Brunch Baked Eggs
Brunch Baked Eggs is a delightful dish that combines layers of melted Monterey Jack cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and flavorful ham, all bound together with creamy eggs and milk. Perfect for brunch gatherings, this hearty meal will impress your guests with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 3 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 12 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sweet red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. oleo, melted ⓘ
- 8 oz. cooked ham, cut in julienne strips ⓘ
- 8 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1 3/4 c. milk
- 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. basil, thyme or oregano ⓘ
- chives ⓘ
- chives ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle 3 cups cheese in bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, sauté mushrooms, onions, and red pepper in melted oleo until vegetables are tender but not brown; drain well.
- Place vegetables atop cheese.
- Arrange ham strips atop vegetables. Sprinkle remaining 3 cups cheese atop ham.
- Cover and chill overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella works well. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; opt for tarragon or parsley if basil, thyme, or oregano aren’t available. Be sure to sauté the vegetables just until tender to maintain some texture in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Brunch Baked Eggs with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a delightful contrast, pair it with a light fruit salad or sliced avocado. This dish can also be served alongside American recipes like Depression Soup for a comforting brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated evenly. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brunch Baked Eggs contains roughly 320 calories, with 13g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (72% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Brunch Baked Eggs the night before. Just assemble all ingredients in the baking dish and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier when baked in the morning.
What can I substitute for ham?
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ham with sautéed spinach, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers. Alternatively, turkey or chicken can be used if you're looking for a leaner protein, keeping in mind that the flavor will change.
How do I know when the eggs are fully cooked?
The baked eggs are done when they are set in the center and no longer jiggle when you shake the pan. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can bake them a few minutes longer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).