Cheesy Southwestern Breakfast Casserole
Indulge in this Cheesy Southwestern Breakfast Casserole, a perfect blend of flavors that will start your day off right. This hearty dish combines creamy sour cream, rich cheeses, and a colorful medley of bell peppers and onions, all wrapped up in a comforting baked egg base. Serve it alongside apple cinnamon tortillas drizzled with honey butter for a delightful brunch experience. Whether you're entertaining guests or feeding the family, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
460
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (for greasing the baking dish)
eggs
8 (separated into yolks and whites)
sour cream
20 ounces (none)
whole milk
1/2 cup (none)
Monterey Jack cheese
4 cups (shredded)
mild cheddar cheese
4 cups (shredded)
garlic
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
red pepper
1 small (chopped)
green pepper
1 small (chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
anaheim chili
1 (chopped)
flour
1 1/2 cups (none)
extra virgin olive oil
as needed (for sautéing the vegetables)
tomato
1 (thinly sliced for topping)
ham
optional, diced (or Canadian bacon, cooked optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, red and green peppers, and anaheim chili, sautéing until softened but not browned. Set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites, placing the yolks in the bowl and the whites in a separate clean bowl.
4
To the yolks, add whole milk, flour, minced garlic, and black pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
5
Stir in the sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and the cooled sautéed vegetables. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
6
Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheesy egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the whites.
7
Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
8
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the top is golden and starts to crack.
9
About 15 minutes before the casserole is finished baking, layer the thinly sliced tomatoes on top.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with sweet apple cinnamon tortillas smeared with honey butter for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
32.5g
Fat
21.875g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Southwestern Breakfast Casserole?
It is a hearty breakfast dish featuring a baked egg base mixed with sour cream, cheeses, bell peppers, onions, and Anaheim chilis.
What are the main ingredients in this casserole?
The primary ingredients include eggs, sour cream, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, flour, milk, bell peppers, onions, and Anaheim chilis.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
The casserole should be baked for 45 to 60 minutes until the top is golden and starts to crack.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can optionally add diced ham or cooked Canadian bacon to the mixture.
What types of peppers are used?
The recipe calls for a small red pepper, a small green pepper, and one Anaheim chili.
Do I need to separate the eggs?
Yes, you should separate the yolks and the whites. The yolks are mixed with the base, while the whites are beaten to stiff peaks and folded in.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The onion, peppers, and chili should be chopped and sautéed in olive oil until softened before being added to the egg mixture.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe uses 4 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 4 cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese.
How much sour cream is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 20 ounces of sour cream.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan?
Grease the baking dish with one tablespoon of butter before pouring in the mixture.
Can I use any type of milk?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of whole milk.
When should the tomato topping be added?
Layer the thinly sliced tomatoes on top about 15 minutes before the casserole finishes baking.
How many calories are in this dish?
There are approximately 460 calories per serving.
Is this breakfast casserole spicy?
The casserole contains Anaheim chilis and mild cheddar, providing a southwestern flavor that is generally mild rather than hot.
What is the protein content of this meal?
Each serving contains approximately 27.5g of protein.
What should I serve as a side with this casserole?
It pairs well with sweet apple cinnamon tortillas drizzled with honey butter.
Why are the egg whites beaten until stiff peaks form?
Beating and then folding in the egg whites creates a lighter, fluffier texture in the finished casserole.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of flour.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 32.5g of fat per serving.
What type of oil should be used for sautéing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing the peppers and onions.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 8 large eggs for this recipe.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this dish?
There are approximately 21.875g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use Canadian bacon instead of ham?
Yes, cooked Canadian bacon is a suitable optional meat addition.
What is the texture of the casserole?
The combination of cheeses, sour cream, and folded egg whites creates a rich, creamy, and slightly airy texture.
Should the vegetables be cooled before adding to the eggs?
Yes, the instructions suggest letting the sautéed vegetables cool slightly before stirring them into the cheese and egg mixture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and beginning to show small cracks.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as being perfect for a delightful brunch experience.
Should I rotate the dish while baking?
Yes, the recipe recommends rotating the baking dish halfway through the cooking time for even results.