There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a warm, cheesy, and comforting breakfast casserole to start your day off right. Whether you’re serving it for brunch with friends, preparing a quick family meal, or prepping for the week ahead, Cheesy Egg Bake is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines fluffy eggs, gooey cheese, and a mix of savory add-ins to create a dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it to fit your taste preferences, whether you’re craving meat, veggies, or a mix of both.
This egg bake is ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekends, offering a delicious balance of high-protein meals and easy weeknight dinners that can be enjoyed hot or reheated. With its ability to be prepared ahead of time, it’s the perfect addition to any meal prep routine. Ready to dive into this comfort food favorite? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this egg bake is a breeze to whip up, even on the busiest mornings.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy, reheatable breakfasts throughout the week.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer classic cheese, hearty meats, or fresh veggies, you can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Groups: This recipe yields a generous number of servings, making it great for feeding a crowd during brunches, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Comforting & Satisfying: Packed with high-protein meals and comfort food goodness, this bake will keep you full and satisfied.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this Cheesy Egg Bake apart is its versatility. You can truly make it your own by swapping in whatever ingredients you prefer. Whether you want to go for the classic cheesy version, add in some spicy sausage, or even load it up with fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, the possibilities are endless.
It’s not only perfect for healthy comfort food lovers but also works wonders as part of a keto meal plan or even a high protein pre made meal if you’re focusing on boosting your protein intake. The best part? It’s all made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze, and it’s ready to serve in about an hour!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Eggs
- Milk or half-and-half
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- Cooked bacon or diced ham (optional)
- Hash browns or cubed potatoes (optional)
- Onion and bell pepper, diced (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder or Italian seasoning (optional)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the egg bake from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the Meats: If you’re adding meat to your egg bake, begin by cooking your breakfast sausage or bacon in a skillet until browned. Once cooked, remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté any diced onions and bell peppers (or other veggies you’re using). Cooking the veggies beforehand helps to bring out their flavors and prevents excess moisture from making your bake soggy.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings (garlic powder or Italian seasoning work great).
- Mix Everything Together: Stir in your cooked meats, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese until everything is evenly distributed. If you’re using potatoes or bread cubes, layer them into the bottom of your prepared baking dish before pouring the egg mixture over the top.
- Bake It: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40–45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is fully set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the egg bake rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes for cleaner cuts. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the meltiness. Grate your own cheese for a smoother, creamier texture.
- Layer Ingredients for Even Cooking: If you’re using potatoes or bread cubes, make sure to layer them at the bottom of the dish. This ensures they soak up the egg mixture evenly and bake perfectly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When cooking meats or vegetables, don’t overcrowd the skillet. This helps everything cook more evenly and reduces moisture, which can make your egg bake soggy.
- Check the Bake: To know when it’s done, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the meats and load up on mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes. This is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy meal plan that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- Spicy: For those who enjoy a kick, add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or spicy sausage to give your egg bake some extra heat.
- Low-Carb: For a low-carb twist, skip the potatoes and focus more on cheese and veggies. You can even add some avocado for creaminess.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid using bread cubes.
- Mini Bakes: If you’re making breakfast for one or two, bake individual portions by using muffin tins. These mini egg bakes are perfect for meal prep microwave lunches.
Serving Suggestions
- Fruit Salad: Pair your egg bake with a refreshing fruit salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will add freshness and a pop of color.
- Toast: Serve with buttered toast or crusty bread to complete your breakfast or brunch spread.
- Muffins: Pair with freshly baked muffins for a comforting and filling breakfast.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Fresh Orange Juice: A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is the perfect drink to accompany this savory breakfast.
- Coffee: Whether it’s a strong espresso or a creamy latte, coffee is always a great companion to this egg bake.
- Smoothie: A light smoothie made with fruits like strawberries, banana, and spinach can be a refreshing and healthy side to this rich dish.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed your Cheesy Egg Bake, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave or oven.
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works just fine, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Overnight Prep: You can assemble the entire dish the night before and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, simply bake it as directed. It’s a real time-saver!
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. After it’s baked and cooled, slice it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Keep an eye on the egg bake while it’s in the oven. Overcooking can result in a dry texture. The bake should be set in the center, but still moist.
- Not Pre-Cooking Veggies: If you skip sautéing your veggies, they may release excess moisture while baking, making the egg bake soggy.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Don’t skip letting the egg bake rest after it’s done cooking. This helps it set and makes for easier slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the egg bake the night before, cover, and refrigerate it. The next morning, just bake it!
- What kind of cheese works best? Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you love works well in this recipe.
- Can I skip the meat? Absolutely! A veggie-only version is just as delicious, and you can load it up with mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes.
- Can I use frozen hash browns? Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat dry the hash browns to remove any excess moisture before adding them to the dish.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet for cooking meats and veggies
- Whisk and large bowl
- Knife and cutting board for chopping veggies and meats
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Cheesy Egg Bake
Ingredients
- 10 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced cooked ham or sausage (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage or bacon until browned, then remove and set aside. Sauté the onions and bell peppers (or other vegetables) in the same skillet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Stir in the cooked meats, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheeses.
- If using potatoes or bread cubes, layer them at the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top and spread evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
