Cheesy Egg Casserole

I’ve had lots of interesting egg dishes at brunches and big breakfast get-togethers. Everything from frittatas to quiches to big piles of scrambled eggs with fresh herbs. One of my favorite egg brunch dishes is this cheesy egg casserole, which is packed with creamy cheese, can be made in advance, and serves a crowd of at least a dozen people with ease. Casseroles get a bed rep some of the time, but anything baked in a large baking dish and can be served as a main course can be a casserole, and many of them (the good ones, of course), can be great options for entertaining.

This recipe is based on a similar dish that is – or, at least, was – served at the Washington School Inn in Park City, Utah. My parents had it there several years ago and asked for the recipe. I’ve made some modifications to the cheese content of the recipe and always make a much bigger batch than the printed-out copy they shared with my parents. The basic recipe I work with is below, and it’s the one I turn to again and again. From time to time, I’ll use different types of cheeses – Gruyere, Havarti – and or I’ll add in chopped jalapeno peppers if I really want to play with it. Otherwise, I’ll put out a side of fresh salsa and just serve it as-is.

Cheesy Egg Casserole
12 large eggs
1 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups milk (any kind)
16-oz cottage cheese
8-oz cream cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/3-1/2 lb shredded Monterey jack cheese

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking/casserole dish.
In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and milk. Stir in cottage cheese, cream cheese and shredded Monterey jack cheese. Pour into prepared baking dish.
Bake for about 45 minutes, until eggs are set and casserole is not “wet” in the middle.
Dish will deflate slightly as it cools. Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to make slicing easier.
Dish can be served hot or cold.

Serves 12-16