Description
This Apple Fritter Breakfast Casserole combines tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based ingredients to create a comforting and protein-packed morning treat. Ideal for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings, this bakery-worthy casserole features layers of flavor and texture that make breakfast a delightful celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Meat
- 2 cups chopped apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 6 slices smoky turkey bacon
Custard Base
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 4 oz (plant-based) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Sweeteners and Spices
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar (natural)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (natural)
Other
- 6 cups cubed cinnamon bread (plant-based if desired), day-old
- Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Prepare the apples and turkey bacon: Peel and chop apples into bite-sized pieces, then sauté with 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 1 tbsp light brown sugar (natural) until just tender. Cook the smoky turkey bacon slices until crisp, then chop into smaller pieces.
- Mix the custard base: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, plant-based milk, softened (plant-based) cream cheese, vanilla extract (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and natural gelling agent until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer cubed cinnamon bread, cooked apples, and chopped turkey bacon evenly. Pour the custard mixture over the layers, gently pressing to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake until golden: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 40 to 45 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
Notes
- Use day-old bread to ensure it soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.
- Gently fold ingredients when mixing to maintain airiness and avoid a dense casserole.
- Chop apples uniformly for even cooking throughout the dish.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking for clean cutting and enhanced flavor.
- Optionally, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar (natural) on top halfway through baking for a crunchy finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: apple fritter, breakfast casserole, plant-based, turkey bacon, cinnamon, brunch, cozy breakfast
