Description
This Cheesy Egg Bake is a delicious, hearty breakfast casserole perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Packed with sautéed vegetables, savory ham or bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures baked to perfection. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s an ideal make-ahead breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
Scale
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetables and Meat
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced ham or cooked bacon
Cheese and Fats
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing and sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is fully heated by the time you’re ready to bake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, green bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Egg Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the sautéed vegetables, diced ham or bacon, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Fill Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the egg mixture to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice.
- Serve: Cut the egg bake into squares and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying breakfast casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute ham or bacon with cooked sausage or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini according to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or cream instead of milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure all seasonings and the processed meats are gluten-free.
