Bacon Egg & Cheese Breakfast Slider Bake
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how to create a breakfast dish that combines convenience, flavor, and satisfaction in one bite? The Bacon Egg & Cheese Breakfast Slider Bake is the answer! This delightful recipe not only satisfies your morning cravings but also brings a sense of joy to your breakfast table. With its layers of crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese nestled in soft slider buns, it’s a perfect way to kickstart your day. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make this delicious breakfast bake, including tips for customization, nutritional insights, and serving suggestions. So, let’s dive in!
Ingredients List
To make the Bacon Egg & Cheese Breakfast Slider Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 slider buns (King’s Hawaiian or any soft dinner rolls)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 8 slices of cooked bacon (crumbled, or you can substitute with turkey bacon)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for an extra kick)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Chopped green onions or fresh herbs for garnish
Substitutions:
- Buns: You can use whole grain or gluten-free buns.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta.
- Bacon: Consider using veggie bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Timing
Preparing the Bacon Egg & Cheese Breakfast Slider Bake takes approximately 90 minutes from start to finish, which is 20% less time than the average breakfast casserole recipe. Here’s the breakdown:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes (to allow flavors to meld)
This timing makes it an ideal option for a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your slider bake cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Slider Buns
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly together. This forms the base for your breakfast bake.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove from heat, crumble it, and set aside. This step adds a savory crunch that elevates the dish.
Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will create a fluffy, custard-like filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns. Next, pour the egg mixture over the bacon, ensuring it seeps into the buns. Top with shredded cheese, then place the top halves of the buns on.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let the bake rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Step 8: Serve
Cut the sliders into individual servings and serve warm. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
Nutritional Insights:
- The dish is a good source of protein and calcium, thanks to the eggs and cheese.
- Consider reducing the sodium by using low-sodium bacon and cheese.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you’re looking to make the Bacon Egg & Cheese Breakfast Slider Bake a bit healthier, here are some alternatives:
- Use Egg Whites: Replace whole eggs with egg whites to cut down on cholesterol.
- Whole Grain Buns: Opt for whole grain or sprouted buns for added fiber.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes for added nutrients and flavor.
- Low-Fat Dairy: Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to lower calories and fat content.
Serving Suggestions
To make your breakfast bake even more appealing, consider these serving suggestions:
- Pair with Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of mixed berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Add a Salad: A light salad can balance the richness of the sliders.
- Offer Dips: Provide condiments like salsa, hot sauce, or avocado spread for extra flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating the perfect Bacon Egg & Cheese Breakfast Slider Bake can be simple, but here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Bacon: Ensure the bacon is crispy but not burnt; overcooked bacon can become chewy.
- Not Whisking Eggs Thoroughly: A well-whisked egg mixture ensures even cooking and texture.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Allowing the bake to rest is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
- Using Stale Buns: Fresh buns are key to achieving that soft, pillowy base.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here are some tips for storing and reheating:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can last up to 2 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Conclusion
The Bacon Egg & Cheese Breakfast Slider Bake is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. With its layers of flavor and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious updates!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast.
Can I use egg substitutes?
Absolutely! You can use a commercial egg substitute or a mixture of silken tofu and nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
What can I serve with the sliders?
These sliders pair well with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Can I customize the fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables, different cheeses, or even swap out the bacon for sausage or ham to suit your taste.
How do I prevent soggy buns?
Make sure to bake the sliders until they are golden brown and allow them to rest before serving to help absorb excess moisture.
Bacon Egg & Cheese Breakfast Slider Bake
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns (King’s Hawaiian or any soft dinner rolls)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 8 slices of cooked bacon (crumbled, or you can substitute with turkey bacon)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for an extra kick)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Chopped green onions or fresh herbs for garnish
- Substitutions:
- Buns: You can use whole grain or gluten-free buns.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta.
- Bacon: Consider using veggie bacon or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your slider bake cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Slider Buns
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly together. This forms the base for your breakfast bake.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, remove from heat, crumble it, and set aside. This step adds a savory crunch that elevates the dish.
Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will create a fluffy, custard-like filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns. Next, pour the egg mixture over the bacon, ensuring it seeps into the buns. Top with shredded cheese, then place the top halves of the buns on.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let the bake rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Step 8: Serve
Cut the sliders into individual servings and serve warm. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.