Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bake
A fluffy, custardy egg bake loaded with tender broccoli florets and sharp melted cheddar. This easy one-dish breakfast casserole comes together in 15 minutes and bakes into a golden, puffed centerpiece perfect for brunch or meal prep.
For 6 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish.
1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).2.Grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter, making sure to coat the bottom and sides. - saute · ~8 min
Sauté the aromatics and broccoli.
1.Melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat.2.Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.3.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.4.Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.TIPDon't overcook the broccoli in the pan — it will continue to cook in the oven. A slight bite is perfect. - mix · ~2 min
Whisk the egg custard.
1.In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 eggs.2.Add the milk, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.3.Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth, pale, and slightly frothy, about 1 minute.TIPWhisking well incorporates air for a lighter, fluffier bake. - assemble
Assemble the casserole.
1.Spread the sautéed broccoli and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.2.Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the broccoli.3.Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the vegetables and cheese.4.Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.TIPFor a deeper golden top, use more cheese on the final layer. - bake · ~35 min
Bake until puffed and golden.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The egg bake is done when the center is set (no longer jiggly), the edges are golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
TIPIf the top is browning too fast but the center isn't set, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes. - rest · ~10 min
Rest before slicing.
Remove from the oven and let the egg bake rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the custard to fully set inside and makes for clean, neat slices.
TIPSlicing too early will cause the egg bake to fall apart — patience is key. - serve
Slice and serve warm.
Cut into 6 even slices, scoop out with a spatula, and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cut broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets so they cook evenly in the skillet and oven.
- 2Sauté the broccoli just until bright green — it will finish cooking in the custard and stay tender, not mushy.
- 3Use freshly grated sharp cheddar instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and bolder flavor.
- 4Whisk the eggs and milk until frothy — this incorporates air for a lighter, soufflé-like texture.
- 5Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven so the custard sets firmly for clean slices.
- 6If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb
Replace the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream to reduce carbs while keeping the custard rich.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 150g of cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the broccoli layer for an extra protein boost that makes the bake more satiating.
vegetarianVegetarian
Swap the cheddar for a vegetarian-friendly hard cheese and use a plant-based milk — keep the butter to maintain richness.
spicySpicy
Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the garlic for a subtle heat that cuts through the creamy custard.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Each serving provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein from eggs and cheddar, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Good Source of Calcium
Sharp cheddar cheese and milk contribute calcium for strong bones and teeth, with about 20% of daily needs per serving.
Vitamin C from Broccoli
Broccoli florets deliver a meaningful amount of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production.
Low in Added Sugars
This savory egg bake contains no added sugars, making it a naturally low-sugar option for breakfast or brunch.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw and pat it completely dry first to avoid excess water making the custard soggy. Sauté an extra minute to remove moisture.



