Decadent Chocolate Pâté

Ingredients for Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• 8 slices of bacon (or more, depending on preference)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
• 4 cups day-old bread (cubed; French bread or challah works great)
• Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish

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How to Make Ina Garten’s Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the cubed bread and chopped bacon to the egg mixture. Stir gently until the bread is coated and absorbs the mixture.
2. Fold in the shredded cheese, reserving a little for topping.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Top with the reserved cheese and any additional bacon or toppings you like.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Cut into squares and serve warm.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet for cooking bacon
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick breakfast!

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Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
• Mix It Up: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic, you can experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

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