Ina Garten’s Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole: A Weight Watchers-Friendly Recipe

Welcome to our comprehensive guide for making Ina Garten’s Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole, adapted to be Weight Watchers (WW) low point. This delicious breakfast casserole combines savory bacon, eggs, and cheese for a hearty start to your day, all while keeping your SmartPoints in check. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a brunch for friends and family, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) skim milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a lower point option)
  • 8 slices of turkey bacon (or regular bacon if preferred, but adjust points accordingly)
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (or your favorite WW-friendly cheese)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) diced onion
  • 1/2 cup (60g) diced bell pepper (red or green)
  • 1 cup (120g) diced mushrooms
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

For Garnish (optional):

  • Chopped fresh chives or parsley

Equipment Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

a. Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the casserole. b. Cook the Bacon:
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces. c. Prepare Vegetables:
  • While the bacon is cooking, dice the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. This allows for an even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole.

2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

a. Whisk the Eggs and Milk:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and skim milk until well combined. This mixture forms the base of the casserole. b. Add Seasonings:
  • Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste preference. c. Combine Ingredients:
  • Add the diced vegetables, chopped bacon, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

a. Grease the Baking Dish:

  • Lightly coat the 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. b. Pour Mixture into Dish:
  • Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4. Bake the Casserole:

a. Bake:

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. b. Cool Slightly:
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares.

5. Garnish and Serve:

a. Garnish:

  • If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. b. Serve:
  • Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. It pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings total):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g

Weight Watchers (WW) Points:

  • SmartPoints®: 3 points per serving (based on the assumption of 8 servings total)

Useful Tips:

  1. Cheese Options: Opt for reduced-fat cheese to keep the points low. You can also use a cheese blend for added flavor.
  2. Bacon Variations: Turkey bacon is a lower-point alternative, but if using regular bacon, adjust the points accordingly.
  3. Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  1. Overcooking: Avoid overcooking the casserole, as this can lead to a dry texture. Ensure the casserole is set but still moist.
  2. Uneven Cooking: Make sure to spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure uniform cooking.

Conclusion:

Ina Garten’s Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole, adapted for Weight Watchers, provides a hearty and satisfying breakfast option that fits seamlessly into your WW plan. With its rich combination of bacon, eggs, and cheese, it delivers on flavor while maintaining a low SmartPoints count. Enjoy this versatile dish as a meal prep staple or a special breakfast treat.

Additional Notes:

  • Meal Prep: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Customization: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Enjoy this delicious and WW-friendly breakfast casserole, and savor every bite while staying on track with your wellness goals!