Broccoli Egg Bake
This Broccoli Egg Bake works well as a high protein and low carb Meal Prep Breakfast or to serve as an easy savory brunch recipe.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Broccoli Egg Bake
As a busy working mom, who knows the importance of a healthy breakfast, I have loved making egg bake recipes and egg muffins for meal prep breakfasts for more than a decade! I love how a high-protein breakfast always keeps me fuller longer.
This is one of those easy recipes I think of as a formula that can be endlessly adapted for the seasonal veggies du jour! I often mix up the vegetables depending what’s in my garden or (let’s be honest) what I need to use up in the produce drawer!
Readers love my Spinach Egg Bake and this cheesy veggie-packed Chard Egg Bake. So, since broccoli is great year round, I thought I would share with you my latest favorite egg bake combination with fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese.
Don’t miss our Veggie Scrambled Eggs if you need another “clean out the produce drawer” breakfast idea.
Ingredients For This Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bake
- Broccoli: I used fresh broccoli for this and found that one small crown was just the right amount. It is okay if yours is a little smaller or a little larger. This recipe is very forgiving! I cut it up and steamed it to soften it.
- Eggs: I used a dozen fresh large eggs. If you are watching your saturated fat you can substitute fat free liquid egg instead. Follow the instructions on the packaging for equivalents for 12 eggs.
- Seasonings: To season the eggs, I used a combination of grated fresh garlic (which is great with broccoli), smoked paprika, dijon and salt and black pepper. You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. I have also tested this with onion powder. Mrs Dash or another salt free blend is great if you are on a low sodium diet.
- Half and Half: I added a small amount of half and half to the egg mixture. You can use non-fat milk or sub in low fat cottage cheese if you like.
- Cheddar Cheese: I used 1 packed cup of freshly shredded white cheddar cheese. Look for sharp or extra sharp for the best strongest cheese flavor. Feel free to use yellow cheese or pre-shredded cheese instead.
To Make With Frozen Broccoli: You can also use frozen thawed broccoli. No need to steam it in step two. Thaw, drain and then roughly chop the broccoli before adding it to the casserole dish. The baking time takes about 5 minutes longer because the broccoli will be cold.
How To Make This Broccoli Egg Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Casserole Dish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 9 baking dish with cooking spray. You can brush it with oil or butter it with unsalted butter if you prefer.
Step 2: Cook The Broccoli
First we need to pre-cook the broccoli by steaming it.
Stove Top Instructions
- Set a steamer basket in a large saucepan.
- Fill the water up to the bottom of the basket level and bring to a simmer.
- Add the broccoli to the steamer basket, cover and let it steam for 4 minutes.
- Remove the basket from the steamer.
Microwave Instructions
- Combine broccoli and 1/2 cup water in a large microwave safe bowl.
- Cover with a layer of parchment, and then another layer of plastic wrap to trap the steam.
- Microwave on high power for 4 minutes.
- Carefully remove the plastic wrap and parchment, and drain the broccoli.
If you are using frozen broccoli simply thaw it and make sure it is well drained.
Step 3: Beat The Eggs With Seasonings and Cream
Whisk the eggs, half and half, garlic, Dijon, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a large bowl or batter bowl with a spout. Beat until the eggs are smooth for the best fluffy texture.
Step 4: Layer The Casserole
Layer the steamed broccoli (or thawed, drained and chopped broccoli) into the coated baking dish. It is okay if the steamed broccoli is still hot.
Gently pour the eggs over the broccoli without dislodging the broccoli and letting it all float to one side or the other.
Top with the cheddar cheese as evenly as possible.
Baking Instructions
As I said before, this recipe is very forgiving. But it is important to not overcook it if you can help it. Here are some tips:
- Cook the Egg Bake in the center of the oven.
- Set the timer for 30 minutes and then check on it. The center will be the last part to cook through.
- The outer surface of the egg bake will puff slightly as it sets up. This is normal, and how you will tell it is almost ready.
- You want to cook it until the center is just barely cooked through but not fully puffing into a dome.
- You can press a paring knife into the center to make sure it is not liquid.
