Veggie Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Morning Masterpiece

Key Information

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 8-12

Difficulty: Easy

Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Ingredients

Egg Base

• 10-12 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable Mix

• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese Layer

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: ½ cup crumbled feta

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F and spray baking dish with non-stick spray.

2. Vegetable Preparation

• Heat olive oil in large skillet
• Sauté onions and peppers until softened (5-7 minutes)
• Add mushrooms and garlic, cook until moisture evaporates
• Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted
• Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning

3. Egg Mixture

• Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings in large bowl
• Ensure smooth, well-combined consistency

4. Assembly

• Layer half the vegetables in baking dish
• Sprinkle with half the cheese
• Pour egg mixture evenly over vegetables
• Top with remaining cheese and vegetables

5. Baking

• Bake for 40-45 minutes
• Check for golden top and set center
• Insert knife – should come out clean

Crucial Tips

• Cook vegetables thoroughly to remove excess moisture
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving
• Can be prepared night before and refrigerated

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Freeze individual portions up to 3 months
• Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy milk and cheese alternatives
• Low-Carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower
• Add protein: Incorporate cooked bacon or chicken

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t rush vegetable cooking
• Avoid overcrowding pan when sautéing
• Check egg doneness carefully
• Let casserole rest before cutting

Pro Chef Notes

• Room temperature eggs create smoother texture
• Use fresh herbs for extra flavor punch
• Experiment with different cheese combinations

Nutritional Spotlight

• High protein from eggs
• Packed with vegetable nutrients
• Gluten-free and vegetarian friendly

Congratulations! You’ve just created a breakfast casserole that’ll make everyone at the table say “Wow!” 🍳🥬