The Ultimate Impossibly Easy Breakfast Bake: Feed a Crowd with Minimal Effort
Are you hosting a brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply have a hungry family to feed? The thought of preparing a complicated breakfast for a crowd can be daunting. But fear not! Enter the “Impossibly Easy Breakfast Bake,” a dish so simple, so customizable, and so delicious, it will become your go-to breakfast solution. This recipe lives up to its name – it’s unbelievably easy to put together, feeds a crowd with ease, and the taste? Impossibly good!
This breakfast bake is essentially a quiche without a crust, making it incredibly fast to prepare. The batter is a simple combination of eggs, milk, cheese, and a bit of flour to bind it all together. The real magic lies in the fillings – you can customize it to your heart’s content with your favorite meats, vegetables, and cheeses. This versatility makes it perfect for pleasing even the pickiest eaters.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Effortless Preparation:** Dump and bake! Seriously, it’s that easy. Minimal chopping and stirring are required.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The generous portions and customizable fillings make it a hit with everyone.
* **Versatile:** Adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free options available).
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for an even easier breakfast.
* **Delicious:** The creamy, cheesy base combined with your favorite fillings creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients, along with suggestions for variations:
**Base Ingredients:**
* **Eggs:** The foundation of the bake. Use large eggs for the best results. (10-12 eggs for a 9×13 inch pan)
* **Milk:** Adds moisture and richness. Whole milk is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but 2% milk or even unsweetened almond milk can be used as substitutes. (2-3 cups)
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Helps bind the ingredients together. You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version. (1/2 cup)
* **Shredded Cheese:** Choose your favorite! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend all work well. (2-3 cups)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Optional:** A pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder can add extra depth of flavor.
**Filling Options (Choose your favorites! Aim for 3-4 cups total):**
* **Meats:**
* Cooked and crumbled sausage (Italian, breakfast, or chorizo)
* Cooked and diced ham
* Cooked and crumbled bacon
* Diced cooked chicken or turkey
* Cooked and crumbled ground beef
* **Vegetables:**
* Diced onions
* Diced bell peppers (any color)
* Sliced mushrooms
* Chopped spinach
* Diced tomatoes
* Cooked broccoli or cauliflower florets
* Diced zucchini or squash
* Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
* Asparagus (chopped)
* **Other Additions:**
* Chopped green onions
* Diced jalapenos (for a spicy kick)
* Artichoke hearts (canned, drained and quartered)
* Olives (sliced)
## Equipment
* 9×13 inch baking dish (or two 9-inch square baking dishes)
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board and knife
* Skillet (for cooking meats and some vegetables, if needed)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Impossibly Easy Breakfast Bake masterpiece:
**1. Prepare Your Fillings:**
* **Cook Meats:** If using sausage, bacon, ground beef, or ham, cook them thoroughly in a skillet until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Crumble or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces.
* **Sauté Vegetables (Optional):** Some vegetables, like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, benefit from being sautéed before adding them to the bake. This helps to soften them and bring out their flavor. Sauté them in a little olive oil or butter until tender-crisp.
* **Chop Vegetables:** Dice or chop all of your chosen vegetables into small, even pieces. Spinach can be roughly chopped.
**2. Preheat Your Oven:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
**3. Grease Your Baking Dish:**
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or two 9-inch square baking dishes) with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the bake from sticking to the pan.
**4. Combine the Base Ingredients:**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of flour remaining.
* Add about half of the shredded cheese to the egg mixture and stir to combine. This will help to create a cheesy base throughout the bake.
**5. Add the Fillings:**
* Add your prepared meats, vegetables, and any other desired additions to the egg mixture. Stir gently to distribute the fillings evenly throughout the batter.
**6. Pour into the Baking Dish:**
* Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
**7. Top with Cheese:**
* Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the bake. This will create a golden-brown, cheesy crust.
**8. Bake:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the bake is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
**9. Let it Rest:**
* Remove the breakfast bake from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This will allow it to set up a bit more and make it easier to slice.
**10. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve the Impossibly Easy Breakfast Bake warm. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side of fresh fruit, toast, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
## Variations and Tips
* **Vegetarian:** Omit the meat and load up on the vegetables! Consider adding roasted red peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and onions for a flavorful vegetarian bake.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use unsweetened almond milk or another dairy-free milk alternative. You can also use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute, but be aware that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
* **Spicy:** Add diced jalapenos, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Italian:** Use Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for an Italian-inspired breakfast bake.
* **Mexican:** Use chorizo sausage, diced bell peppers, onions, cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a Mexican-inspired breakfast bake. Top with salsa and sour cream when serving.
* **Make-Ahead:** Prepare the breakfast bake the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake it as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can make the bake dry and rubbery. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s set.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always result in the best flavor.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and ingredients. The possibilities are endless!
* **Freezing:** While technically you *can* freeze this, the texture can change. It’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
## Serving Suggestions
This Impossibly Easy Breakfast Bake is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
* **As is:** Serve it as a main course for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
* **With a side salad:** A light green salad or a fruit salad complements the richness of the bake.
* **With toast or muffins:** Serve with a side of toast, muffins, or scones for a heartier meal.
* **With a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt:** Adds a tangy and creamy touch.
* **With salsa or hot sauce:** For those who like a little spice.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
The nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a typical serving of Impossibly Easy Breakfast Bake (using the base ingredients and a variety of meats and vegetables) will contain approximately:
* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 20-30g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This recipe is a great source of protein and calcium, and it can be a good source of vitamins and minerals depending on the vegetables you choose.
## Conclusion
The Impossibly Easy Breakfast Bake is a game-changer for anyone who needs to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavor make it a winner every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this effortlessly impressive breakfast dish. Happy baking!
This recipe will definitely be a hit, whether you are making it for just yourself, your family, or you have to feed a crowd! It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can focus on everything else! Bon Appetit!