Easy Cheese and Egg Casserole Recipe to Try
Discover a simple, delicious Cheese and Egg Casserole recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch. This hearty dish combines fluffy eggs with melty cheese and savory flavors to create a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re prepping for a busy morning or hosting a weekend gathering, this Cheese and Egg Casserole delivers cheesy goodness, easy preparation, and satisfying results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
- Customizable: Easily adapts to your favorite cheeses, veggies, or meats to suit any taste or dietary preference.
- Family-Friendly: Appealing to kids and adults alike, making breakfast or brunch a crowd-pleaser.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free meal.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and calcium to keep you energized throughout the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheese and Egg Casserole plays a vital role, from the fluffy eggs to the rich cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The simplicity of these components allows the freshness and quality to shine through.
- Eggs: The base of the casserole, providing structure and a tender, fluffy texture.
- Shredded Cheese: Choose cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for creamy, gooey cheesiness throughout.
- Milk or Cream: Adds richness and helps create a custard-like consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the overall flavor.
- Optional Vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms add color, nutrition, and fresh textures.
- Butter or Cooking Spray: For greasing the baking dish and preventing sticking.
- Bread Cubes or Hash Browns: Adds hearty substance and a satisfying bite when included.
Variations for Cheese and Egg Casserole
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your cravings or pantry inventory. Whether you’re looking to add extra protein, reduce carbs, or boost veggies, it’s simple to customize.
- Meat Lover’s: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham for smoky, savory depth.
- Vegetarian: Load up on spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions for a fresh veggie boost.
- Low-Carb: Skip bread cubes and use extra cheese or vegetables to keep it keto-friendly.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives to suit dietary needs.
How to Make Cheese and Egg Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Step 2: Beat Eggs and Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth. Stir in shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and any optional veggies or cooked meats you want to include.
Step 3: Add Bread Cubes or Hash Browns (Optional)
Stir in bread cubes or hash browns gently. This step adds bulk and texture, making the casserole heartier and more filling.
Step 4: Pour Mixture into Prepared Dish
Pour the egg mixture evenly into your greased casserole dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
Step 5: Bake Until Set and Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is fully set in the center and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to let flavors meld and make slicing easier.
Pro Tips for Making Cheese and Egg Casserole
- Room Temperature Eggs: Let your eggs sit out for a few minutes before mixing to create a fluffier texture.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and imparts richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep some air in the mixture for lightness.
- Use a Water Bath: Place your casserole dish in a larger pan with a bit of water to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is done.
How to Serve Cheese and Egg Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil brightens the dish visually and adds a burst of freshness to complement the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or roasted potatoes for a balanced brunch or breakfast plate that feels special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy presentation or slice it into squares for buffet-style serving to keep things casual and simple.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cheese and Egg Casserole refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days to enjoy quick, tasty reheats.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap; they freeze well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings on medium power to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I make this Cheese and Egg Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit any meat and add extra vegetables or plant-based meat substitutes to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend all work wonderfully – choose based on your flavor preference and how melty or sharp you want the casserole.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning for best results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, simply skip the bread cubes or substitute with gluten-free bread options or extra vegetables.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole should be set in the center, with no runny egg. A golden-brown top and a clean toothpick or knife test indicate it’s ready.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese and Egg Casserole is a true kitchen winner—simple to prepare, highly adaptable, and bursting with comforting flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe promises cheesy, eggy perfection that’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a cozy, delicious start to your day!
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PrintCheese and Egg Casserole
A simple and delicious Cheese and Egg Casserole perfect for breakfast or brunch. This hearty dish combines fluffy eggs with melty cheese and savory flavors, offering a comforting, customizable, and family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for make-ahead cooking.
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 cup milk or cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Optional Vegetables
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter or cooking spray (for greasing)
- 1 to 2 cups bread cubes or hash browns (optional)
Optional Protein Add-ins
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, sausage, or ham (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Your Dish: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Beat Eggs and Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Stir in shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and any optional veggies or cooked meats you want to include.
- Add Bread Cubes or Hash Browns (Optional): Gently fold in bread cubes or hash browns if using. This adds bulk and texture, making the casserole heartier and more filling.
- Pour Mixture into Prepared Dish: Pour the egg mixture evenly into your greased casserole dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Bake Until Set and Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is fully set in the center and the top is golden brown.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to let flavors meld and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Let eggs come to room temperature before mixing for fluffier texture.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor.
- Gently fold ingredients to keep the mixture light and airy.
- For extra moisture, bake casserole in a water bath.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife; it should come out clean.
- Make ahead by assembling the night before and refrigerating.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat leftovers in oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave on medium power.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free by omitting bread cubes or using gluten-free bread
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 320mg
Keywords: cheese casserole, egg casserole, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, easy casserole, make-ahead breakfast