Fluffy Cheddar-Packed Oven Scrambled Eggs for a Crowd
Perfectly fluffy and delicious, these oven-scrambled eggs are tailored for a brunch buffet, allowing you to serve a large crowd with ease. This dish features the creamy richness of half-and-half cream and milk, and your choice of cheese for an elevated flavor profile, making it a favorite for gatherings. With the comforting addition of salsa, green onions, and soft buns on the side, it transforms a simple breakfast into a delightful experience. The key to achieving the ideal texture lies in the baking technique—perfectly timed to create soft, fluffy eggs that everyone will love. This recipe is best suited for large eggs, so be sure to keep that in mind for optimal results.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/3-1/2 cup (melted)
Large Eggs
24 (whisked)
Seasoned Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste (optional)
Half-and-Half Cream
1 1/4 cups (liquid)
Milk
1 1/4 cups (liquid)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2 cups (optional for mixing or topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and set the oven rack to the lowest position.
2
Generously spray a 13 x 9-inch glass baking pan with cooking spray, then pour the melted butter into the bottom of the pan, ensuring it coats the surface evenly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 24 large eggs and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt until smooth and fully combined.
4
Slowly whisk in 1 1/4 cups of half-and-half cream and 1 1/4 cups of milk until the mixture is uniform.
5
Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
6
Bake the eggs uncovered in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
7
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using a spatula, stir the eggs gently to promote even cooking.
8
Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the eggs are just set in the center. Take care not to overbake as they will continue to cook slightly after removal.
9
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for a minute before serving. If desired, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of making scrambled eggs in the oven?
Oven-scrambled eggs are ideal for serving a large crowd or a brunch buffet because they allow you to prepare a large quantity at once with minimal active stirring.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Where should I place the oven rack for this recipe?
The oven rack should be set to the lowest position for the best results.
What size baking pan is needed for 24 eggs?
A 13 x 9-inch glass baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the pan to prevent sticking?
Generously spray the glass baking pan with cooking spray and then pour 1/3 to 1/2 cup of melted butter into the bottom, ensuring it coats the surface evenly.
How many eggs does this recipe require?
This recipe requires 24 large eggs.
Can I use different types of dairy for the eggs?
The recipe calls for a combination of 1 1/4 cups of half-and-half cream and 1 1/4 cups of milk for a uniform, creamy texture.
How much salt should I add to the egg mixture?
You should whisk in 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoned salt with the eggs.
Is black pepper included in the recipe?
Fresh ground black pepper is optional and can be added to taste.
How long do the eggs bake initially before stirring?
The eggs should bake uncovered for an initial 10 minutes.
What should I do after the first 10 minutes of baking?
Carefully remove the pan and use a spatula to stir the eggs gently to promote even cooking before returning them to the oven.
What is the total baking time for oven scrambled eggs?
The total baking time is approximately 25 to 30 minutes: 10 minutes initially, followed by another 15 to 20 minutes after stirring.
How can I tell when the eggs are done?
The eggs are done when they are just set in the center. Be careful not to overbake them.
When should I add the cheddar cheese?
You can sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the eggs just before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Should I cover the eggs while they are in the oven?
No, the eggs should be baked uncovered.
What ingredients make these eggs extra fluffy?
The combination of whisked large eggs, half-and-half, and milk, along with the gentle stirring technique, creates a fluffy texture.
Can I use smaller eggs for this recipe?
The recipe specifies large eggs for optimal results; using different sizes may affect the texture and baking time.
Are there any recommended toppings for these eggs?
Salsa and green onions are suggested as comforting additions to enhance the flavor.
What can I serve on the side with these eggs?
Soft buns are recommended as a side to transform the eggs into a complete breakfast experience.
How much butter is used in the pan?
The recipe calls for 1/3 to 1/2 cup of melted butter to coat the pan.
Why do the eggs continue to cook after being removed from the oven?
Residual heat in the pan and the eggs causes 'carryover cooking,' which is why you should remove them when they are just set.
How long should the eggs sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the pan sit for about a minute after removal from the oven before serving.
Can I mix the cheese into the eggs before baking?
The recipe lists cheese as optional for mixing or as a topping; however, it specifically suggests sprinkling it on just before serving.
Is this a good recipe for a make-ahead meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a make-ahead recipe, making it convenient for planned events.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a breakfast or brunch dish, specifically suited for crowds.
Is the salt used in the recipe just regular table salt?
The recipe specifically lists seasoned salt for an elevated flavor profile.
Can I use a metal pan instead of a glass pan?
While the recipe specifies a glass baking pan, metal can be used, though it may heat faster and require a slightly adjusted baking time.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: butter, eggs, seasoned salt, black pepper, half-and-half, milk, and cheddar cheese.
What makes this dish a 'crowd-pleaser'?
Its ease of preparation, high yield (24 eggs), and cheesy, fluffy texture make it a popular choice for large gatherings.
How do I ensure the egg mixture is uniform?
Slowly whisk the half-and-half and milk into the already beaten eggs and salt until the mixture is completely combined.