At our house, Christmas begins with coffee and a quick breakfast to the morning going after presents are opened. We love this easy-to-do yummy breakfast as a break from post-wrapping paper carnage.
This cheesy baked egg casserole is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding the whole family. With endless add-in options, you can cater to everyone’s tastes while keeping it diabetes-friendly.
This dish comes together in minutes—mix everything in one dish and pop it in the oven. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, tips for making the recipe even easier, and links to my favorite kitchen tools for effortless holiday cooking.
Ingredients and Why They Work
Base Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs: The star of this dish! Eggs are high in protein and naturally low in carbs, making them perfect for diabetics.
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk): Adds creaminess without unnecessary carbs or sugar.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix): The melty, gooey topping that makes this dish irresistible. Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella melts beautifully, and gouda adds richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon onion powder: Simple spices that enhance the dish’s savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Adds a hint of smoky warmth, perfect for the holidays.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and elevates the flavors.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Meats: Cooked bacon, diced ham, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken add protein and flavor.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a boost of fiber and vitamins.
- Herbs: Chopped parsley, thyme, or chives for a fresh, festive finish.
Instructions with Tools You’ll Love
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Eggs:
- Crack all the eggs directly into the baking dish. Add the almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to mix until smooth right in the dish.
- Add Cheese and Extras:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the egg mixture. Scatter your choice of meats, vegetables, or herbs on top. (Tip: Use pre-cooked meats and squeeze moisture out of veggies like spinach to keep the dish from getting watery.)
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. Use a nonstick spatula to serve clean slices.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Customize Freely: This recipe is like a blank canvas. Add your favorite veggies, meats, or herbs to make it your own.
- Keep it Simple: Use pre-shredded cheese and frozen veggies to save time. No need to thaw frozen vegetables—just toss them in!
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for a no-hassle breakfast.
- Check for Doneness: The eggs are set when they don’t jiggle in the center, and the top is golden brown.
Why It’s Diabetic-Friendly
This egg casserole is naturally low in carbs, thanks to the eggs and cheese. The add-ins are flexible, so you can include protein-rich meats and fiber-packed veggies while skipping high-carb ingredients like bread or potatoes. Plus, the one-dish method means less mess—perfect for a relaxed holiday morning!
Tools I Recommend
- 9×13-inch baking dish for the perfect size egg casserole.
- Whisk for easy egg mixing.
- Parchment paper to make cleanup effortless.
- Nonstick spatula for serving clean slices without breaking.
Find links to these tools here to make your Christmas breakfast stress-free! 🎄🍳
This cheesy baked Christmas breakfast egg casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of festive flavor. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or your favorite holiday coffee for a complete breakfast. Whether you’re hosting family or enjoying a quiet holiday morning, this dish is a surefire hit! 🎄🧀✨
Diabetic-Friendly Cheesy Baked Egg Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Crack all the eggs into the baking dish. Add the almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk directly in the dish until the mixture is smooth.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the egg mixture.Scatter your choice of meats and/or vegetables on top. No need to pre-cook most ingredients unless they release a lot of liquid (like mushrooms or spinach). Frozen veggies can be added directly, too.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve hot.
Notes
- For Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage and crispy bacon for a hearty, protein-packed version.
- For Vegetarians: Stick to cheese and load up on veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- For Low-Carb Enthusiasts: Use high-fat cheeses like gouda or cream cheese for added richness.
- Low Carb: Eggs and cheese are naturally low-carb and high-protein, making them ideal for blood sugar control.
- Flexible Add-ins: You can cater to different dietary needs while keeping carbs in check.
- No Prep: Assemble everything in the dish—perfect for a stress-free morning.
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