Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will transform your breakfast or brunch game forever! This extraordinary Ripe Plantain Bacon and Cheese Cake is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweet richness of perfectly ripe plantains, the smoky crunch of crispy bacon, and the melty goodness of cheese in one irresistible dish. Imagine cutting into a golden-brown masterpiece that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant kitchens of Latin America with every single bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe plantains, sliced
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish or round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Peel the ripe plantains and slice them diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces. The plantains should be yellow with black spots, indicating they are fully ripe and sweet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, baking powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Layer the sliced plantains in the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating an even base layer.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the plantain layer, ensuring distribution across the entire surface.
- Generously cover the bacon and plantains with shredded cheese, allowing it to fill the spaces between ingredients.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring it seeps between the plantains and covers the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the ingredients to settle and cool slightly.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm as a savory breakfast, brunch, or side dish.
Tips
- Plantain Ripeness is Key: Choose plantains that are yellow with significant black spots. These are at peak sweetness and will provide the perfect caramelized base for your cake.
- Bacon Prep Matters: Use crispy, well-drained bacon to prevent excess grease from making your cake soggy. Pat the bacon crumbles dry with paper towels before adding.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar and mozzarella work great, experiment with local or smoked cheeses to add unique flavor dimensions.
- Even Distribution: When layering ingredients, ensure even spread of bacon and cheese for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Oven Placement: Bake in the middle rack for most even heating and golden-brown top.
- Resting Time: Allow the cake to rest 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps ingredients set and makes slicing easier.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a side of fresh salsa, sour cream, or a light green salad to complement the rich flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 130mg
