Czech Bacon & Farmer Cheese Noodle Casserole
This comforting Czech-inspired casserole combines rich flavors with hearty ingredients, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The dish features tender egg noodles enveloped in a creamy farmer cheese mixture, complemented by crispy bacon and sautéed onions. Topped with a luscious egg and sour cream glaze, it bakes to perfection, creating a golden crust that holds the warmth and flavor inside. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole can be served as a satisfying main dish or a savory side. Enjoy a taste of tradition with each bite, inspired by the cherished recipes of my great-uncle Emil Placek. Perfect for cozy nights or potluck feasts, this dish is sure to please any crowd!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg noodles
1/2 lb (Cooked as per package instructions)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (For tossing noodles)
farmer cheese
3/4 lb (Passed through a fine sieve)
sour cream
1 cup (Divided (1/3 cup + 2/3 cup))
caraway seed
1 teaspoon (Used in cheese mixture)
salt
to taste (Used in cheese mixture and noodles)
black pepper
to taste (Used in cheese mixture)
bacon
4 slices (thick-sliced & diced or 6-8 standard slices) (Fried until crispy)
onion
1 (Finely chopped and sautéed with bacon)
butter
1 tablespoon (For greasing the baking dish)
eggs
3 (Whisked with sour cream)
paprika
to dust (For garnishing the top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water. Once drained, toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep them from sticking and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3
In a separate bowl, pass the farmer cheese (or dry curd cottage cheese) through a fine sieve to achieve a smooth consistency. Stir in 1/3 cup of sour cream and mix in the caraway seeds. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4
Add the cheese mixture to the bowl of noodles and gently combine until the noodles are well coated.
5
In a skillet over medium heat, fry the diced bacon until it is crispy. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until the onion is translucent and soft. Remove from heat.
6
Combine the bacon and onion with the noodle and cheese mixture, stirring until evenly mixed.
7
Grease a deep ovenproof dish with butter (or spray with PAM as desired). Pour the noodle and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
8
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 2/3 cup of sour cream with the eggs until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the noodles in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the surface.
9
Sprinkle a light dusting of paprika on top for color and flavor.
10
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set (test by inserting a knife into the center).
11
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set further. Enjoy it warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Czech Bacon & Farmer Cheese Noodle Casserole?
It is a traditional-style casserole made with egg noodles, farmer cheese, crispy bacon, and onions, topped with an egg and sour cream glaze.
What type of noodles should I use for this recipe?
You should use 1/2 lb of egg noodles, cooked al dente according to the package instructions.
Can I substitute farmer cheese with something else?
Yes, you can use dry curd cottage cheese as a substitute for farmer cheese if needed.
How do I prepare the farmer cheese for the mixture?
The farmer cheese should be passed through a fine sieve to achieve a smooth consistency before being mixed with other ingredients.
Why are caraway seeds included in this recipe?
Caraway seeds add a traditional aromatic flavor that is characteristic of Czech-inspired noodle dishes.
How do I prevent the egg noodles from sticking together?
After draining and rinsing the noodles under cold water, toss them with one tablespoon of olive oil.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for approximately 45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
What components make up the casserole glaze?
The glaze consists of 2/3 cup of sour cream whisked together with 3 eggs.
How can I tell if the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the mixture is set.
Is it necessary to rinse the noodles after boiling?
Yes, rinsing the noodles under cold water helps stop the cooking process and removes excess starch.
What kind of bacon is recommended?
You can use 4 thick-sliced bacon slices or 6-8 standard bacon slices, diced and fried until crispy.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be finely chopped and sauteed in the bacon fat until they are translucent and soft.
How much sour cream is needed in total for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sour cream in total, divided into two separate portions.
How is the sour cream divided in the recipe?
Use 1/3 cup of sour cream for the cheese and noodle mixture, and the remaining 2/3 cup for the egg glaze.
Is this casserole served as a main or side dish?
It is versatile and can be served either as a satisfying main dish or a savory side dish.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Grease a deep ovenproof dish with one tablespoon of butter or use a cooking spray like PAM.
What does al dente mean for the noodles?
Al dente means the noodles are cooked until they are tender but still firm to the bite.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and saute the onions in butter or oil to make a vegetarian version.
What is the purpose of the paprika?
A light dusting of paprika is added to the top of the casserole for both color and a hint of flavor.
How much caraway seed is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds mixed into the cheese.
How many eggs are required?
Three eggs are used, specifically for the sour cream glaze that covers the top.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set properly.
What is the source of this recipe?
This dish is inspired by the cherished traditional recipes of the creator's great-uncle, Emil Placek.
Can I use olive oil in the noodle mixture?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used specifically to coat the cooked noodles to prevent sticking.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires one onion, finely chopped.
What kind of texture should the farmer cheese mixture have?
By passing it through a sieve, the mixture should achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Can I use standard cottage cheese?
It is better to use dry curd cottage cheese as it more closely mimics the texture of farmer cheese used in traditional Czech baking.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
With preparation and a 45-minute bake time, the total time is roughly one hour.
Should I serve this dish warm or cold?
This casserole is best enjoyed warm, right after it has had a few minutes to set.