A hearty, make-ahead breakfast featuring crumbled cornbread, eggs, cheese, and bacon for a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 4 cups crumbled cornbread (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and heavy cream until well combined.
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Mix well.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Spread crumbled cornbread evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cooked bacon over the cornbread.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cornbread and bacon.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
- Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot sauce, salsa, or sour cream on the side.
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad or avocado slices for a balanced meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
1. Shortcut Baked Rigatoni with Spicy Italian Sausage
A cheesy, comforting pasta dish packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente and drain.
- In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil, then add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the pasta with the sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
2. Chicken Thighs with Spiced Couscous and Carrots
A one-pan meal full of warm spices and rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and coriander.
- Sear in a pan with olive oil until golden brown, then set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the garlic and carrots.
- Add couscous and broth, then place the chicken on top. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
3. Rice Cooker Risotto
A no-fuss way to make creamy risotto without constant stirring.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup white wine (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter using the rice cooker’s sauté function.
- Add the rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
- Pour in wine (if using) and cook until absorbed.
- Add broth, close the lid, and cook using the “white rice” setting.
- Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
4. Matcha-Mango Chia Pudding
A vibrant, healthy snack or breakfast option.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups coconut milk or almond milk
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mango puree (blend fresh mango)
Instructions
- Mix chia seeds, matcha, coconut milk, honey, and vanilla. Stir well.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight), stirring occasionally.
- Layer with mango puree in a glass and serve chilled.
5. Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp
A quick and flavorful dish, perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add shrimp. Cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Add honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve with rice or noodles.