Blaa Bread and Bacon Bake
A savory bake inspired by the soft, white Waterford Blaa bread, combined with smoky bacon, eggs, and cheese for a comforting and satisfying brunch or light meal. This dish celebrates the unique texture and flavor of this regional Irish bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 Waterford Blaa bread rolls(stale or slightly dried out)
- 200 g Smoked streaky bacon(chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 6 large Eggs
- 400 ml Milk
- 150 g Mature cheddar cheese(grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh chives(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for greasing Butter
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish (approx. 20x20cm) with butter.
💡 Tip: Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. - 2
In a frying pan, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat in the pan and sauté until softened and translucent.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 4
Slice the Blaa rolls in half horizontally. Arrange half of the Blaa halves in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- 5
Scatter the cooked bacon and sautéed onions over the Blaa halves in the dish.
💡 Tip: Ensure an even distribution for flavor in every bite. - 6
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half of the grated cheese, chopped chives, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 7
Pour about half of the egg mixture over the bacon and onion layer.
💡 Tip: This helps to moisten the bread. - 8
Arrange the remaining Blaa halves on top, then pour the rest of the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish.
- 9
Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top.
💡 Tip: The cheese will create a lovely golden crust. - 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
⏱️ 35-40 minutes - 11
Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you can't find Waterford Blaa, any soft, white bread rolls (like brioche or soft white rolls) can be used, though the texture will differ.
- ✓Add a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for a subtle warmth.
- ✓For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
🔄 Variations
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or kale for added greens.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the egg mixture for a tangy note.