Name: Cheesy Broccoli Egg Bake Recipe
Ingredients: 12 Large Eggs: The star of the show, providing the fluffy, protein-packed structure for the entire bake.; 1 lb (about 4-5 cups) Fresh Broccoli Florets: Cut into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and distribution.; 1 cup Milk or Half-and-Half: Adds creaminess and moisture to the eggs. Whole milk provides a richer texture, but any milk will work.; 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This brings the bold, tangy cheese flavor that pairs perfectly with broccoli.; 1/2 cup Shredded Gruyère or Swiss Cheese: Adds a wonderful nutty, savory depth and contributes to an incredible cheese pull.; 1/2 cup Diced Yellow Onion: Finely diced to provide a sweet, aromatic base layer of flavor.; 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: For that essential pungent, savory kick that elevates the entire dish.; 1 cup Cooked, Diced Ham (Optional): For an extra boost of savory flavor and protein, making the bake even more substantial.; 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the aromatics and greasing the baking dish.; 1 tsp Salt: Or to taste. Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best, most potent flavor.; 1/4 tsp Paprika: Adds a touch of warm color and subtle smoky flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

12 Large Eggs: The star of the show, providing the fluffy, protein-packed structure for the entire bake.
1 lb (about 4–5 cups) Fresh Broccoli Florets: Cut into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and distribution.
1 cup Milk or Half-and-Half: Adds creaminess and moisture to the eggs. Whole milk provides a richer texture, but any milk will work.
1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This brings the bold, tangy cheese flavor that pairs perfectly with broccoli.
1/2 cup Shredded Gruyère or Swiss Cheese: Adds a wonderful nutty, savory depth and contributes to an incredible cheese pull.
1/2 cup Diced Yellow Onion: Finely diced to provide a sweet, aromatic base layer of flavor.
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: For that essential pungent, savory kick that elevates the entire dish.
1 cup Cooked, Diced Ham (Optional): For an extra boost of savory flavor and protein, making the bake even more substantial.
2 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the aromatics and greasing the baking dish.
1 tsp Salt: Or to taste. Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best, most potent flavor.
1/4 tsp Paprika: Adds a touch of warm color and subtle smoky flavor.

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil. This is a crucial step to prevent the eggs from sticking, ensuring you can serve clean, beautiful slices.
Prepare the Broccoli: The secret to a perfect, non-watery egg bake is to pre-cook the broccoli slightly. You can do this in one of two ways. You can either steam the bite-sized florets for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp, or you can blanch them. To blanch, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the broccoli for 60 seconds, and then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the broccoli thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium skillet over medium heat, add your olive oil or butter. Once shimmering, add the finely diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. If using the optional diced ham, you can add it to the skillet with the garlic to warm it through.
Create the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crack all 12 large eggs. Whisk them vigorously until the yolks and whites are completely combined and the mixture is slightly frothy. This incorporates air, which helps make the final bake light and fluffy. Pour in the milk or half-and-half, and add the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk again until everything is well combined.
Combine the Ingredients: Now it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Scatter the sautéed onion, garlic, and optional ham mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, arrange the blanched and dried broccoli florets over the aromatics. Sprinkle about three-quarters of both the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses over the broccoli.
Pour and Bake: Gently and slowly pour the whisked egg mixture over the ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it covers everything evenly. Use a spatula to gently press down any ingredients that are sticking up too high. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the egg mixture. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown cheesy crust.
Baking to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown, the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle when you gently shake the dish), and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. The bake will also be beautifully puffed up.
Rest Before Serving: This is a vital step! Remove the egg bake from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the bake to set up completely, making it much easier to cut into clean squares and preventing it from falling apart.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 350
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 20g