Maple Bacon Breakfast Bake
Equipment
- Baking Dish, 8-Inch Square
- electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- wooden pick
Ingredients
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ¾ cup all-purpose baking mix
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup plus 2 teaspoons milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup plus more for serving
- ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese divided
- 6 bacon slices cooked and crumbled
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C.
- Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Place the egg, baking mix, sugar, milk and maple syrup in a large mixing bowl.
- Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Stir ¼ cup of the shredded Cheddar into the batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and remaining ½ cup Cheddar over the pancake.
- Return the dish to the oven.
- Bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and a wooden pick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Let the pancake rest for 5 minutes.
- Cut it into 4 equal squares.
- Serve warm with additional maple syrup.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve each square warm with additional maple syrup. Add fresh berries, sliced apple or a simple fruit salad to balance the rich bacon and Cheddar flavours.Recipe Notes
Bisquick All-Purpose Baking Mix was used in the original recipe, but another comparable all-purpose baking mix can be used. The amount has been reduced from eight to four servings, so an 8-inch square baking dish is more suitable than the original 13 × 9-inch dish.Variations
Replace the Cheddar with Gouda, Monterey Jack or a combination of cheeses. Chopped cooked sausage can replace the bacon. Add sliced spring onions, chives or a pinch of smoked paprika for a more savoury flavour.Storage
Refrigerate cooled pancake squares in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until thoroughly hot. Individual portions can be frozen for up to one month and thawed overnight in the refrigerator.Wine Advice
A lightly sparkling Moscato complements the maple syrup and balances the salty bacon and Cheddar. For brunch, a dry sparkling wine is a fresher alternative.Nutrition values
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Maple bacon breakfast bake combines a fluffy oven pancake with the hearty character of a breakfast casserole. Maple syrup adds gentle sweetness, while Cheddar cheese and crisp bacon provide a salty, savoury contrast. The batter comes together quickly and bakes in one dish, making this an easy choice for breakfast, brunch or a relaxed weekend meal.
Why Sweet and Savoury Work Together
Maple syrup and bacon are a familiar breakfast pairing because sweetness balances the bacon’s smoky and salty flavour. Cheddar adds richness and gives the top a golden, melted finish. The result is sweeter than a traditional breakfast casserole but more substantial and savoury than an ordinary pancake.
The maple syrup is mixed directly into the batter, so its flavour runs throughout the bake. Additional syrup can be offered at the table, allowing everyone to control the final sweetness. Fresh berries, sliced apple or orange segments provide a light contrast to the cheese and bacon.
Preparing the Oven Pancake
An all-purpose baking mix keeps the ingredient list short because it already contains flour, raising agents and salt. Bisquick was used for the original recipe, although another comparable baking mix should also work. Different brands absorb liquid differently, so the finished batter should be smooth and pourable but not watery.
Beat the egg, baking mix, sugar, milk and syrup until no dry patches remain. Stir only part of the Cheddar into the batter. The remaining cheese is added near the end of baking with the bacon, preventing both ingredients from sinking to the bottom or becoming excessively browned.
Baking Maple Bacon Breakfast Bake
The pancake first bakes uncovered until the centre begins to set. Bacon and Cheddar are then scattered over the surface before the dish returns to the oven. This two-stage method creates a soft interior with a savoury, lightly crisp topping.
Check the centre with a wooden pick rather than judging the bake only by its colour. The pick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the finished casserole rest for five minutes before cutting it into squares. This brief pause allows the structure to firm and makes the portions easier to lift from the dish.
Serving Ideas for Brunch
One square makes a rich serving, particularly when accompanied by fresh fruit. For a larger brunch, combine it with dishes from the breakfast recipes collection. You can also explore more ideas among the brunch recipes or serve smaller squares as part of a varied buffet.
Warm maple syrup is the simplest topping. Chopped pecans would add crunch, although they should be avoided when serving anyone with a nut allergy. Chives or sliced spring onions work well when you want to emphasise the savoury side of the dish.
Useful Ingredient Variations
Gouda, Monterey Jack or a mild smoked cheese can replace the Cheddar. Cooked breakfast sausage is a practical substitute for bacon. For gentle heat, add black pepper, smoked paprika or a small pinch of chilli flakes to the batter.
The recipe contains wheat, egg and cow’s milk, so it is not automatically suitable for common allergy-restricted diets. Always check the baking mix and bacon labels because ingredients can differ by manufacturer. General kitchen and storage guidance can be found on the FDA page about safe food handling.
Storing and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to a covered container. Refrigerate for up to three days. Separate the squares with baking paper if they need to be stacked, as the melted cheese may cause them to stick together.
Reheat individual servings in an air fryer or oven until thoroughly hot. Microwave reheating is faster but produces a softer texture. The squares can also be frozen for up to one month. Wrap them individually so you can defrost only the number required.
For other easy baked meals, browse the casserole recipes. This maple bacon breakfast bake is especially useful when you want the comfort of pancakes without standing at the stove cooking separate batches.