This savory vegetable and cheese egg bake is a perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch or dinner. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, green onions, and cheddar cheese, all bound together with eggs and cottage cheese for a protein-packed meal. The dish is light yet satisfying, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Its creamy, cheesy texture with a hint of mustard and nutmeg adds depth to the flavor. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread, and you have a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients (Makes 8 Slices):

• Red bell pepper – ½ cup, finely chopped (75g)
• Green onions – ½ cup, finely chopped (50g)
• Sweet potato – ½ cup, grated (75g)
• Cheddar cheese – 1 cup, grated (100g) (or any other melting cheese of your choice)
• Eggs – 5 large
• Cottage cheese – 1 cup (225g)
• Milk – ½ cup (120ml)
• Mustard – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
• Ground oats or oat flour – ¼ cup (25g)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop ½ cup of red bell pepper and ½ cup of green onions. Grate ½ cup of sweet potato and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Set these ingredients aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack 5 large eggs and whisk them until they are fully combined and slightly frothy.
2. Add the Dairy and Spices: To the eggs, add 1 cup of cottage cheese, ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of mustard, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine the Vegetables and Cheese

1. Add the Veggies and Cheese: Fold in the chopped red bell pepper, green onions, grated sweet potato, and grated cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Incorporate the Oats: Add ¼ cup of ground oats or oat flour to the mixture. The oats help bind the bake together and add a bit of texture without overpowering the dish. Stir until the oats are fully combined.

Step 4: Bake the Egg Dish

1. Pour into the Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
2. Bake the Egg Dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that the bake is fully cooked.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool the Bake: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will make slicing the bake easier and help the flavors meld together.
2. Slice and Serve: Cut the egg bake into 8 slices and serve warm. You can enjoy this dish on its own or with a side of salad, toast, or fresh fruit for a more complete meal.

Cooking Tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality vegetables and cheese. You can also substitute different types of veggies, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini, to suit your taste.
• Customize the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, feel free to swap it for other cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: For a creamier, meltier cheese texture, grate your own cheddar rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
• Optional Add-Ins: Add in some cooked bacon or sausage for a heartier dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the flavor of the egg bake.
• Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store individual slices in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick, protein-packed meal.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave each slice for about 30-60 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: You can freeze this egg bake for up to 3 months. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Based on 8 Slices):

• Calories: 170-200 kcal
• Protein: 10-12 g
• Fat: 10-12 g
• Carbohydrates: 8-10 g
• Fiber: 1-2 g
• Sugar: 2-3 g
• Sodium: 400-450 mg

This savory egg bake provides a healthy balance of protein, fats, and carbs, making it a great option for a nutritious breakfast or lunch. The addition of vegetables adds fiber and vitamins, while the cheese and eggs offer protein and calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I substitute other vegetables in this recipe? Yes, feel free to substitute other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just make sure to chop or grate them finely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the bake from becoming soggy.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the cheese and milk with dairy-free alternatives. Use dairy-free cheese, plant-based milk (like almond or soy), and a dairy-free cottage cheese substitute. The result will still be delicious and flavorful.

3. Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the egg mixture the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh the next morning. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the baking dish.

4. How can I tell when the egg bake is fully cooked? The egg bake is ready when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The center should no longer be jiggly, indicating that the eggs have set properly.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of melting cheese such as mozzarella, Swiss, or gouda. Each cheese will provide a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Conclusion:

This savory vegetable and cheese egg bake is a versatile and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. Packed with fresh vegetables, rich cheese, and wholesome oats, it’s a great way to start your morning or serve as a light, satisfying lunch or dinner. The bake is easy to prepare and customize, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. With its soft, fluffy texture and flavorful ingredients, this egg bake is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite!