Egg Casserole

Egg casserole is a baked dish prepared with eggs, sausages, bread, and milk. The term is usually used in the United States and Canada whereas the British call it as an egg bake. It is usually served for breakfast and is topped with grated Cheddar cheese, with the layered dish also being known as breakfast strata. It is considered beneficial for health if consumed in moderation. The name is derived from the cooking utensil which is also used for serving. The method of cooking involves slow baking of the ingredients within an uncovered casserole dish.

The breakfast dish ocassionally includes several varieties of meat like ham or chicken. There are numerous variations of the dish according to taste and it is often featured as a part of the menu in bed and breakfast establishments. The dish gained popularity over the years due to the convenience of cooking as the ingredients can be assembled together the night before.

The dish is also served as a part of brunch across the United States of America. It has been named as one of the most popular Southern comfort foods.

Egg Casserole Recipe: Ingredients and Preparation Overview

The conventional ingredients consist of breads, sausages, and eggs along with milk and cheese. The entire casserole is assembled within a baking pan or casserole, the night before and kept refrigerated. The bread slices are usually cubed and placed at the bottom of the pan while the egg and milk mixture is poured on top. The other ingredients are placed in between the two layers. Salt and pepper are the usual seasonings with unusual spices and herbs being used in different parts of the world as well.

The dish is baked for about 45 minutes the next day, and cut into squares before serving. An assortment of vegetables, both ordinary as well as the exotic varieties, can be incorporated within the dish enhancing its nutritive value considerably.

Popular Egg Casserole Recipes

• Colby Breakfast Casserole- This recipe makes use of Colby cheese and green onions together with mushrooms instead of the customary sausage or ham. Dry mustard is often used to flavor this dish which can be assembled the night before.
• Wisconsin Brunch Casserole- This dish is heavier than the ordinary egg casseroles and is baked with flour. It also contains chicken soup and chicken bouillon which are mixed with hot water and poured over the layer of milk and eggs.
• Country Egg Casserole- This is a traditional Scottish breakfast dish baked with the locally available vegetables like leeks, cauliflowers and green beans instead of meat.

Egg Casserole Variations

• Numerous meat and cheese combinations can be utilized for baking the dish.
• Onions, bell pepper and tomatoes are often added to the casserole mixture.
• Bananas, commercial egg substitutes, and tofu are used instead of eggs for preparing low cholesterol or vegan variations of the dish.

Trivia

Hardboiled egg casseroles are usually a part of the Fourth of July celebrations in the United States of America.