Holiday Eggs
Holiday Eggs is a hearty, cheesy baked casserole with green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and rich cheese layers, perfect for festive brunches or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 slices Italian bread ⓘ
- 1/2 lb grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb grated Colby cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 large jar drained mushrooms ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté green pepper and onion.
- Remove crusts from bread; butter both sides.
- Line a 9x13 inch pan with 8 slices of bread.
- Mix grated cheeses, green pepper, onion, and drained mushrooms; spread half of this mixture over the bread in the pan.
- Layer with remaining 8 slices of bread and cover with the remaining cheese mixture.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese layers.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage into the cheese mixture. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half of the milk with unsweetened almond milk. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free bread as a healthier option. Ensure to let the dish sit overnight for the best texture. For more sweet treats, browse more American recipes like Soft Stir-Drop Sugar Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Holiday Eggs warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Butterscotch Nut Baked Apples for a delightful brunch experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F, cover the dish with foil, and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, making sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Eggs contains roughly 616 calories, with 30g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (60% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1366mg per serving (59% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it's ideal to prepare this dish the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a flavorful and moist breakfast casserole. Just remember to bake it in the morning for a fresh and warm meal.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese on hand, you can substitute it with a mix of mozzarella or Havarti cheese for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, any mild cheese that melts well can work, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Holiday Eggs is a vegetarian recipe as it contains no meat. The combination of cheeses, eggs, and vegetables makes it hearty and satisfying. You can enhance the veggie content by adding spinach or tomatoes, making it even more nutritious and colorful.
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).