Egg Bake Recipe with Bread: A Delicious and Easy Breakfast or Brunch Idea
This recipe for an egg bake with bread is a simple, versatile, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy breakfast or brunch. It's perfect for a weekend treat or a quick weeknight meal. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients! This recipe is optimized for SEO, incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the text.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be flexible, allowing you to use what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different types of bread and add-ins!
- Bread: 4-6 slices of your favorite bread (challah, sourdough, or even leftover crusty bread work well). Consider using stale bread for a better texture.
- Eggs: 6 large eggs
- Milk or Cream: ½ cup milk or cream (whole milk, half-and-half, or even heavy cream will work)
- Cheese: ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend are great choices)
- Add-ins (Optional): The possibilities are endless! Consider adding:
- Vegetables: Diced onions, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes
- Meats: Cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or chorizo
- Herbs: Fresh or dried chives, parsley, oregano
- Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
Instructions for a Perfect Egg Bake:
Follow these simple steps for a consistently delicious egg bake:
- Prepare the Bread: Tear or cut the bread into bite-sized pieces. You can lightly toast the bread beforehand if desired, for a crispier texture.
- Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a small to medium-sized baking dish (approximately 8x8 inches or similar) with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Arrange half of the bread pieces in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the bread. Add your chosen vegetables and/or meats evenly.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk/cream, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add any herbs or spices at this stage.
- Pour and Layer: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese. Top with the remaining bread pieces and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the egg bake is set and golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your baking dish. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Rest and Serve: Let the egg bake rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set properly and makes it easier to cut.
Tips and Variations for Your Egg Bake:
- Make it ahead: Assemble the egg bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle some breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables.
- Customize it: Get creative and add your favorite ingredients!
This egg bake with bread recipe is a great option for a hearty and satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. It’s adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs, making it a truly versatile dish. Enjoy!
