Cheesy Egg Bake: The Ultimate Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Egg Bake: the ultimate breakfast or brunch centerpiece that will have everyone singing your praises! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of melted cheese mingling with savory eggs and your favorite breakfast meats. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a plate that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or festive holiday gatherings.

While the exact origins of the egg bake are somewhat shrouded in mystery, similar baked egg dishes have graced tables for centuries, evolving with regional ingredients and culinary traditions. Think of the classic French quiche or the hearty Italian frittata – the cheesy egg bake is a delightful cousin, offering a customizable and crowd-pleasing alternative.

What makes this dish so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the creamy, custardy eggs, the gooey, melted cheese, and the satisfying crunch of any added vegetables or meats. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can prepare it ahead of time, making it ideal for busy mornings or potlucks. The versatility of the cheesy egg bake allows you to tailor it to your specific tastes and dietary needs, ensuring there’s a version for everyone to enjoy. So, let’s dive in and create a breakfast masterpiece that will become a family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped cooked ham (or sausage, bacon, or vegetarian substitute)
• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional: Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Preparing the Vegetables and Ham:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure the egg bake cooks evenly.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the vegetables and ham. A 12-inch skillet works well.
3. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to soften will improve the overall texture of the egg bake.
4. Add the chopped cooked ham (or your chosen protein) to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham is heated through. If you’re using sausage or bacon, make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the skillet. If you’re using a vegetarian substitute, follow the package instructions for cooking.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. We’ll be adding this mixture to the egg mixture later.

Preparing the Egg Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, crack the 12 large eggs. Make sure you don’t get any eggshells in the bowl!
2. Add the milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl with the eggs. The heavy cream adds richness to the egg bake, but you can substitute it with more milk if you prefer a lighter version.
3. Whisk the eggs and other ingredients together until they are well combined and slightly frothy. This will help create a light and airy texture in the finished egg bake. Don’t over-whisk, just make sure everything is mixed well.
4. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the egg mixture. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping the egg bake later.
5. Stir the cheese into the egg mixture until it is evenly distributed.

Assembling and Baking the Egg Bake:

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the egg bake from sticking to the dish. You can also use a smaller dish for a thicker egg bake, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Pour the vegetable and ham mixture from the skillet into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable and ham mixture in the baking dish. Make sure the egg mixture covers all the vegetables and ham.
4. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the egg bake. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the egg bake is set and the cheese is melted and golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check the egg bake after 30 minutes. It’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Remove the egg bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the egg bake to set up a bit more, making it easier to slice.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the egg bake.

Tips and Variations:

This cheesy egg bake is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Add different vegetables: Try adding mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes to the vegetable mixture.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or pepper jack.
• Add a spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ham and add more vegetables or a vegetarian sausage substitute.
• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the egg bake the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Individual egg bakes: Pour the mixture into muffin tins for individual servings. Reduce the baking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions:

This cheesy egg bake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Serve it with:

• Toast or English muffins
• Fresh fruit
• A side salad
• Hash browns or breakfast potatoes
• Sausage or bacon (if you didn’t include it in the egg bake)

Storage Instructions:

Leftover egg bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information:

The nutritional information for this recipe will vary depending on the ingredients you use. However, a serving of this cheesy egg bake is generally high in protein and calcium, and it can be a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make cheesy egg bake! I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Remember to adjust the ingredients and baking time to your liking. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try new things and have fun in the kitchen!

This recipe is also great for meal prepping. You can make a large batch of the egg bake on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for breakfast or lunch. It’s a healthy and convenient way to start your day.

If you have any questions or comments about this recipe, please feel free to leave them below. I’d love to hear from you!

Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Egg Bake isn’t just another breakfast recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy mornings, lazy brunches, and even quick weeknight dinners. I truly believe that once you try it, it will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. The combination of fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and customizable fillings creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies, will happily devour.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. While the base recipe is delicious as is, the possibilities for customization are endless. Feeling adventurous? Add some cooked chorizo or spicy Italian sausage for a kick. Craving something vegetarian? Load it up with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, and onions. You can even throw in some leftover roasted vegetables for a zero-waste meal. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Beyond the fillings, you can also play around with the cheese. While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites. Each cheese will impart a unique flavor profile, adding another layer of complexity to the dish.

Serving suggestions are just as varied. For a complete breakfast or brunch, serve the Cheesy Egg Bake with a side of crispy bacon or sausage, fresh fruit, and toast or English muffins. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley will add a touch of elegance. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad. And if you’re serving it for dinner, consider adding a side of roasted potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread for dipping.

I’ve also found that this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free breakfast. It also reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Cheesy Egg Bake that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. I truly believe that cooking should be fun and creative, and this recipe is the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner chef.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and variations on social media using [Your Hashtag] so I can see your creations. Let me know what fillings you used, what cheese you chose, and how your family enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get baking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!