Savory Vegetable and Cheese Egg Bake

A Savory Vegetable and Cheese Egg Bake is a fantastic dish for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Packed with colorful veggies, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs, it’s hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time!

Savory Vegetable and Cheese Egg Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for creaminess)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red, green, or yellow)
• 1 cup zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (or kale, if preferred)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of your favorites)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for added color)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and soften.
3. Stir in the chopped spinach (or kale) and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts. Season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until fully combined. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
2. Stir in 1 1/4 cups of shredded cheese (reserve about 1/4 cup for topping).

Step 4: Assemble the Egg Bake

1. Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
3. Top with the remaining cheese and optional halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the egg bake is set in the center and slightly golden on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
2. If the top is getting too brown, cover with foil and continue baking until fully set.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the egg bake is done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the vegetable mixture and egg mixture the night before, store them separately in the fridge, and bake it the next morning.
• Add-ins: Feel free to mix in cooked bacon, sausage, or ham for added protein. You can also use other vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or leeks.
• Cheese options: A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives a nice balance of flavor and meltiness, but feel free to use your favorites (feta, Swiss, goat cheese, etc.).

Enjoy your Savory Vegetable and Cheese Egg Bake—a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!