Description
This Everything Cheesy Potato and Egg Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar, Havarti cheese, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon. Baked with eggs nestled throughout and topped with fresh herbs and everything bagel spice, it’s perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch that serves the whole family.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Havarti cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Bacon and Eggs
- 8 slices thick cut bacon
- 8 large eggs
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- 3 tablespoons everything bagel spice
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix potato base: In a large bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, whole milk, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded Havarti cheese, chopped spinach, and a pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Form nests in potato mixture: Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Using the back of a spoon, create 8 small indentations or ‘nests’ evenly spaced for the eggs to be cracked into later.
- Cook bacon and assemble nests: In a large skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Break each slice into smaller pieces and arrange the bacon inside each potato nest.
- Bake potato and bacon base: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Add eggs and bake: Remove the casserole from the oven. Carefully crack one egg into each nest, seasoning the eggs with salt and pepper to taste. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the eggs reach your preferred doneness (firmer for fully cooked yolks, less time for runny yolks).
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with fresh basil leaves, fresh dill, everything bagel spice, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a hint of spice. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using leftover mashed potatoes ensures the dish is thick and creamy; freshly mashed potatoes can work but may need adjustment in milk quantity.
- Adjust the cook time of the eggs to preference: less time for runny yolks, longer for fully set eggs.
- Everything bagel spice can be found in most grocery stores or made at home blending sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt.
- Swap out spinach for kale or other leafy greens if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
