Egg-Cheese Dish
A hearty baked egg and cheese casserole layered with bread and bacon, perfect for brunch or family gatherings, offering savory flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Trim crusts from bread, then butter.
- Lay the bread slices in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon over the bread layer.
- In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, grated Cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and bacon in the dish.
- Let sit for 1 hour or overnight to absorb flavors.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, until puffy and brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance the dish's nutrition and taste. If you're short on time, skip the overnight soaking and bake it right away; however, letting it sit improves flavor absorption.
Serving Suggestions
This Egg-Cheese Dish is perfect for brunch and can be served alongside a fresh fruit salad or crispy hash browns. For a delightful pairing, consider serving it with a side of Red Beans With Rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed and slightly crispy on top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg-Cheese Dish contains roughly 535 calories, with 24g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (51% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1940mg 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 prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this Egg-Cheese Dish the night before. After pouring the egg mixture over the bread and bacon, cover it and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you can bake it fresh in the morning.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mild Cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a kick, or even feta for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly based on the cheese you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture. This variation will still be hearty and satisfying without the meat.
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).