- The egg will continue to cook though after it comes out of the oven. When it puffs up too much it can make the final texture a little spongy.
Meal Prep and Make Ahead Tips For This Breakfast Casserole
I love this recipe for meal prep because it is easy to make ahead. I bake one on the weekend, usually have a slice when it is fresh, then we enjoy the remaining portions through the week.
STORAGE: You can keep it in the casserole dish covered with plastic wrap or foil, or you can cut it into portions and keep them separate in glass storage containers.
FREEZING: Freeze this broccoli egg casserole, covered with several layers of foil and in a large freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw well in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours before reheating and serving.
Reheating Instructions
Microwave: Individual portions heat well in the microwave. Place portion on a microwave safe plate or leave in glass storage container if they are microwave safe (do not microwave plastic lids.) Cook on high power until steaming hot, 90 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on power of microwave.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. To reheat the broccoli cheese bake, simply cover the casserole dish with foil and set it in the hot oven. Bake until heated through and steaming hot. You can heat a single portion in a small baking pan, just make sure to cover with foil to keep it from drying out.
To test if it is Hot: You can test if the reheated cheese egg bake is heated through with an instant-read thermometer (it should be 160 to 170 degrees F. Or slide a butter knife into the center of the egg and hold it there for a moment. Then pull it out and feel the temperature of it. If it is hot the center of the egg bake is hot!
Serving Suggestions: What To Serve With This Broccoli Egg Bake Recipe
- Brunch: Egg bakes and baked omelets or crustless quiche are not just great for a meal prep breakfast on the go. They’re also perfect for serving for a healthy brunch entree. They can be served hot or room temperature on a buffet. Try with traditional hash browns or Sweet Potato Hash. For a make ahead brunch side dish to go with this (and ham) I love this Horseradish Potato Salad.
- Weekday Breakfast: For a quick breakfast on the go, you can pair a slice of this cheesy goodness with toasted whole wheat bread or a Savory muffin.
- Low Carb Menu: If you are watching your carbs, this egg bake has only 2 grams net carbs so it is great for a keto diet. Pair with unsweetened or sugar-free ham, bacon or breakfast sausage.
- Fruit and Mimosas: You can make fruit salad or Melon Salad and mimosas or champagne cocktails for a celebratory meal.
- Something Sweet: Try with Bran Muffins, Wheat Morning Glory Muffins or my quick bread recipes are always a great way to add to the menu as well.
Variations To Try
Add chopped bell peppers for more a little vitamin C and color in this healthy breakfast casserole
Another cheese would work well too- try with Monterey Jack for a mild melting cheese or something more sharp and pungent like Parmesan or feta cheese.
More Recipes You May Enjoy
- Try this Healthy French Toast Casserole, breakfast casserole with cranberries or this breakfast strata for a holiday brunch.
- This Breakfast Pita or Veggie Frittata are great for high-protein breakfasts.
- Our Cheese and Greens Omelet is another low carb recipe and a protein-rich way to start the day.
- This Healthy Green Smoothie is another breakfast idea for busy mornings.
- Cheddar pairs so well with broccoli. Check out my roasted cauliflower and broccoli and Cheddar cheese recipe or this Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole if you need proof!
- This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup looks amazing!
- For a warm breakfast drink, try making a Matcha Latte at home!
At Healthy Seasonal Recipes, we specialize in cooking with fresh veggies and creating weeknight meals. Sign up HERE to get more produce-forward dinner ideas for FREE! If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought! Happy Cooking! ~Katie
Print
Easy Broccoli Egg Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
This Broccoli Egg Bake recipe is a easy make-ahead breakfast and a high-protein and grain free Meal Prep recipe. It can be served as a crustless quiche or breakfast casserole for brunch too.
Ingredients
1 small crown broccoli, chopped into small florets and pieces
12 large eggs
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated on a rasp-style grater
1/4 cup half and half
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black or white pepper
4 ounces cheddar cheese, 1 cup
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 9 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Fit a large saucepan with a steamer basket. Fill the saucepan to just below the basket level with water. Bring to a boil. Add broccoli, cover and steam the broccoli until it is crisp tender, about 4 minutes. Remove the basket from the saucepan. Alternatively to microwave: Combine broccoli and ½ cup water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave for four minutes. Carefully remove the cover and drain the water from the broccoli.
