Oven Cheese Bake
Description
This comforting oven cheese bake is a hearty vegetarian main that combines soft bread cubes with a rich, savory egg and milk custard. The sharp cheddar cheese melts throughout the mixture, creating pockets of gooey goodness, while the French-fried onions add a delightful crunch on top. It is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weekend brunches, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. The combination of garlic, dry mustard, and fresh parsley provides a warm, aromatic flavor profile that pairs well with simple side salads or roasted vegetables. It is a versatile recipe that can be made ahead and baked when ready, making it ideal for busy families or entertaining.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 325&# 194;°F (165ðC).
-
Grease an 11.5x7.5x1.5-inch baking dish.
-
Remove crusts from bread and cut into 1-inch cubes.
-
In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, garlic salt, parsley, and dry mustard until well combined.
-
Stir in bread cubes, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the French-fried onions.
-
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
-
Top with the remaining French-fried onions.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
-
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the center is set and top is golden.
-
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1634.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 67.8g105%
- Saturated Fat 33.2g166%
- Cholesterol 679.5mg227%
- Sodium 7386.1mg308%
- Total Carbohydrate 169.1g57%
- Dietary Fiber 9.9g40%
- Sugars 30.6g
- Protein 84.0g168%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
This recipe is essentially a strata. The bread cubes will soak up the egg mixture, so do not worry if it looks wet before baking.
You can prepare this dish the night before. Assemble in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as directed.
While the original notes mention shrimp, this version is vegetarian. If you wish to add protein, cooked chicken, ham, or bacon can be stirred in with the cheese.
Use sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread for best texture; soft sandwich bread may become too mushy.