This Potato, Bacon, and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and nutritious broccoli, all bound together with a creamy egg and sour cream mixture. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this casserole is an easy and delicious meal that will satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy meal with friends, this dish is versatile, filling, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 500g potatoes
- 1 onion
- 200g bacon
- 600g broccoli
- 5 chicken eggs
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 100g hard mozzarella cheese
- Some vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Directions
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the onion.
- Cut the bacon into small pieces.
- Cut the broccoli into florets and set aside.
- Grate the mozzarella cheese and set aside for topping.
2. Cook Potatoes and Broccoli:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are tender when pierced with a fork (approximately 10-15 minutes). Once cooked, drain the water.
- Steam or boil the broccoli in salted water for about 5-7 minutes, until just tender but still vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Bacon and Onion:
- Heat some vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan with the bacon and cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Mix & Assemble:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream. Season with salt to taste.
- Add the cooked potatoes, broccoli, bacon, and onions to the bowl. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches).
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
5. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
6. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, straight from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for an added pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish: Serve the casserole alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme on top of the casserole before serving for extra freshness and flavor.
- Dips: Pair with a creamy dip like ranch or garlic sauce for extra indulgence.
Cooking Tips
- Tender Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are cooked until tender but not mushy. Overcooked potatoes can make the casserole too soft, while undercooked potatoes will remain hard.
- Herbs & Garlic: For extra flavor, add minced garlic or your favorite herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) to the egg mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative for a lighter, meat-free version of the casserole.
- Even Distribution: Make sure to evenly distribute the potatoes, broccoli, bacon, and onions in the casserole dish to ensure every bite has a balanced flavor.
Variations to Try
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your taste.
- Add Protein: If you’d like to make this casserole more filling, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or even beans for an extra boost of protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or sprinkle some hot sauce on top for a spicy twist.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Rich in carbohydrates and potassium, potatoes are a great source of energy and help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- Bacon: Provides a good amount of protein and fat. You can opt for turkey bacon for a leaner version.
- Broccoli: Packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, broccoli is great for supporting immune health and promoting digestion.
- Eggs: A high-quality source of protein, eggs also provide essential vitamins like vitamin B12 and riboflavin, supporting overall health.
Conclusion
This Potato, Bacon, and Broccoli Casserole is a simple yet delicious comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of savory bacon, tender vegetables, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether served as a main dish or paired with a salad or soup, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and filling dish in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Simply assemble it and store it in the fridge, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
-
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well before using it in the casserole.
-
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
-
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
-
Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, simply replace the bacon with a vegetarian bacon alternative or skip it entirely, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian casserole.