cheesy baked egg casserole

This cheesy baked egg casserole is the perfect dish for brunch, a cozy breakfast, or even a comforting dinner. It’s easy to prepare, full of savory flavors, and highly customizable based on what you have on hand. The creamy eggs blend beautifully with melted cheese, creating a rich, delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a leisurely weekend morning, this casserole is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère)
• 1 cup frozen hash browns, thawed (optional for a heartier casserole)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, for added flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky touch)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
• Hot sauce or salsa (for serving)
• Crumbled bacon or sausage
• Sautéed spinach or other greens

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Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Skillet (if cooking vegetables or meat)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

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Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Add-ins

• Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using), and cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Set the vegetables aside to cool slightly.
• Prepare Hash Browns (if using): If you’re using frozen hash browns, thaw them in the microwave or on the counter for a few minutes. Press out any excess moisture by placing the hash browns in a clean kitchen towel and squeezing gently.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, crack the 12 eggs and whisk them well. Add the milk (or half-and-half) and whisk again until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Season the egg mixture with salt, black pepper, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
• If using, spread the thawed hash browns over the vegetables. This creates a delicious layer of texture in the casserole.
• Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and hash browns in the dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice) over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and form a golden, gooey layer on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Start checking the casserole around 30 minutes by gently shaking the dish. The eggs should be set and firm, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
• If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the casserole with foil and continue baking until fully set.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Once the casserole is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to firm up and makes it easier to slice.
• Optionally, top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and color. You can also serve with hot sauce or salsa on the side, especially if you like a bit of heat.

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Notes and Tips

• Customizations: Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on your preferences. Some great additions include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, crumbled sausage, or diced ham. You can even add some sour cream or cream cheese to the egg mixture for extra creaminess.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake as usual. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings or special occasions.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make it ahead, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
• Meat Options: For a meat lover’s version, you can add bacon, sausage, or even chopped ham. Just cook the meat beforehand and add it to the casserole mixture before baking.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar is the classic cheese for this casserole, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different textures and flavors. Adding a mix of cheeses is always a winning combination.
• Vegetarian: To keep it vegetarian, simply omit any meat and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini.

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Serving Suggestions

• This cheesy baked egg casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or toasted bread. For extra indulgence, serve with some crispy bacon or avocado slices.
• It’s also a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, alongside other favorites like pancakes, waffles, and mimosas.

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Conclusion

This cheesy baked egg casserole is a fantastic, versatile dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, and you can customize it with different ingredients depending on your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this casserole is comforting, filling, and downright delicious. Enjoy!