Savory Baked Egg Casserole with Leeks, Cheese, and Tarragon
This Savory Baked Egg Casserole with Leeks, Cheese, and Tarragon is a delightful addition to any brunch or breakfast table. It brings together the richness of eggs and cream, the subtle sweetness of sautéed leeks, and the aromatic hint of fresh tarragon. Topped with melted Havarti and parmesan, this dish is as satisfying as it is flavorful. Perfect for weekend gatherings or a hearty start to your day.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
leeks
2 large (washed, sliced, white and light green parts)
Havarti cheese
1.5 cups (shredded, divided)
parmesan cheese
0.5 cup (shredded)
eggs
8 (whisked)
heavy cream
1.5 cups
fresh tarragon
3 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
0.25-0.5 teaspoon
pepper
0.25 teaspoon
paprika
0.125 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced leeks and sauté them until they become tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Spread the sautéed leeks evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Havarti cheese and all of the parmesan cheese evenly over the leeks.
4
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, chopped tarragon, salt, pepper, and paprika until fully combined and smooth.
5
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the cheese and leek layers in the baking dish.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is lightly browned.
7
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Havarti cheese over the top.
8
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
9
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Savory Baked Egg Casserole?
The dish features a rich combination of eggs and heavy cream, balanced by the subtle sweetness of sautéed leeks, aromatic fresh tarragon, and a blend of Havarti and parmesan cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 10 servings, making it ideal for a large brunch or family breakfast.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking the casserole.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9-inch baking dish should be used for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
You should lightly grease the 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Which parts of the leeks should I use?
Use the white and light green parts of the leeks for the best flavor and texture.
How long should I sauté the leeks?
Sauté the sliced leeks in butter for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
What kind of cheeses are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded Havarti cheese and 0.5 cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
Is all the Havarti cheese added at once?
No, the Havarti cheese is divided. One cup is added before baking, and the remaining half cup is sprinkled on top during the final 5 minutes of baking.
How many eggs are needed for this casserole?
You will need 8 large eggs, which should be whisked before being mixed with other ingredients.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
While the recipe specifies heavy cream for a rich texture, you could likely use half-and-half, though the result will be less creamy.
What role does tarragon play in this recipe?
Fresh tarragon provides a distinct aromatic hint that complements the eggs and leeks perfectly.
What spices are used to season the egg mixture?
The egg mixture is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and a small amount of paprika.
How do I layer the ingredients in the pan?
Layer the sautéed leeks first, followed by the first portion of Havarti and all the parmesan, then pour the egg and cream mixture over the top.
What is the initial baking time?
The casserole should bake for an initial 30 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is lightly browned.
How long does the final baking stage take after adding the remaining cheese?
After adding the final layer of cheese, bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing to ensure the pieces hold their shape.
What is the preparation method for the butter?
The 4 tablespoons of butter should be melted in a skillet to sauté the leeks.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch gathering?
Absolutely, its savory profile and large serving size make it a delightful addition to any brunch table.
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Yes, but use a smaller amount (about 1 tablespoon) as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
How do I know when the eggs are fully set?
The eggs are set when the center no longer jiggles and the top has a light golden-brown color.
What does the paprika add to the dish?
Paprika adds a subtle warmth and a touch of color to the egg mixture.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
While the recipe focuses on leeks, you could add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra variety.
How should the leeks be washed?
Since leeks can be sandy, slice them first and then rinse them thoroughly in a bowl of cold water.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Based on the ingredient list, this casserole is gluten-free as it contains no flour or bread products.
What is the total amount of cheese used?
The recipe uses a total of 2 cups of cheese: 1.5 cups of Havarti and 0.5 cup of parmesan.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can sauté the leeks and whisk the egg mixture in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What texture should the leeks have before adding to the dish?
The leeks should be soft, tender, and translucent, not browned or crunchy.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests using between 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoons of salt depending on your preference.
What is the best way to slice the casserole?
Use a sharp knife or a spatula to cut the casserole into squares or rectangles after it has cooled for a few minutes.