Savory Southwest Turkey and Cheese Bake
Indulge in this scrumptious Savory Southwest Turkey and Cheese Bake, a delightful twist on the classic quiche! This hearty casserole combines layers of flavorful ingredients, including tender corn tortillas, savory deli turkey, and vibrant green chiles, all enveloped in a rich mixture of eggs and milk. Topped with a generous layer of melted Monterey Jack cheese, it’s a comforting dish perfect for any dinner table or as a satisfying brunch option. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also freezes beautifully before cooking, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit smaller families by halving the ingredients. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn Tortillas
6 (Torn into pieces)
Deli Turkey
10 slices (Layered as is)
Canned Diced Green Chiles
1 cup (Drained)
Sliced Black Olives
1/2 cup (Drained)
Frozen Corn
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Fresh Cilantro
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Monterey Jack Cheese
4 cups (Shredded)
Eggs
1 1/2 cups (Beaten)
Milk
2 cups (No preparation needed)
Minced Garlic
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Tear the corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces and evenly spread them across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4
Layer the deli turkey slices over the tortilla pieces, ensuring even coverage.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned diced green chiles, sliced black olives, frozen corn, chopped cilantro, and 3 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients and pour the mixture over the turkey layer in the baking dish.
6
In the same mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, minced garlic, and pepper until fully combined. Carefully pour this egg mixture over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
7
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent browning.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and bubbly.
10
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Southwest Turkey and Cheese Bake?
It is a hearty casserole that offers a delightful twist on a classic quiche, featuring layers of corn tortillas, deli turkey, green chiles, and cheese in an egg-based mixture.
How many corn tortillas are needed for this recipe?
You will need 6 corn tortillas, which should be torn into bite-sized pieces.
What type of turkey is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for 10 slices of deli turkey, layered as is over the tortilla pieces.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking dish for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully before cooking, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 4 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
What is the first layer in the baking dish?
The first layer consists of the torn corn tortilla pieces spread across the bottom of the dish.
Do I need to prep the frozen corn before adding it?
No preparation is needed for the 1 cup of frozen corn; it can be added directly to the mixture.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes in the oven, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should the baking dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while it bakes.
When should the aluminum foil be removed?
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to let the top become golden and bubbly.
What ingredients are in the egg mixture?
The egg mixture consists of 1 1/2 cups of beaten eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While the recipe specifies Monterey Jack for its melting quality, you can customize it with other shredded cheeses of your choice.
Do the green chiles need to be drained?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of canned diced green chiles that have been drained.
Is fresh cilantro used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro is mixed in, and more can be used as a garnish.
What kind of olives are included?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of drained, sliced black olives.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
Can I make a smaller portion of this dish?
Yes, you can easily halve the ingredients to suit smaller families or fewer servings.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, its quiche-like texture and hearty ingredients make it a perfect satisfying brunch option.
Does the recipe contain garlic?
Yes, the egg mixture includes 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for added flavor.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the second layer of the casserole?
The second layer is the 10 slices of deli turkey spread evenly over the torn tortillas.
Should the casserole sit after baking?
Yes, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool and set before slicing and serving.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because it combines proteins, dairy, and grains in a single pan.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk for the egg base.
What seasoning is added to the egg mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Can I add more cilantro?
Yes, you can add additional fresh cilantro as a garnish before serving for a burst of flavor.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that is great for families.
What ingredients are mixed with the cheese?
The shredded cheese is mixed with diced green chiles, black olives, frozen corn, and chopped cilantro.