Hash Brown Pancetta Casserole

Name: Hash Brown Pancetta Casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 large onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 ounces sliced pancetta or bacon, finely chopped; 3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed; 8 large eggs; 2 cups 2% milk; 1 cup shredded fontina cheese, divided; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Freshly ground pepper and additional fresh parsley, optional

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Bake: 30 min. + standing YIELD: 8 servings.

Eggs, hash browns, cheese, spinach, pancetta and fabulous flavor—this casserole has everything! You could also substitute provolone or Swiss cheese for the fontina. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

Ingredients

1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 ounces sliced pancetta or bacon, finely chopped
3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
8 large eggs
2 cups 2% milk
1 cup shredded fontina cheese, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Freshly ground pepper and additional fresh parsley, optional

Directions

1. In a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the spinach, salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
2. In another skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain.
3. In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, layer the hash browns, spinach mixture and pancetta. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, 1/2 cup fontina cheese, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and nutmeg; pour over casserole. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses.
4. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. If desired, sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and garnish with additional parsley.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 291 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 253mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.