Walmart's Back: Perfect Egg And Cheese, Quick!

There are many recipes that include cooking eggs, cheese, and other ingredients in the oven. For example, a recipe for baked macaroni and cheese includes cooking the dish in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Another recipe for a similar dish, Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, requires baking for 35 to 45 minutes. A recipe for a casserole with eggs, cheese, and other ingredients requires baking for 25 to 35 minutes. A similar recipe for a casserole with eggs and cottage cheese requires baking for 50 to 60 minutes. Finally, a recipe for a large batch of sheet pan eggs requires baking for 15 to 18 minutes.

How long to cook a back egg cheese bake

How Long to Cook a Baked Egg and Cheese Bake

A baked egg and cheese dish is a delicious and easy meal to prepare, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner. The cook time will depend on the size of your baking dish and the number of eggs you are using. Here is a guide to help you create the perfect baked egg and cheese dish.

Ingredients

For a simple baked egg and cheese dish, you will need:

• Eggs
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, parmesan, goat cheese, feta, or a combination of these)
• Butter
• Milk (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Any additional toppings or fillings of your choice (meat, vegetables, herbs, etc.)

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to a temperature between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature can vary slightly depending on your oven and the dish you are preparing. Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. A standard 9x13-inch baking dish is a good size for this recipe, but you can also use an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch pan for a smaller portion.

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk (if using), butter, salt, and pepper until well combined. You can also add any additional cheeses or fillings that you would like to incorporate throughout the egg mixture at this point. Pour the egg mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Cooking Time

For a standard 9x13-inch baking dish, your baked egg and cheese dish will likely take around 50-60 minutes to cook completely. However, it is important to start checking the dish around the 45-minute mark to ensure it does not overcook. The eggs are done when they are completely set and no longer jiggly in the middle. If you are using an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch pan, the cooking time will be reduced to around 30-40 minutes. For an even smaller portion, such as individual servings baked in a muffin pan, the cooking time will be further reduced to around 20-25 minutes.

Serving

Once your baked egg and cheese dish is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can cut it into squares and serve it as-is or with your favorite toppings. It can be served with toast, bagels, or English muffins for a more filling meal. This dish is also great for making breakfast sandwiches or breakfast burritos.

Storage

Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the baked egg squares in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What temperature to cook at

For a dish like baked eggs and cheese, the cooking temperature is crucial to achieving the right consistency and avoiding overcooking or undercooking. Here are some detailed instructions on the ideal temperature to cook your egg and cheese dish:

When preparing a baked egg and cheese dish, it is essential to preheat your oven to the right temperature to ensure even cooking. The recommended temperature for baking eggs and cheese is 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which is equivalent to 175 degrees Celsius. This temperature setting allows the eggs to cook through without drying out or becoming rubbery. It also ensures that the cheese melts evenly and develops a desirable golden colour without burning.

For a larger batch of baked eggs and cheese, using a 9x13-inch pan, the cooking time will be around 50 to 60 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you're halving the recipe and using an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch pan, the cooking time will be reduced to around 30 to 40 minutes. Keep in mind that oven temperatures can vary, so it's always a good idea to start checking on your dish a few minutes early to prevent overcooking.

If you're preparing a casserole-style dish with eggs and cheese, such as an egg and cheese bake with meat and vegetables, a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. This slightly higher temperature ensures that the eggs cook through while also cooking any additional ingredients thoroughly.

When making a macaroni and cheese dish, a similar temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. This temperature allows the cheese sauce and pasta to heat through and develop a delicious golden crust without drying out the pasta.

Additionally, when preparing a sheet pan egg dish with vegetables and cheese, a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit is again recommended. This temperature ensures that the eggs cook evenly and that any vegetables don't release too much moisture, keeping the dish from becoming too watery.

In summary, maintaining a consistent oven temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit is key to successfully cooking dishes that feature eggs and cheese as primary ingredients. Adjustments can be made for different pan sizes and additional ingredients, but this temperature provides a reliable baseline for achieving the desired consistency and flavour.

What to serve with back egg cheese bake

A back egg cheese bake is a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. While it can be a meal in itself, you may want to serve it with some sides to elevate the dish and impress your guests. Here are some ideas on what to serve with a back egg cheese bake:

Fresh Fruits

If you're serving the egg cheese bake for breakfast, consider adding a refreshing element to the meal with some sliced fresh fruits. Fruits such as berries, melon, or citrus can provide a sweet and healthy contrast to the savoury dish.

