If you're looking for a hearty and delicious breakfast option, this Denver egg casserole is perfect for you. Packed with flavorful ham, cheddar cheese, and veggies, it's a great way to start your day.
One ingredient you might not commonly have at home is heavy cream. Make sure to grab it from the dairy section of your supermarket. Everything else, like eggs, white onion, and cheddar cheese, should be easy to find in your local grocery store.
Ingredients For Denver Egg Casserole
eggs: The base of the casserole, providing protein and structure.
heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the egg mixture.
white onion: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
butter: Used to cook the onions and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
cheddar cheese: Provides a savory, cheesy element to the casserole.
ham: Adds a salty, smoky flavor and protein.
green pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter flavor and a pop of color.
salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
black pepper: Adds a mild heat and peppery flavor.
One reader, Fidel Gore says:
This Denver egg casserole is fantastic! The blend of ham, cheese, and green pepper is perfect. It's easy to make and turns out delicious every time. Perfect for brunch!
Techniques Required for Making Denver Egg Casserole
How to cook onion in butter: Heat a pan over medium heat, add butter, and cook the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent. How to whisk eggs and cream: Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the heavy cream, and whisk together until fully combined. How to bake: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
How To Make Denver Egg Casserole
Prepare this low-carb denver egg casserole for a light breakfast made with flavorful spices, ham, and cheddar cheese folded into eggs baked to perfection.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 9large eggs
- ½cupheavy cream
- ⅓cupwhite onion,finely diced
- 1tbspbutter
- 1cupcheddar cheese,shredded
- 1⅓cupsham,diced
- ½cupgreen pepper,or red
- salt and black pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
-
Cook onion in butter over medium heat until softened. Cool.
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Whisk eggs and cream. Stir in remaining ingredients.
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Pour into a greased 9×9-inch casserole dish.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380.16kcal
- Fat: 29.07g
- Saturated Fat: 14.13g
- Trans Fat: 0.37g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.69g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.74g
- Carbohydrates: 5.28g
- Fiber: 0.51g
- Sugar: 1.57g
- Protein: 23.72g
- Cholesterol: 363.44mg
- Sodium: 780.48mg
- Calcium: 213.31mg
- Potassium: 338.76mg
- Iron: 1.89mg
- Vitamin A: 277.95µg
- Vitamin C: 10.76mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Denver Egg Casserole
To ensure even cooking and a fluffy texture, let the eggs and cream mixture sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking. This allows the ingredients to combine more thoroughly and prevents the casserole from becoming too dense.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Denver Egg Casserole
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, ham, and green pepper the night before and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of grating it yourself.
Cook in bulk: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Line the dish: Use parchment paper to line the casserole dish for easy cleanup.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start prepping to save waiting time.
Substitute Ingredients For Denver Egg Casserole Recipe
eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Use a commercial egg replacer or a mixture of flaxseed meal and water for a vegan option.
heavy cream - Substitute with half-and-half: Provides a similar creamy texture with less fat.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Offers a similar flavor profile and texture.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Provides a similar fat content and flavor.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Offers a mild flavor and melts well.
ham - Substitute with turkey bacon: Provides a similar smoky flavor with less fat.
green pepper - Substitute with red pepper: Adds a sweeter flavor and similar texture.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Provides a similar salty flavor with potentially more minerals.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: Offers a similar peppery flavor without the black specks.
Presentation Ideas for Denver Egg Casserole
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the denver egg casserole into elegant, bite-sized squares. This ensures each piece is a perfect mouthful, showcasing the rich flavors of ham, cheddar cheese, and green pepper.
Use decoration: Garnish each piece with a delicate sprinkle of finely chopped chives and a small dollop of sour cream. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Plate on fine china: Use pristine white plates to contrast the vibrant colors of the casserole. This elevates the visual appeal and highlights the dish's ingredients.
Add a side salad: Pair the casserole with a small, crisp arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing balance to the rich, creamy texture of the casserole.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle a homemade hollandaise sauce over the top of the casserole squares. This adds a luxurious touch and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Use microgreens: Top each piece with a few microgreens for an added layer of sophistication and a slight crunch.
Serve warm: Ensure the casserole is served warm, straight from the oven. The warmth enhances the flavors and provides a comforting experience.