3. Whisk eggs, garlic, half and half in a large bowl. Add mustard, paprika, salt and pepper and whisk to combine until the spices are blended into the eggs and there are no large clumps of mustard. Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli. Top with cheddar.
4. Carefully transfer to the oven and bake until the mixture is just set in the center, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool at least 10 minutes before cutting into wedges and serving.
Notes
To Use Frozen Broccoli
You can use 10 oz frozen thawed broccoli. No need to steam it. I thawed it it in the refrigerator, drained it and then roughly chopped the broccoli before adding it to the casserole dish. The baking time takes about 5 minutes longer because the broccoli will be cold.
Reheating Instructions
Microwave: Individual portions heat well in the microwave. Place portion on a microwave safe plate or leave in glass storage container if they are microwave safe (do not microwave plastic lids.) Cook on high power until steaming hot, 90 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on power of microwave.
Oven: To reheat the whole casserole Cover the casserole dish with foil and set in the oven at 350 degrees F. Bake until heated through and steaming hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 239 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
This was amazing! I assembled the casserole the night before and popped it in the oven for Sunday brunch.
I baked it for one hour since it had been refrigerated, then cooled for 10 minutes as instructed. It came out perfectly! Leftovers were cut into serving pieces and then refrigerated. I will enjoy this again for breakfast for a few more days.
I am happy to hear it went well. Thank you! Please let me know if you try another recipe soon Deb. I love your feedback.
Thank you! Very easy and tasty vegetarian meal. I accompanied with some avocado and grilled halloumi cheese on rye bread, tomatoes, radish and cashews.
Thanks so much for your rating and review!
Thank you, very easy, tasty vegetarian dish
Phenomenal. I tweaked it slightly by adding 2 chicken sausage links and an extra egg since I only had a 9×13 pan and it came out amazing. The flavor is perfect, the combination of the dijon and paprika make the flavors pop. It’s not offensive so even someone who doesn’t like dijon would enjoy this. It’s a background flavor. Well done!
Thank you Sarah!
This was so easy to make, and so nourishing! I followed the steps, and everything was timed perfectly. While it cooked, I cleaned the rest of the kitchen and it was ready to enjoy when I was done. I used whipping cream because that’s all we had and it came out just fine. So fluffy. Great flavor.
uh this was the bomb!…I made a significantly smaller dish and just eyed the portions using what I had in my frig (broccoli, greens, cotija cheese) and seasoned per the recipe. It turned out great. Will be making again fo sho.
Simple and so flavorful! I added some leftover spinach and peppers and it came out perfectly. Highly recommend for easy meal prep breakfasts and lunches!
Hi Erika. I am so glad you like it! Thank you!
I haven’t tried this yet but i’m going to today! However what i don’t understand is why at what temperature the oven is supposed to be preheated on, isn’t mentioned at all? I have started to notice this in alot of recipes lately online in general. Why is that? Please let me know at what temperature It’s supposed to be. Thanks!
Oops, i realized just now after posting that i accidentally commented on another comment, sorry! It was by mistake
You may be looking at the body of the blog post and not the actual recipe card that’s toward the bottom of the page. It’s printable and you can use the jump buttons to get there. Step one says to preheat to 350. Good luck!!
Yum, love what the mustard adds to this recipe, not to mention the cream and cheese! 😉 A great basic!
Hi Megan. I am happy you like it! Thanks!
This is great! Eggs can be kind of bland so I love all the flavors you added.
Thank you very much. Have a great week Donny!
Love an easy and yummy brunch recipe and this one is it!
Hi Tina. I am happy to hear you like it!
So very brunchy !!! And a great way to eat more broccoli – thanks for sharing, we are trying it this weekend!
I am so happy you are in spired to make this one! Thanks for letting me know.
will be making this soon with few subs perfect for my brunch everyday in Singapore will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
Thank you Ramya. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!