VELVEETA® Cheesy Bacon Brunch Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

My earliest memory of brunch isn’t the mimosas or the fancy pastries, but the aroma wafting from my grandmother’s kitchen – a savory blend of bacon, cheese, and vegetables baking in the oven. That unforgettable scent always heralded her famous cheesy breakfast casserole, a dish that became a staple at every family gathering. While her original recipe remained a closely guarded secret, this VELVEETA® Cheesy Bacon Brunch Casserole captures the same comforting essence, making it a cherished favorite in my own kitchen. It’s a taste of nostalgia, made even better with modern convenience.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 casserole
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free (can be adapted)

Ingredients

• 8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• ½ lb fresh mushrooms, coarsely chopped
• 1 green and 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 12 eggs
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ¾ lb VELVEETA®, cut into ½-inch cubes

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• 13×9-inch baking dish
• Cooking spray
• Medium bowl
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C).

2. In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook and stir the OSCAR MAYER Bacon pieces for 10 minutes, or until they are crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon, and drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease. Reserve the cooked bacon.

3. Carefully pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the skillet. Discard the excess grease responsibly.

4. To the skillet with the remaining bacon drippings, add the thawed frozen shredded hash browns, coarsely chopped fresh mushrooms, chopped green and red peppers, and chopped small onion. Cook this vegetable mixture for 10 minutes, or until the peppers and onions are crisp-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

5. Stir in the VELVEETA® cubes until they are melted and evenly distributed throughout the vegetable mixture.

6. Spoon the VELVEETA® and vegetable mixture into a 13×9-inch baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking.

7. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs and ⅓ cup of sour cream until the mixture is well blended and smooth.

8. Stir in the cooked and drained bacon pieces into the egg and sour cream mixture.

9. Pour the egg and bacon mixture evenly over the VELVEETA® and vegetable mixture in the baking dish.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the casserole is heated through. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the dish; the center should not jiggle excessively. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out relatively clean.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Crispy Bacon is Key: Ensure your bacon is truly crisp. Soggy bacon will ruin the texture of the whole casserole.
• Thawing Hash Browns: Thawing the hash browns beforehand is crucial. Using them frozen will release too much water during cooking, making the casserole soggy. Press them between paper towels after thawing to remove excess moisture.
• Even Vegetable Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the vegetables. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure they brown evenly.
• Cheese Distribution: Ensure the VELVEETA® is well-distributed throughout the vegetable mixture before pouring it into the baking dish. This will prevent pockets of un-cheesy goodness.
• Preventing Over-Browning: If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• Add a Kick: For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture or using pepper jack VELVEETA®.
• Make it Vegetarian (almost): Omit the bacon and add plant-based sausage crumbles instead, or increase the amount of vegetables used.
• Egg Wash Alternative: Whole milk can be used in place of sour cream in the egg wash to save costs and decrease the tartness.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the VELVEETA® Cheesy Bacon Brunch Casserole immediately after baking. Egg-based dishes should not sit at room temperature for extended periods due to potential bacterial growth.

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can use the microwave, oven, or skillet. For microwave reheating, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For oven reheating, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in a skillet, cut a slice and heat it over medium-low heat until warmed through, flipping occasionally.

Freezing is also an option. Cut the cooled casserole into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

Nutritional Information

(Estimates based on available data and may vary depending on specific ingredients used)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320 kcal	16%
Total Fat	22g	28%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	250mg	83%
Sodium	500mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	10g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	3g
Protein	18g	36%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the frozen hash browns with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb and gluten-free option. Ensure any processed ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: As mentioned previously, omit the bacon and add plant-based sausage crumbles. Add additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the VELVEETA® with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Be aware that the flavor and texture may differ.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
• Italian Twist: Add Italian sausage, chopped basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for an Italian-inspired version. Use mozzarella cheese instead of VELVEETA®.
• Mexican Fiesta: Add chorizo, black beans, corn, and salsa for a Mexican-inspired casserole. Top with avocado and sour cream after baking.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Adapt the vegetable mixture to the season. Use asparagus and peas in the spring, zucchini and tomatoes in the summer, and butternut squash and kale in the fall.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I assemble the casserole the night before?

A: Absolutely! Assembling it ahead of time makes brunch a breeze. Cover the assembled casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: While VELVEETA® provides a unique melt and creamy texture, you can substitute it with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the casserole will be different.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

A: Make sure to thaw and drain the hash browns thoroughly before using them. Also, avoid overcooking the vegetables, as they will release moisture during baking.

Q: Can I add meat other than bacon?

A: Yes! Sausage, ham, or shredded chicken are all great additions. Cook the meat before adding it to the egg mixture.

Q: How can I tell if the casserole is done?

A: The center should be set and no longer jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out relatively clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Final Thoughts

The VELVEETA® Cheesy Bacon Brunch Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or simply looking for a comforting weekend breakfast, this casserole is sure to delight. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to make it your own, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious. Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to see how you make this classic your own! Pair it with a fresh fruit salad and a pitcher of mimosas for the ultimate brunch experience. Bon appétit!