Savory Cheesy Morning Delight Casserole
Start your day with this indulgent Savory Cheesy Morning Delight Casserole, where creamy cheeses blend with fresh vegetables and savory protein. This satisfying breakfast is breadless, making it a lighter yet hearty option that will please everyone at the table. Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a deliciously balanced morning meal. Perfect for family brunches, gatherings, or meal prep for busy mornings, this dish is sure to become a household favorite, appealing to both men and women alike.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shredded mozzarella cheese
12 ounces (shredded)
Shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
12 ounces (shredded)
Sliced mushrooms
6 ounces (drained)
Chopped green onion
1/3 cup (chopped)
Red bell pepper
1/2 medium (chopped)
Margarine or butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Julienned ham or cooked and crumbled sausage
8 ounces
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup
Milk
1 3/4 cups
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Eggs
8 (beaten (egg substitute can be used))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and colby-monterey jack cheeses, mixing well.
3
Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly at the bottom of a greased 13x9 inch casserole dish.
4
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the margarine or butter. Add the drained mushrooms, chopped green onions, and chopped red bell pepper, cooking until the onion and pepper are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
5
Distribute the sautéed vegetables evenly over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
6
Layer the julienned ham or crumbled sausage over the vegetables, followed by the remaining half of the cheese mixture on top.
7
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, chopped parsley, and beaten eggs until smooth.
8
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cheese and meat layers in the casserole dish.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the casserole is set and lightly golden brown on top.
10
Allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares for serving.
11
NOTE: If preparing in advance, follow the steps up to pouring the custard mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, prepare the custard and bake as instructed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Cheesy Morning Delight Casserole?
It is an indulgent, breadless breakfast casserole featuring creamy cheeses, fresh vegetables, and savory proteins like ham or sausage.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for large groups or meal prep.
What types of cheese are used in this casserole?
The dish uses a combination of 12 ounces of shredded mozzarella and 12 ounces of shredded colby-monterey jack cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
The casserole should bake for approximately 45 minutes or until it is set and lightly golden brown on top.
Can I substitute the ham for another meat?
Yes, you can use 8 ounces of cooked and crumbled sausage as an alternative to julienned ham.
Is there bread in this breakfast casserole?
No, this is a breadless recipe, providing a lighter yet satisfying option compared to traditional breakfast stratas.
What vegetables are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of sliced mushrooms, 1/3 cup of chopped green onions, and 1/2 of a medium red bell pepper.
Should I cook the vegetables before adding them to the dish?
Yes, the mushrooms, green onions, and red bell peppers should be sautéed in margarine or butter for 4-5 minutes until tender.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can layer the cheese, vegetables, and meat in the dish and refrigerate it overnight. Prepare and add the custard mixture just before baking the next morning.
What ingredients are used for the custard base?
The custard is a whisked mixture of 1/2 cup flour, 1 3/4 cups milk, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and 8 beaten eggs.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 8 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the custard mixture.
Can I use egg substitutes?
Yes, egg substitute can be used in place of the 8 fresh eggs.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 13x9 inch casserole dish is the standard size for this recipe.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares for serving.
How much milk is used in the custard?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of milk for the custard base.
Does this recipe use flour?
Yes, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour is included in the custard mixture to help the casserole set.
What preparation is needed for the mushrooms?
The 6 ounces of sliced mushrooms should be drained before being sautéed with the other vegetables.
How much red bell pepper should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 of a medium red bell pepper, finely chopped.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1/4 cup of either margarine or butter for sautéing the vegetables.
How is the cheese layered in the dish?
Half of the cheese mixture is placed at the bottom of the dish, and the remaining half is layered over the vegetables and meat.
What is a good side dish to serve with this?
Serving the casserole with a side of fresh fruit provides a balanced and delicious morning meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is perfect for meal prep for busy mornings or for serving at family brunches.
How much fresh parsley is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley mixed into the custard.
Is this a savory or sweet breakfast dish?
This is a savory dish characterized by cheese, vegetables, and protein.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much green onion is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of chopped green onion for the vegetable sauté.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when it is firm to the touch (set) and the top has reached a light golden brown color.
Should the meat be pre-cooked?
If using sausage, it must be cooked and crumbled beforehand. The ham should be julienned before layering.
What makes this dish unique compared to other casseroles?
Its breadless design and heavy use of two types of cheese create a uniquely creamy and indulgent texture.