Buffet Cheese Eggs
Buffet Cheese Eggs is a hearty, cheesy casserole layered with tortillas, green chilies, ham, and Monterey Jack cheese, baked to perfection. Its creamy, savory flavors make it an ideal dish for brunch or family gatherings, offering a comforting, satisfying meal with a touch of spice and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup melted butter ⓘ
- 10 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 pint cottage cheese ⓘ
- 10 ounces Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 6 flour tortillas (7 1/2-inch) ⓘ
- 4 ounces chopped green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 pound Canadian bacon or ham, sliced into small pieces ⓘ
- 4 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 5 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Cover the bottom of the pan with tortillas, cutting them to fit and overlapping if necessary.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped green chilies, ham, and cheese over the tortillas.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- In a medium bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the pan.
- Decorate the top with strips of pepper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to set.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes until puffed and bubbly.
- Cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or using pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt. Make sure to let the dish set in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors, and check out other American recipes for variations on the classic breakfast casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Buffet Cheese Eggs with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Crunchy Sunflower Coleslaw for added crunch. Consider adding a dollop of salsa or sour cream on top for extra flavor, and feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or chives.
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 about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buffet Cheese Eggs contains roughly 672 calories, with 36g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1922mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared the night before. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it convenient for a hassle-free breakfast or brunch.
What can I substitute for Canadian bacon?
You can use diced ham, cooked sausage, or even crumbled bacon as a substitute for Canadian bacon. Each option will bring a unique flavor profile, so choose based on your preference.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Canadian bacon or ham and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. This will create a delicious vegetarian version of the dish.
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).