Cheesy Vegetable Egg Casserole

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or fresh)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced onions and bell peppers and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
• Add the broccoli florets (if they’re fresh, steam them for a few minutes beforehand) and spinach if using. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

• Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly in the prepared baking dish.
• Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the vegetables, ensuring it spreads evenly across the casserole.
• Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

5. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
• You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Protein: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or diced ham for extra flavor and protein.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños if you like it spicy.
• Cheese Variations: You can use different cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or gouda for a unique flavor.

This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and cheese combinations. Enjoy your cheesy vegetable casserole!