Frances' Egg Thing
A cheesy, savory egg casserole with crunchy croutons and optional bacon, perfect for brunch or family breakfast, offering comforting flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Sprinkle the croutons evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the croutons.
- In a bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, salt, prepared mustard, onion powder, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the croutons and cheese in the pan.
- Optional: crumble 4 slices of bacon on top of the mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until set and golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor. You can also substitute croutons with stale bread, cut into cubes, for a fresher texture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the bacon altogether and add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for brunch and pairs well with a fresh fruit salad or a side of roasted vegetables. You can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a light salad to balance the richness. It also makes a hearty breakfast option alongside a slice of American recipes like Bacon, Cheese And Tomato Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option, but the oven will keep the texture crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frances' Egg Thing contains roughly 495 calories, with 13g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 914mg per serving (40% 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 mixture and layer it with croutons and cheese the night before. Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have croutons?
If you don't have croutons, you can use stale bread cut into cubes or even tortilla chips for a unique crunch. Adjust the baking time as needed, as different bread types may absorb liquid differently.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free bread or croutons in place of regular ones. Be sure to check labels on cheese and any other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
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).