Puffy Cheese Bake
A cheesy baked bread casserole featuring a crown of bread triangles and a creamy egg mixture, perfect for comforting family dinners or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Butter an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cut each slice of bread diagonally into 4 triangles.
- Line the bottom and sides of the baking dish with bread triangles.
- Arrange 8 triangles upright against the sides of the dish for a crown effect.
- Place the remaining bread triangles on the bottom of the pan.
- Beat eggs slightly; add light cream, melted margarine, salt, dry mustard, paprika, cayenne red pepper, and shredded American cheese; mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of light cream. You can also substitute the American cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different taste. If you want a little more texture, add some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the egg mixture. Make sure to beat the eggs just enough to combine; over-beating can make the bake dense.
Serving Suggestions
This Puffy Cheese Bake makes a delightful brunch dish, perfect for pairing with a light Vinaigrette Salad. Serve it alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, consider adding some crispy bacon or sausage on the side. It’s also great as a savory breakfast for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cheese bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but this may affect the texture slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Puffy Cheese Bake contains roughly 337 calories, with 13g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (145% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2132mg per serving (93% 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 in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just assemble the bread in the baking dish and pour the egg mixture over it when ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular bread with gluten-free bread. Make sure to check the labels on your cheese and other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What can I substitute for the eggs in this recipe?
You can use a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture as an egg replacement. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and then add it to your mixture. This works well for a vegetarian option.
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).