Southwestern Gratin Eggs
A flavorful southwestern-inspired egg casserole featuring vibrant bell peppers, green onions, and spicy jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese. Topped with sharp Cheddar and garnished with cilantro and salsa, it's perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings, offering a creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 c. low-fat yogurt ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. red bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. green bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. green onions, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 c. jalapeno Monterey Jack cheese, grated ⓘ
- 12 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. medium salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the yogurt through cheesecloth and refrigerate overnight.
- Chop the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions; refrigerate.
- Grate the jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese and refrigerate.
- Use a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and spray with cooking spray (Pam).
- Spread the chopped bell peppers, green onions, and grated jalapeño cheese evenly in the casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, strained yogurt, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the grated sharp Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until set and golden.
- Let cool for ten minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped cilantro and medium salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can use full-fat yogurt instead of low-fat. If you prefer less heat, substitute regular Monterey Jack cheese for jalapeño Monterey Jack. Fresh herbs like parsley can replace cilantro if desired. To save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables or frozen diced bell peppers. This dish can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Southwestern Gratin Eggs with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with South Of The Border Dip for a festive brunch. For extra flavor, consider adding avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for gatherings or as a hearty breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, or bake in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warm. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Gratin Eggs contains roughly 1154 calories, with 53g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), calcium (149% of the Daily Value), and iron (120% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2154mg per serving (94% 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 casserole the night before and refrigerate it unbaked. Just cover it with plastic wrap. In the morning, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This saves time and makes breakfast hassle-free.
What can I substitute for the jalapeno Monterey Jack cheese?
If you're looking for a milder flavor, you can use regular Monterey Jack cheese or even cheddar cheese. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, pepper jack cheese is an excellent alternative. You can also mix in some crumbled feta for a different taste profile.
Can I use egg substitutes in this recipe?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes such as aquafaba or commercial egg replacers if you're looking for a vegan option. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the original recipe, but it should still hold up well when baked.
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).