Description
Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole combines the warm sweetness of baked apples with savory smoky turkey bacon and melted plant-based cheese, creating a comforting and nourishing morning dish. Perfect for family breakfasts or weekend brunches, this casserole is fluffy, flavorful, and easy to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 2 cups fresh apples, diced (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp)
Meat & Alternatives
- 6 slices smoky turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
Dairy Alternatives
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, grated or sliced
- 1 cup plant-based milk
Bakery
- 4 cups whole wheat bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice fresh apples and cube the whole wheat bread into bite-sized pieces. Cook the smoky turkey bacon until crisp but tender, then chop into smaller pieces. Grate or slice the plant-based cheese.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, plant-based milk, maple syrup (natural), vanilla extract (natural), apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the ground cinnamon (natural) and natural gelling agent to give the mixture body and texture.
- Combine Bread, Apples, and Bacon: Gently fold the cubed bread, chopped apples, crispy bacon pieces, and plant-based cheese into the wet ingredients. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak in the flavors.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Choose crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for best texture and brightness.
- Fold ingredients gently to keep bread from becoming mushy.
- Chilling the mixture before baking enhances flavor melding.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Use quality plant-based cheese for smooth melting and creamy texture throughout.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: apple fritter, breakfast casserole, plant-based, dairy-free, turkey bacon, baked apples, brunch, make-ahead
