Cheesy Bacon and Red Pepper Breakfast Casserole

This Cheesy Bacon and Red Pepper Breakfast Casserole is warm, hearty, and packed with classic breakfast flavor. Fluffy eggs are combined with crispy bacon, sweet red bell pepper, tender onion, and plenty of melted cheese, then baked until golden and set.

It is a great choice for weekend breakfast, brunch, holidays, potlucks, or meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it the next morning for an easy family-friendly meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy one-dish breakfast
• Loaded with bacon and cheese
• Soft, fluffy egg texture
• Sweet red pepper adds color and flavor
• Perfect for brunch and holidays
• Can be prepared ahead
• Great for feeding a crowd

Ingredients

• 10 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives, optional

How to Make Cheesy Bacon and Red Pepper Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, let cool slightly, then crumble into small pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Remove most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind.

Add the diced onion and red bell pepper.

Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Hash Browns

Place the thawed hash browns in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.

Spread the hash browns evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add Bacon and Vegetables

Scatter the cooked bacon, red bell pepper, and onion evenly over the hash browns.

Reserve a small amount of bacon and red pepper for the top if desired.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella or Monterey Jack over the bacon and vegetables.

Step 7: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk until completely combined.

Step 8: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish.

Gently press down any exposed ingredients so they are lightly coated with the egg mixture.

Step 9: Add the Final Cheese Layer

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.

Add the reserved bacon and diced red pepper if using.

Step 10: Bake

Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

A knife inserted into the center should come out without runny egg mixture.

Step 11: Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes.

This helps the casserole finish setting and makes it easier to slice.

Step 12: Serve

Cut into squares and serve warm.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole

• Dry the hash browns well: Excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
• Cook the bacon first: Crispy bacon gives the best texture and flavor.
• Sauté the vegetables: This removes excess moisture and improves their flavor.
• Do not overbake: Bake only until the egg mixture is set so the casserole stays tender.
• Let it rest: Resting makes cleaner slices.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.

Easy Variations

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Replace the bacon with 1 pound of cooked breakfast sausage.

Ham and Cheese Version

Use 2 cups diced cooked ham instead of bacon.

Spicy Breakfast Casserole

Add diced jalapeños, Pepper Jack cheese, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Vegetable Breakfast Casserole

Add mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or green bell peppers.

Extra Cheesy Version

Add an extra cup of cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese.

What to Serve with Breakfast Casserole

• Fresh fruit
• Biscuits
• Toast
• English muffins
• Fresh berries
• Yogurt
• Hash browns
• Simple green salad for brunch

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is excellent for preparing ahead.

Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.

Add approximately 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still cold when it goes into the oven.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Cool completely, cut into individual portions, and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave until hot throughout.

For larger portions, cover and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Rest Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Course: Breakfast, Brunch
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approximately 430 calories per serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes. Assemble it completely, cover, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next morning.

Can I leave out the hash browns?

Yes. The casserole can be made without them. The texture will be softer and more egg-forward.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead?

Yes. Shred fresh potatoes, squeeze out as much moisture as possible, and use them in place of frozen hash browns.

Why is my breakfast casserole watery?

Too much moisture from vegetables or potatoes is the most common cause. Sauté the vegetables and thoroughly dry the potatoes before assembling.

Can I use another cheese?

Yes. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Swiss, or Gruyère all work well.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The center should be set rather than jiggly, and a knife inserted near the middle should not have runny egg mixture on it.

Can I add sausage and bacon together?

Yes. Use smaller amounts of each so the casserole does not become overly heavy or salty.

Can I serve this cold?

It is best served warm, but fully cooked leftovers can also be enjoyed chilled if preferred.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Bacon and Red Pepper Breakfast Casserole combines fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, sweet red pepper, tender hash browns, and plenty of melted cheese in one easy breakfast bake.

It is practical for busy mornings, easy to prepare ahead, and ideal for brunch, holidays, family gatherings, or meal prep. Serve it warm for a hearty breakfast that is simple to portion and easy to enjoy.