Green Salad

For a lunch or dinner option, a green salad can be a perfect side dish. The crisp, fresh vegetables will complement the richness of the egg cheese bake. Consider a mix of leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables of your choice, with a light vinaigrette dressing.

Sautéed Vegetables

If you choose to omit vegetables from your egg cheese bake, you may want to serve some sautéed vegetables on the side. This can include mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers. Not only will this add a healthy element to your meal, but it will also provide a variety of textures and flavours.

Crispy Bacon or Sausages

While your egg cheese bake may already include meat, having some extra crispy bacon or cooked sausages on the side can be a tasty addition. This is especially appealing for those who enjoy a heartier meal.

Hash Browns

For a heartier breakfast option, serve your egg cheese bake with crispy hash browns. The combination of the cheesy eggs and the crispy, golden hash browns is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Breads

To soak up all the delicious flavours of the egg cheese bake, consider serving it with warm, buttery biscuits, fresh banana bread, or a blueberry muffin. These starchy sides will add a comforting element to your meal.

Smoothies

For a refreshing drink option, pair your egg cheese bake with a tropical smoothie. The sweet and fruity notes of the smoothie will provide a nice contrast to the savoury dish.

Remember, the back egg cheese bake is quite a versatile dish, so feel free to get creative with your sides and tailor them to your taste preferences and the occasion. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations!

How to store leftovers

Storing leftovers is a great way to save money and cut down on food waste. Here are some tips to ensure your leftovers are stored safely:

• Containers: Use airtight containers with a good seal to keep bacteria out and moisture in. Glass containers are great for storing leftovers at home, as they can go directly from the freezer to the oven. Plastic containers are ideal for meals on the go, as they are lighter.
• Timing: Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. If the food is still warm, use shallow containers and portion it out to allow it to cool down quickly. Aim for a temperature of 40°F or below.
• Labelling: Label and date your leftovers before putting them in the fridge, so you know when they need to be eaten or discarded.
• Refrigerator temperature: Set your refrigerator temperature to below 40°F, ideally between 36-38°F.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave until the food reaches an internal temperature of at least 75°F. Avoid reheating in a slow cooker, as it heats food too slowly, allowing harmful bacteria to grow.
• Throwing out: If you suspect your leftovers have been sitting out or in the fridge too long, it's better to throw them out than risk foodborne illness.
• Takeout: Follow the four-day rule for storing leftover takeout in the fridge.
• Hard-boiled eggs: These will last in the fridge for up to one week.
• Beans and cooked rice: Follow the four-day rule, or transfer to the freezer after four days to prevent them from drying out.
• Raw chicken: Raw chicken can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days before cooking.
• Cooked chicken: Store cooked chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Raw red meat and pork: These can be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days before cooking.
• Cooked meat: Once cooked, red meat and pork can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Raw fish: Raw fish should be cooked within 3 days of purchasing.
• Cooked fish: Cooked fish will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Pasta: Pasta with meat is good for 4 days, while pasta without meat can be stored for 5 days.

Variations on the recipe

There are many ways to vary the recipe for baked eggs with cheese. Here are some ideas for different ingredients and cooking methods:

Different Cheeses

You can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite. Some options include cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, pepper jack, parmesan, goat cheese, feta, Colby jack, Monterey jack, or a blend of multiple cheeses. For example, one recipe includes a blend of gouda, cheddar, Swiss, and guyere. You could also try a white cheddar, or a smoked cheddar, which one source claims is the "MVP" of their baked macaroni and cheese recipe.

Other Mix-Ins

In addition to cheese, you can add various "mix-ins" to your baked eggs. For example, you can include meat such as bacon, sausage, or ham (cooked beforehand). You can also add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, potatoes, onion, spinach, kale, green chiles, or mushrooms. If using vegetables with high water content, such as spinach or mushrooms, it is recommended to pre-cook and pat them dry to prevent the eggs from becoming runny. You can also add toppings such as salsa, sliced avocado or guacamole, sour cream or Greek yogurt, hot sauce, or herbs such as chopped chives or green onions.

Cooking Methods

This recipe can be adapted for different cooking methods and equipment. For example, you can make it in an oven, slow cooker, or pressure cooker. If using an oven, you can bake the eggs in a 9x13 glass pan, 8x12 pan, or 8x8 pan, adjusting the cooking time as needed. For a pressure cooker, one person recommends using an Instant Pot with a round 7-cup glass storage container. They pressure cooked it on High for 25 minutes with a slow release.

Frequently asked questions