Baked Egg Casserole with Crackers

Baked Egg Casserole with Crackers: A Simple Breakfast Recipe

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This Baked Egg Casserole with Crackers is a tasty dish made with simple ingredients like crackers, eggs, and cheese. It’s easy to prepare and great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. You can also change the recipe to include your favorite veggies or meats!

What Is a Baked Egg Casserole?

A baked egg casserole is an oven-baked dish that combines eggs, crackers, and other tasty ingredients. It’s simple to make and perfect for feeding a group.

Why Use Crackers?

  • Easy to Use: Crackers are quick and ready to go—no chopping needed.
  • Adds Flavor: Crackers give the dish a buttery or salty taste.
  • Great Texture: They soak up the egg mixture while staying slightly crunchy.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this dish:

Main Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1 cup crushed crackers (Saltines or Ritz work great)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup cooked sausage, bacon, or diced ham
  • 1/2 cup diced veggies (like peppers, spinach, or mushrooms)
  • A pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs

How to Make It

1. Prep Your Oven

  • Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Grease a baking dish (8×8 inches) with butter or spray.

2. Mix the Eggs

  1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
  2. Add milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Build the Casserole

  1. Spread crushed crackers evenly on the bottom of the dish.
  2. Add cooked meat or veggies on top of the crackers (if using).
  3. Pour the egg mixture over everything.
  4. Sprinkle cheese on top, if you like.

4. Bake

  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle.
  2. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Easy Add-Ins and Changes

Try Different Crackers

  • Saltines: Light and crispy.
  • Ritz: Buttery and rich.
  • Gluten-Free Crackers: Great for those with gluten allergies.

Add Flavor with Mix-Ins

  • Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or onions add color and nutrition.
  • Meat: Sausage, bacon, or ham make it heartier.
  • Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or feta work well.

Adjust for Special Diets

  • Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and skip the cheese.
  • Low-Carb: Replace crackers with grated zucchini or skip the crackers altogether.
  • Vegetarian: Stick to veggies and cheese for a meat-free version.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with toast, fruit, or salad for a complete meal.
  • Pack leftovers for a quick lunch or snack.

Tips for Success

  1. Avoid Soggy Casseroles:
    • Use cooked veggies to remove extra water.
    • Don’t overdo the milk.
  2. Make Ahead:
    • Prep the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
  3. Reheat with Care:
    • Warm leftovers in the microwave or oven for the best texture.

Baked Egg Casserole with Crackers Recipe

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk, cream, or half-and-half
  • 1 cup crushed crackers (Saltines, Ritz, or your favorite)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or diced ham
  • 1/2 cup diced vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions, spinach)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., thyme, oregano, parsley)
  • Extra crackers for topping, crushed
  • Additional cheese for a cheesy crust

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add the milk, cream, or half-and-half to the eggs. Whisk to combine.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any additional herbs or spices you’re using. Mix well.

3. Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread a layer of crushed crackers evenly across the bottom of the greased dish.
  2. Sprinkle cooked sausage, bacon, or diced ham over the crackers, if using.
  3. Add diced vegetables, ensuring an even distribution for consistent bites.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the crackers and mix-ins, ensuring the liquid covers all ingredients evenly.
  5. Top with shredded cheese and an optional layer of additional crushed crackers for a crispy topping.

4. Bake

  1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  3. For an extra-crispy top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.

5. Rest and Serve

  • Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
  • Cut into squares or scoops and serve warm.

Creative Variations

1. Different Types of Crackers

  • Buttery Ritz: Adds richness and a slightly sweet flavor.
  • Cheese Crackers (e.g., Cheez-Its): Intensify the cheesy flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Crackers: Ideal for gluten-free diets; try almond or rice-based crackers.
  • Seasoned Crackers: Garlic, herb, or onion-flavored crackers bring extra flavor.

2. Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Vegetables:

  • Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and crunch.
  • Spinach: Lightly sauté and drain before adding to prevent excess moisture.
  • Mushrooms: Sauté until golden brown to enhance their earthy flavor.

Proteins:

  • Cooked Sausage: Mild, spicy, or chicken sausage works well.
  • Ham: Diced ham pairs beautifully with eggs and cheese.
  • Bacon: Crumble crispy bacon over the top for a smoky crunch.

Cheese:

  • Cheddar: Classic choice for richness.
  • Pepper Jack: Adds a hint of spice.
  • Feta: Crumble on top for a tangy finish.

3. Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

Dairy-Free:

  • Use almond, soy, or oat milk and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Low-Carb/Keto:

  • Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or omit crackers altogether for a crustless egg casserole.
  • Use heavy cream instead of milk for extra richness.

Vegetarian:

  • Focus on vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and onions, paired with herbs for flavor.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Casserole

  1. Balance the Egg-to-Milk Ratio:
    • Use 1 cup of milk for every 6 eggs to ensure a fluffy, custard-like texture.
  2. Prevent Sogginess:
    • Sauté vegetables to remove excess water before adding them to the casserole.
    • Avoid overloading with too many wet ingredients like tomatoes or spinach.
  3. Even Distribution:
    • Layer crackers, proteins, and vegetables evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
  4. Make Ahead:
    • Assemble the casserole the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
  5. Reheat Like a Pro:
    • To reheat leftovers, place a portion in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Breakfast Spread:
    • Pair the casserole with fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee for a complete breakfast.
  2. Brunch Table:
    • Serve alongside a mixed green salad, avocado toast, or roasted potatoes.
  3. Meal Prep:
    • Slice the casserole into individual portions and pack them in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.

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