Add a touch of spice: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of smoked paprika on top for a subtle smoky flavor and a dash of color.
Use a clean, minimalist presentation: Keep the plate clean and uncluttered, allowing the casserole to be the star of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Denver Egg Casserole
Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the required temperature of 400 degrees F.
Stove: Needed to cook the onions in butter over medium heat.
Skillet: Used for cooking the onions in butter until they are softened.
Mixing bowl: Essential for whisking the eggs and cream together and mixing in the remaining ingredients.
Whisk: Used to whisk the eggs and cream until well combined.
Knife: Needed to check if the casserole is done by inserting it into the center.
Cutting board: Used for chopping the white onion, green pepper, and ham.
Measuring cups: Required to measure out the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, ham, and green pepper.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the butter and any additional seasonings like salt and black pepper.
Casserole dish: A 9x9-inch greased dish where the egg mixture will be poured and baked.
Spatula: Useful for stirring the ingredients together and transferring them into the casserole dish.
Storing and Freezing Denver Egg Casserole
Allow the denver egg casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the casserole soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The egg casserole will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat the refrigerated casserole, remove the plastic wrap or foil and place the dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
If reheating from frozen, remove the casserole from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the wrapping and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is hot and the edges are bubbly.
Alternatively, you can portion the cooled casserole into individual servings and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer. This allows for easy reheating of single portions in the microwave or oven as needed.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, consume the reheated egg casserole within 1-2 days of refrigeration or within 1 month of freezing.
How To Reheat Leftover Denver Egg Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover denver egg casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.
Microwave individual portions of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the plate with a damp paper towel to prevent the eggs from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Reheat the denver egg casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the leftover casserole and stir occasionally until it is heated through. This method allows you to add extra ingredients, such as fresh vegetables or cheese, to give the leftover casserole a new twist.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can reheat the egg casserole using this precise temperature control method. Place the casserole in a sealed bag and submerge it in a water bath set to 165°F (74°C). Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole reaches the desired temperature.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a toaster oven. Cut the leftover denver egg casserole into individual portions and place them on a toaster oven tray. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly crispy.
Random Fact About Denver Egg Casserole
A Denver egg casserole is a hearty and versatile dish that combines eggs, ham, and cheese with vegetables like onions and green peppers. This dish is named after the Denver omelet, which is a popular American breakfast item.
Is Making Denver Egg Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?
This Denver egg casserole is quite cost-effective for a household. Utilizing basic ingredients like eggs, ham, cheddar cheese, and green pepper, it offers a nutritious meal without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12. Given its simplicity, nutritional value, and affordability, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10.
Is Denver Egg Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Denver egg casserole recipe is relatively high in fat and calories due to the heavy cream, butter, and cheddar cheese. While eggs are a nutritious source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, the saturated fat content from the dairy ingredients may be a concern for those watching their cholesterol levels or overall fat intake. The ham also adds additional sodium to the dish.
On the positive side, the recipe includes some vegetables like onion and green pepper, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The protein content from the eggs and ham can help with satiety and maintaining muscle mass.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like unsweetened almond milk
- Reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Use a leaner ham or replace it with a vegetarian protein source like sautéed mushrooms or tofu
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe, such as adding spinach, tomatoes, or asparagus
- Use a smaller amount of butter or replace it with a healthier cooking oil like olive oil
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious egg casserole while still enjoying the classic Denver omelet flavors. Remember, moderation is key, and this dish can still be enjoyed as part of a varied and well-rounded diet.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Egg Casserole
This Denver egg casserole recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of ham, cheddar cheese, and green pepper brings a classic, hearty taste, while the heavy cream adds a rich, creamy texture. Cooking the onions in butter enhances their sweetness, adding depth to the dish. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Baking at 400 degrees ensures a nicely browned top and a perfectly set center. Overall, it's a versatile and satisfying dish that can be customized with additional ingredients.
Enhance Your Denver Egg Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Denver Egg Casserole Recipe:
This Denver egg casserole recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, combining the classic flavors of ham, cheddar cheese, and green pepper for a hearty and satisfying dish. The use of heavy cream ensures a rich and creamy texture, while the onion sautéed in butter adds a depth of flavor. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, deliciousness, and the comforting familiarity of its ingredients.
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