Description
This wholesome, fluffy breakfast bake brings the garden to your table with a colorful medley of fresh peppers, zucchini, and spinach. By swapping heavy cream for half-and-half and recalibrating the cheese, this version offers a lighter texture that is satisfying throughout the morning. It is a simple, savory way to enjoy a high-protein breakfast that tastes like a classic American diner omelet.
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- 1/2 cup Green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Red bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cups Fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup Yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 medium Zucchini (chopped)
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 cup Shredded Colby-Jack or sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 8 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Half-and-half (or whole milk for a lighter option)
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little oil.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the vegetables cool slightly for about 5 minutes (this prevents them from scrambling the raw eggs).
- Whisk the base: While the vegetables cool, crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the half-and-half, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and airy.
- Combine ingredients: Stir 2/3 cup of the shredded cheese and the chopped fresh spinach into the egg mixture. Add the slightly cooled sautéed vegetables and mix gently until well combined.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the center should be mostly set.
- Melt the topping: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of cheese over the top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack. Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes to firm up before slicing into 9 even squares.
Notes
- Allergy Alert: This recipe contains eggs and milk (dairy). Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and unsweetened almond milk if needed, though this may alter the texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.
Nutritional info (per 1 square serving): Calories: 155 | Total Fat: 11.5g (Saturated: 5.5g) | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 270mg | Total Carbs: 3.5g (Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 1.5g) | Net Carbs: 2.5g | Protein: 9.5g | Vitamin A: 15% DV | Vitamin C: 25% DV
These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data. Values may vary based on brands, exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or consult a reliable database.
