This Savory Vegetable Egg Bake is a hearty and nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables, fluffy eggs, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Paired with a creamy garlic and cucumber sauce, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. This dish is as comforting as it is flavorful, making it a family favorite.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Egg Bake:
- 4 chicken eggs
- A bunch of green onions, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 sweet paprika (bell pepper), diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 150 g (about 1 1/2 cups) hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- A little vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
- For the Sauce:
- 860 g (about 3 1/2 cups) sour cream
- 40 g (about 3 tablespoons) mayonnaise
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cucumber, finely chopped
- A bunch of dill, chopped
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Prepare the Egg Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Beat the Eggs:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir in the chopped green onions and mix well.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced sweet paprika and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomato and sliced zucchini, cooking until slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a baking dish.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the vegetables, gently mixing to combine.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the Dish:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, finely chopped cucumber, and dill.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Serve:
- Slice the egg bake into portions and serve warm with a generous dollop of the creamy garlic sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad for added crunch and freshness.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or freshly squeezed juice for a perfect brunch.
Cooking Tips
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the vegetables from sticking while cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or Italian herbs to the eggs.
- Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs: High in protein and essential nutrients.
- Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
- Sour Cream and Cucumber Sauce: Adds probiotics and a refreshing flavor.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free.
- Contains dairy and eggs.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage
- Store leftover egg bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The garlic sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect blend of fresh vegetables, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese.
- The creamy garlic sauce adds a refreshing tang to complement the bake.
- Simple ingredients make it an easy-to-follow recipe.
- Versatile enough for any meal of the day.
Conclusion
This Savory Vegetable Egg Bake with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful combination of rich textures and fresh flavors. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, it’s a wholesome and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. The creamy garlic sauce elevates the meal, adding a burst of freshness and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli are great additions.
- Can I use a different cheese? Yes, cheddar, feta, or Gouda work well.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Use plant-based cheese and yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Can I prepare it ahead? Yes, assemble the bake and refrigerate overnight; bake when ready.
- Can I freeze leftovers? The bake freezes well; thaw and reheat in the oven. Avoid freezing the sauce.
- How do I get a crispy top? Broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Can I omit the garlic? Yes, but it adds great flavor to the sauce.
- What can I serve it with? A side salad or roasted potatoes pair wonderfully.
- Can I replace sour cream in the sauce? Use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
- Is this dish kid-friendly? Absolutely! Adjust seasonings for a milder flavor if needed.