Breakfast for Dinner Egg Bake is the ultimate comfort-food solution when you want something hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. It combines everything we love about breakfast—eggs, cheese, savory proteins, and vegetables—into one warm, oven-baked dish that feels just as appropriate for dinner as it does for brunch. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, hosting a casual gathering, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this egg bake delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
The beauty of an egg bake lies in its flexibility. You can customize it with your favorite breakfast meats like sausage, bacon, or ham, add vegetables for extra nutrition, and adjust the cheese to match your taste. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftovers sitting in your fridge. Everything comes together in one baking dish, making it ideal for busy schedules and easy cleanup.
Another reason this dish is so popular is that it’s filling without being heavy. Eggs provide high-quality protein, cheese adds richness, and vegetables bring balance and color. Served with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables, Breakfast for Dinner Egg Bake becomes a complete and comforting meal that feels both nostalgic and practical.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Remove excess grease if necessary and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano until well combined.
- Spread hash browns evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Layer cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and half of the cheese on top.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Let the egg bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Notes
Nutritional Facts & Total Calories
(Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings)- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
Breakfast for Dinner Egg Bake
Ingredient Notes
Eggs
Eggs are the foundation of this dish. Large eggs work best, offering structure and protein. When baked, eggs transform into a soft, custard-like texture that holds all the ingredients together. Fresh eggs provide better flavor and consistency.
Milk or Cream
Milk lightens the eggs and creates a fluffy texture. Whole milk strikes a perfect balance, while heavy cream makes the bake richer and denser. For lighter versions, low-fat milk can be used, though the texture will be slightly less creamy.
Cheese
Cheese adds creaminess, saltiness, and depth. Cheddar offers a sharp, classic breakfast flavor, mozzarella melts smoothly, and blends give complexity. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Breakfast Sausage
Sausage adds savory richness and makes the dish hearty enough for dinner. Pork sausage gives classic flavor, while turkey or chicken sausage offers a leaner option without sacrificing taste.
Onion
Onions add sweetness and aroma. As they cook, they soften and release natural sugars that enhance the overall flavor of the bake.
Bell Pepper
Bell peppers provide color, mild sweetness, and crunch. Red, yellow, or green peppers all work well and balance the richness of eggs and cheese.
Hash Browns
Hash browns add texture and make the bake more filling. Frozen hash browns are convenient, while fresh shredded potatoes give a more rustic feel.
Garlic
Garlic adds depth and a savory backbone. Fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder can be substituted if needed.
Seasonings
Salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs tie all the ingredients together. Paprika adds mild warmth, while oregano or Italian seasoning brings subtle herbal notes.
Serving Instructions
Serve the Breakfast for Dinner Egg Bake warm, sliced into generous squares. Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or sliced avocado for a balanced dinner. For breakfast-style flair, serve with hot sauce, salsa, or sour cream on the side. This dish is perfect for family-style serving straight from the baking dish.
Tips
- Use room-temperature eggs for smoother blending.
- Don’t overbake; remove once the center is just set.
- Add leafy greens at the end of sautéing to prevent overcooking.
- Let the dish rest before slicing for clean cuts.
- Customize spices to suit your flavor preferences.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this egg bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover it, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
3. Can I use egg whites only?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter and less rich. Use about 2 egg whites per whole egg.
4. Why is my egg bake watery?
Excess moisture from vegetables or frozen hash browns can cause this. Thaw and drain ingredients well.
5. Can I serve this for breakfast instead of dinner?
Definitely. This recipe works perfectly for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
