If you dream of a hearty, wholesome brunch that comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, this Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake is guaranteed to earn a regular spot at your table. Packed with vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, creamy cottage cheese, and a cascade of fluffy eggs, itโs as inviting as a cozy Sunday morning and tastes just as comforting, too.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Meal Prep Magic: This Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake is just as delicious reheated, making your weekday breakfasts practically effortless.
- Protein-Packed and Satisfying: With a dozen eggs and a generous scoop of cottage cheese, it keeps you full and energized all morning.
- Colorful and Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or toss in leftovers to make it uniquely yours every time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This bake is a guaranteed brunch hit, from family gatherings to casual breakfasts with friends.
Ingredients Youโll Need
You truly donโt need a long grocery list to create big flavorโjust a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients, each lending something special. This Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake is all about creamy richness, veggies that bring beautiful color and a touch of sweetness, and the pillowy texture you only get from a well-made egg casserole.
- Eggs: The foundationโtwelve of them give the bake plenty of lift and a tender, fluffy bite.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds protein and a delicious creamy texture (donโt worry, it melts right in during baking!).
- Mushrooms: Their earthiness adds depth, and they sautรฉ down to perfection.
- Bell Peppers: Bright pops of color with natural sweetnessโuse a mix for a rainbow effect!
- Green Onions: For a gentle, fresh zing that pairs beautifully with the eggs and veggies.
- Butter: Used to sautรฉ veggies and build flavor right from the start.
- Salt and Pepper: The essential seasoning duoโadjust to taste for perfect balance.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake is how flexible it is. Whether youโre looking to clean out your veggie drawer or work with dietary preferences, thereโs a variation for everyone!
- Add Extra Cheese: Sprinkle in some shredded cheddar or Swiss on top for a gooey, golden finish.
- Go Meat-Loverโs: Stir in sautรฉed breakfast sausage, diced ham, or crisped bacon for an even heartier bake.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Swap cottage cheese with your favorite non-dairy alternative and use olive oil instead of butter.
- Play with Veggies: Try chopped spinach, kale, roasted zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist every time.
How to Make Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake
Step 1: Sautรฉ the Veggies
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF. While it warms up, melt butter in a skillet and add your mushrooms and bell peppers. A quick sautรฉ draws out their flavors and ensures the veggies are perfectly tender (and not watery) in your finished Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl, and whisk them until the yolks and whites are thoroughly combined. Youโre looking for uniform color with no streaks remainingโthis makes for a fluffier, more cohesive bake.
Step 3: Mix in all the Good Stuff
Add the cottage cheese and your sautรฉed mushrooms and peppers into the eggs. Give that bowl a good stir, then finish by folding in the diced green onions. A pinch more salt and pepper at this stage ensures that every bite is well seasoned.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Generously grease your 9ร13 baking pan (a spritz of olive oil is perfect), then pour in the egg and veggie mixture. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 40โ45 minutes. If you notice the top getting too brown, loosely cover the dish with foil and keep baking until the center is just set.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Let your Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm for that just-out-of-the-oven comfort, and donโt be shy with the garnishes!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake
- Pre-Cook Moist Veggies: Always sautรฉ mushrooms and peppers firstโthis step prevents a soggy bake and concentrates those sweet, savory flavors.
- Whisk for Fluffiness: Be generous with the whisking! Thoroughly beaten eggs will help the bake rise light and airy.
- Foil Trick: If you notice the top browning before the center sets, cover loosely with foilโthis trick guarantees a perfectly tender middle.
- Cool Before Slicing: Letting your Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake rest for a few minutes ensures even slices and helps all those creamy layers stay intact.
How to Serve Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake
Garnishes
Nothing beats the finishing touch of a shower of fresh herbsโthink chopped chives, dill, or parsley. A sprinkle of extra green onions or a few crumbles of feta can also add a little flair and flavor, making every bite of Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake plays nicely with all sorts of sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad, some sliced avocado, or roasted potatoes for a genuinely complete brunch spread. For something sweeter, a colorful fruit salad or bakery-fresh toast is a dream match.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by baking in individual ramekins for personal portions, or serve squares on a rustic platter with extra veggies and herb sprigs for a brunch buffet. For potlucks, cut the Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake into bite-sized โegg squaresโ and add toothpicks for grab-and-go snacking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be tucked away in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld and the bake holds its shape wonderfullyโperfect for meal prep!
Freezing
This Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake is freezer-friendly, making it ideal for planning ahead. Let cool completely, portion into squares, wrap tightly or pop into freezer-safe containers, and enjoy within two months for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a slice or warm it in a 350ยฐF oven until heated through. A touch of extra cheese on top before reheating can revive that irresistible oozy goodness, too!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese in this Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake?
Absolutely! While cottage cheese gives a creamy texture and keeps it light, feel free to add shredded cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for extra flavor and meltiness. You can mix and match to find your perfect cheesy combination.
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Can I assemble the bake the night before?
Yes, you can prep everything except the actual baking. Pour the mixture into your greased pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven (add a few extra minutes to bake time if starting from cold).
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Whatโs the best way to keep my Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake from getting watery?
The key is to sautรฉ moisture-rich veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers before mixing them in. Skipping this step can lead to excess water in your bake, but sautรฉing concentrates their flavors and keeps the texture perfect.
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Is this recipe suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
It sure is! With no added flour or bread, and loads of protein thanks to eggs and cottage cheese, this Cheesy Veggie Egg Bake is a fantastic low-carb option. If youโre watching carbs even more closely, just stick with low-carb veggies or add more greens.
Final Thoughts
I canโt wait for you to try this Cheesy Veggie Egg Bakeโitโs the kind of recipe youโll want to share at every gathering and keep on hand for busy mornings. Whether youโre a brunch lover or just enjoy good, simple food, this bake is a true keeper. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
PrintCheesy Veggie Egg Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cottage Cheese and Veggie Egg Bake is a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Packed with protein and colorful vegetables, itโs easy to make and great for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Eggs
- 12 eggs
Cottage Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
Veggies
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups bell peppers, diced
- 4 green onions, diced
- 1 Tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Sautรฉ Veggies: Sautรฉ mushrooms and bell peppers in butter, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Eggs: Crack eggs into a bowl, whisk until combined.
- Add Ingredients: Add cottage cheese and sautรฉed veggies. Stir to combine.
- Season: Mix in green onions, season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Pan: Spray a 9ร13 pan with olive oil, pour in the egg and veggie mixture.
- Bake: Bake at 375ยฐF for 40-45 minutes. Cover with foil if eggs brown on top.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 315mg
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