Egg-Cheese Bake
A hearty egg and cheese casserole featuring rye bread, savory onions, and Swiss cheese, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, offering comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- margarine or butter, softened
- 6 slices caraway rye bread ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 8 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded processed Swiss cheese (8 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried dill ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread margarine over one side of each slice of bread.
- Cut each slice diagonally into four triangles.
- Cook and stir onion in 1 tablespoon margarine until onion is tender.
- Spread the onion mixture in an oblong baking dish (12 x 7 1/2-inch) or a 9 x 9 x 2-inch dish.
- Arrange the bread triangles over the onion mixture.
- Top with sliced hard-cooked eggs.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the eggs.
- In a bowl, mix condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, prepared mustard, seasoned salt, and dried dill.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream of mushroom soup instead of the condensed version. You can substitute regular Swiss cheese with a mix of cheddar and Gruyere for a bolder flavor. If you're short on time, pre-sliced hard-cooked eggs are available at many grocery stores. Additionally, for a twist, add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the onion mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Egg-Cheese Bake is perfect for brunch and pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables. You might also enjoy serving it alongside a light fruit salad or a slice of the Old Fashion Rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh dill or chives for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg-Cheese Bake contains roughly 1277 calories, with 42g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (99% of the Daily Value), protein (83% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1269mg per serving (55% 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, you can prepare the Egg-Cheese Bake a day in advance. Assemble all the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. Alternatively, use a cream of chicken or vegetable soup for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the consistency is similar to that of condensed soup for proper baking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. However, check the ingredients of your cream of mushroom soup to ensure it does not contain any meat-based additives. For a vegan version, you could use a plant-based cheese and substitute eggs with a mix of silken tofu and nutritional yeast.
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).