Keto Breakfast Casserole with Bacon

Introduction

This Keto Breakfast Casserole with Bacon is your new secret weapon for effortless, crowd-pleasing meals. It combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, sharp cheese, and savory vegetables into a satisfying, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy a slice hot from the oven or grab a cold piece for a quick, delicious breakfast all week.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups cauliflower rice (from 1 large head of cauliflower)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, or you can use any cheese that you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 bell pepper (diced, red, orange, yellow, green or a combination of peppers)
• 10 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 12 ounces bacon (cooked and crumbled)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. If using fresh cauliflower rice, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the cauliflower is slightly softened and any excess moisture has evaporated. If using frozen/thawed riced cauliflower, simply squeeze out all excess liquid in a clean kitchen towel and mix with the raw diced pepper.
3. Spread the cauliflower and pepper mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined and slightly frothy.
5. Layer half of the shredded cheese and all of the cooked, crumbled bacon over the cauliflower mixture.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything in the dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the top is golden brown.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
• Crustless Quiche Style: Blend the cooked cauliflower rice directly into the egg mixture before pouring it into the dish for a more uniform texture.
• Individual Portions: Bake the casserole in a greased muffin tin for 20-25 minutes to create portable breakfast cups.
• Herb-Infused: Stir a tablespoon of dried herbs, like Italian seasoning or chives, into the egg mixture for an aromatic twist.

Tips for Success

• Dry Your Cauliflower: The most important step is removing as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower rice to prevent a soggy casserole. Squeeze it in a towel after cooking or thawing.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the casserole; it should come out clean, and the center should not jiggle when you shake the pan.
• Cook Bacon Thoroughly: Ensure your bacon is cooked until very crisp before crumbling, as it won’t get any crispier while baking in the wet egg mixture.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set up for cleaner slices.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 60-90 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQ

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes, frozen cauliflower rice works perfectly. Just be sure to fully thaw it and squeeze out ALL the excess water using a clean kitchen towel before using.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

My casserole is watery. What happened?

This is almost always due to excess moisture in the cauliflower rice. Next time, be sure to sauté fresh rice to evaporate water or thoroughly squeeze thawed frozen rice.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, the recipe is very flexible. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, gouda, or a Colby blend would all be delicious alternatives to sharp cheddar.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes. Cool completely, slice, and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Can I add other vegetables?

While the recipe as written is designed for the listed ingredients, you could substitute the bell pepper with an equal amount of other low-carb veggies like chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) or mushrooms (sautéed first).