This Egg Bake Casserole is a fluffy and hearty dish filled with eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies or meats. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch with family!
Making this casserole is so easy! Just mix everything in a dish and bake it. You can even enjoy it for dinner—who says casseroles are just for mornings? 🥚💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Large eggs are the backbone of this dish. They provide structure and fluffiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use egg whites or an egg substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture will be a bit different.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess. You can swap it with half-and-half for a richer flavor or use plant-based milk like almond or oat for a dairy-free version. Just ensure it’s unsweetened!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese offers great flavor. Feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste. Vegan cheese is also a fantastic alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
Bread: Day-old bread is key for a nice texture. You can use any sturdy bread, like whole wheat or even gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s not too fresh to absorb the egg mixture!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Vegetables?
Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the casserole helps enhance their flavors and ensures they are cooked through. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the mushrooms, broccoli, bell pepper, and onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly softened.
- This step really brings out the taste and makes sure your veggies don’t release too much water during baking.
Egg Bake Casserole with Mushrooms and Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 2 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French or sourdough)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing vegetables)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Egg Bake Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow about 5-10 minutes for it to cool before serving, making the total time roughly 1 hour. It’s a simple and delicious dish that can feed a crowd!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a similar size square casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. Once it’s hot, toss in the sliced mushrooms, chopped broccoli, diced bell pepper, and onion. Sauté these veggies until they become slightly soft, about 5-7 minutes. After sautéing, remove the skillet from heat and let the veggies cool for a moment.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk (or half-and-half), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Combine Cheese and Veggies:
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese along with the sautéed vegetables, mixing everything until evenly distributed in the egg mixture.
5. Add the Bread:
Gently fold in the cubed day-old bread into the egg and vegetable mixture. Take care to ensure the bread absorbs the egg mixture without breaking apart too much.
6. Pour Into Dish:
Pour this entire mixture into the greased casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so that it bakes nicely.
7. Bake:
If you want to add a sprinkle of cheese or fresh parsley on top, now’s the time! Then place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Then cut into squares, serve warm, and enjoy the deliciousness!
This casserole is so customizable! Feel free to add in cooked bacon, sausage, or any other veggies that you love. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Whole Grain or Gluten-Free Bread?
Absolutely! Whole grain bread adds a nutty flavor, or you can use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the egg mixture without getting too mushy.
How Do I Freeze Leftovers?
To freeze leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped portions in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I Add Meat to This Casserole?
Yes! Cooked bacon, sausage, or ham are great additions. Just make sure to cook the meat beforehand and chop it into small pieces before mixing it in with the egg mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Milk?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk work well. Just choose an unsweetened variety to maintain the savory flavor of the casserole!
