Introduction
Egg Bake is a classic breakfast or brunch dish, perfect for family meals, holiday gatherings, or comforting brunches. This fluffy, savory casserole, featuring eggs, cheese, and vegetables, delivers a warm, satisfying flavor with a tender, custardy texture. Presented in a white ceramic baking dish, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or chives, this Egg Bake recipe offers a colorful, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple, oven-baked version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings cozy warmth to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Egg Bake:
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced ham or cooked bacon (optional)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for flavor)
For Serving:
- Optional: Chopped parsley, chives
- Suggested Accompaniments: Toast, fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes
- Suggested Pairings: Orange juice, coffee
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic baking dish
- Suggested Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, large mixing bowl, whisk, cutting board, knife, measuring cups/spoons
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch white ceramic baking dish.
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice bell peppers, onion, and ham or bacon (if using). Chop spinach.
- Mix Egg Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth. Stir in cheese, ham or bacon, bell peppers, onion, and spinach.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the egg mixture and adjust with a pinch of salt or pepper for balanced flavor.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Cut into squares and serve from the white ceramic baking dish, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or chives. Pair with toast, fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, orange juice, or coffee.
Tips for Better Egg Bake
- Whisk eggs thoroughly for a fluffy, even texture.
- Taste the egg mixture before baking to balance savory and seasoned flavors; adjust cautiously.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
- Use a white ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution and an attractive presentation.
- Present in the baking dish to highlight the golden top and colorful garnishes.
- Make ahead: Assemble the mixture up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake fresh.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
- Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with parsley or chives for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Variations and Customization
- Vegetarian Egg Bake: Omit ham or bacon; add 1 cup diced mushrooms or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free Egg Bake: Naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients (e.g., ham) are gluten-free certified.
- Dairy-Free Egg Bake: Replace milk with plant-based milk and cheese with dairy-free cheese.
- Spicy Egg Bake: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne or 1 diced jalapeño to the egg mixture.
- Cheesy Egg Bake: Increase cheese to 1.5 cups or mix in 1/2 cup Parmesan.
- Sausage Egg Bake: Replace ham with 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled sausage.
- Mediterranean Egg Bake: Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 tsp dried oregano.
- Low-Carb Egg Bake: Omit milk and reduce vegetables; add 1/2 cup heavy cream for richness.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in a 325°F oven or microwave until warm.
- Freeze baked portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve texture.
- Serve warm for the best, fluffy, savory flavor.
- Use as a main dish for breakfast or brunch with light sides.
- Pair with orange juice or coffee to complement the savory, cheesy flavors.
- Present in a white ceramic baking dish with garnishes for an appetizing, comforting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 8 servings (without ham or bacon):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 245mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Vitamin A: 20% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
- Calcium: 15% Daily Value
- Iron: 8% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (dairy-free options reduce cholesterol slightly). Moderate in calories; enjoy with fruit for balance.
Conclusion
This Egg Bake recipe delivers a fluffy, savory dish perfect for any breakfast or brunch, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting classic. Its easy preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The tender texture and cheesy flavors delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing warmth.
Egg Bake Recipe: Fluffy and Savory
Ingredients
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced ham or bacon optional
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika optional
- Optional: Chopped parsley chives
- Suggested Pairings: Orange juice coffee
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F; grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Dice peppers, onion, and ham; chop spinach.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; stir in cheese, ham, and vegetables.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Pour into dish; bake 35–40 min until set.
- Serve in a white ceramic dish with parsley, chives, juice, and coffee.
Notes
- Whisk eggs for fluffiness.
- Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Try a vegetarian or spicy variation.
- Pair with fresh fruit.
