This tasty breakfast casserole is packed with juicy shrimp, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach, all tied together with fluffy eggs. It’s a real morning treat that’s low in carbs!
I love making this dish on lazy weekends. It’s so easy to toss everything in the dish and let the oven do the work. Plus, the combo of shrimp and bacon? Yes, please! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: The base of this casserole, eggs give it structure and protein. You can use large or extra-large eggs, but if you’re looking for a lower cholesterol option, egg whites or egg substitutes work well too!
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work in this recipe. If shrimp isn’t available, cooked chicken or turkey can be a solid substitute. Just make sure any replacement is already cooked to save time!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds flavor and crunch. If you want to make this dish turkey-friendly, use turkey bacon or even crumbled sausage for a different taste.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach brings nutrients and color. If fresh spinach is not available, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the mix.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic for this dish, but feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor. Vegan cheese is a good option for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Sets Just Right?
Getting the right texture for your casserole means ensuring the egg mixture sets properly. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Whisk eggs thoroughly with the heavy cream to incorporate air, which helps in fluffiness.
- Don’t overcook your shrimp; they should be just pink when added. Overcooking makes them tough.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; if it jiggles in the center after 30 minutes, give it a few more minutes until it’s firm.
Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. This helps it firm up even more and makes serving easier!
Low Carb Shrimp Bacon & Spinach Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying a hearty, low-carb breakfast in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake your casserole perfectly.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Using the same skillet with a little bacon grease left in it, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. It’s going to smell amazing!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat.
5. Mix the Egg Base:
In a huge mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and fluffy.
6. Combine the Ingredients:
Now add the cooked onions, garlic, chopped spinach, half of the bacon, half of the cheddar cheese, and the cooked shrimp into your egg mixture. Gently stir to combine everything evenly.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the entire mixture into your greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set in the center and golden on top!
9. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing much easier.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions for that touch of freshness. Enjoy this delicious, low-carb shrimp, bacon, and spinach breakfast casserole warm!
Bon appétit! You’re going to love it!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your frozen shrimp before cooking. The best way is to leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Casserole Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this casserole dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy milk of your choice. You can also use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the cheddar.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can prep everything the night before! Combine the ingredients, pour them into the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems a bit dry.
