodness:
Next, add your softened cream cheese into the egg mixture. Whisk until smooth. There might be small lumps, but that’s okay as long as it’s mostly incorporated.
4. Stirring in the Goodies:
Now it’s time for flavor! Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with the diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
5. Folding in the Bacon:
Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, remembering to save some for the top later. Make sure to distribute everything evenly!
6. Pouring into the Dish:
Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it’s even.
7. Adding Toppings:
Sprinkle the reserved bacon pieces over the top, then arrange a few jalapeño slices beautifully on top for that extra flair.
8. Baking:
Put your casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking!
9. Final Touch:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This gives it some time to set up. Then, slice and serve warm.
Enjoy your spicy, cheesy Jalapeño Popper Breakfast Casserole! It pairs perfectly with fresh avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce for that extra kick!
Can I Use Egg Substitutes in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with egg whites or a plant-based egg substitute. If using egg whites, you’ll need about 1 cup (equivalent to 8 egg whites) to replace the 10 large eggs.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. You could also add some additional cheese for more flavor!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, you can bake it straight from the fridge, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Enjoy it for breakfast or a quick snack!
