Puffy Cheese And Egg Bake
A cheesy, savory baked dish featuring toasted bread and eggs, perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast, with rich American cheese and flavorful spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8x8x2-inch baking dish.
- Cut each slice of bread into 4 triangles and arrange them on the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs slightly. Add milk, salt, paprika, dry mustard, melted butter, and shredded American cheese. Mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread triangles in the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Cut into 6 pieces and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, instead of just American cheese. If you're short on time, pre-sliced bread can be used, but ensure it's still fresh for the best texture. Adding cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance the dish while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
This puffy cheese and egg bake can be served as a hearty brunch dish alongside a fresh salad or fruit for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with milkshakes for a delightful breakfast or casual gathering. For a complete meal, consider serving it with yogurt coffeecake for a sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual pieces to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pieces in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the texture remains fluffy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Puffy Cheese And Egg Bake contains roughly 225 calories, with 8g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1481mg per serving (64% 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 mixture the night before and pour it over the bread just before baking. This will allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture, enhancing the flavor and texture. Just be sure to refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
What can I substitute for American cheese?
If you don't have American cheese on hand, you can substitute it with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a similar melty texture. Alternatively, using a sharp cheese will add a more robust flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe easily doubles, so you can use a larger baking dish and increase the ingredients accordingly. It’s perfect for brunches or gatherings, allowing you to serve several people without much extra effort.
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).