Frequently Asked Questions
What are Deluxe Christmas Morning Baked Eggs?
It is a rich, creamy, and festive egg casserole featuring a smooth cheddar cheese sauce, sautéed green onions, and savory ham or bacon, all topped with buttery breadcrumbs.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed to be prepared the day before, covered, and refrigerated overnight to eliminate morning stress.
How do I make the cheese sauce for the eggs?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in flour for a few minutes, gradually add milk while whisking until thick, then stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
How long does it take to bake?
Bake the dish uncovered for approximately 20 minutes until the eggs are set and the breadcrumbs are golden and toasted.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 8 large eggs, which should be beaten before being cooked.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese for the sauce.
Can I use bacon instead of ham?
Yes, you can use either diced bacon or ham depending on your preference.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
Butter a piece of white bread and process it in a food processor until it turns into fine crumbs, then sprinkle them over the egg mixture.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a greased 11x7 inch baking dish for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains about 21g of protein.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Gradually add the milk while whisking vigorously into the butter and flour mixture to ensure a smooth consistency.
Should the eggs be fully cooked before being added to the sauce?
No, the eggs should be cooked until they are nearly set but still soft before being folded into the cheese sauce.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered to allow the breadcrumbs to toast and become golden.
What parts of the green onion should I use?
You should use both the white and green parts of the chopped green onions.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or ham to make this a vegetarian-friendly egg dish.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of milk for the cheese sauce.
Is there a specific way to sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped green onions in 2 tablespoons of melted butter for 2-3 minutes until they are softened.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 22.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 14g of carbohydrates per serving.
What seasoning is suggested?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste in the cheese sauce.
Can I use a different type of bread for the crumbs?
While white bread is specified for its light texture, you could substitute other bread types if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is ideal for Christmas morning or any brunch gathering where you want to impress guests.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, make sure to use a greased baking dish to prevent the eggs from sticking.
Should the eggs be beaten?
Yes, the 8 large eggs should be beaten until well combined and fluffy before cooking.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
Yes, although freshly grated cheddar often melts more smoothly into the sauce.
What if I don't have a food processor?
You can manually crumble the buttered bread into very small pieces if a food processor is unavailable.
How should I serve this dish?
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving; it pairs well with other festive brunch items.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of creamy sauce, melted cheese, and soft eggs makes it a classic comfort food dish.