If you’ve been on the hunt for a breakfast or brunch recipe that’s easy, quick, and irresistibly delicious, this Denver Omelette Egg Bake is about to become your new go-to dish. It’s everything you love about a classic Denver omelette—savory ham, gooey cheddar, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy eggs—all baked together with almost no hands-on effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy morning or looking for a meal-prep masterpiece, this egg bake brings flavor, warmth, and comfort to your table in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless and Fast: With just five minutes of prep and one pan, this recipe is perfect for those rushed mornings or nights when you just don’t feel like fussing over multiple skillets.
- Incredibly Satisfying: Each bite is packed with creamy eggs, melty cheddar, savory ham, and a subtle sweetness from the bell peppers—everything mingling together in a tender, hearty casserole.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this baked omelette, and you can tweak ingredients to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Meal Prep Magic: Great fresh from the oven or reheated for breakfast all week long, making hectic mornings a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create this brunch superstar, along with a few useful notes:
- Eggs: The flavorful foundation—rich, protein-packed, and fluffy once baked.
- Half and Half: Adds creaminess and luxurious texture to the eggs (whole milk can work in a pinch).
- Cheddar Cheese: For sharp, melty goodness; always choose freshly shredded for the best melt and flavor.
- Cooked Ham: The star protein—diced small for savory bites in every forkful; bacon or sausage is an easy swap if you have some on hand.
- Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor; mild yellow or white onions are best, but red onions can add a nice hint too.
- Bell Pepper: Classic Denver flavor—use red and green for a pretty, colorful dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp!
- Green Onions: Bright, zippy garnish that adds color and fresh crunch right before serving.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
This Denver Omelette Egg Bake is endlessly flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own:
- Meat Lovers: Swap ham for cooked bacon, sausage, or even a combination for extra savory depth.
- Veggie-Packed: Add mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes for more veggie goodness.
- Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or pepper jack for a fun twist.
- Spice It Up: A dash of hot sauce, pinch of cayenne, or some diced jalapeños in the batter amps up the heat.
How to Make Denver Omelette Egg Bake
Making this egg bake couldn’t be easier—just prep, mix, and bake! Here’s how it all comes together:
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick spray to keep things easy to serve and even easier to clean up.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and half and half until combined and slightly frothy. This makes sure your bake turns out fluffy and tender.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar, diced ham, onions, and bell peppers. Season generously with salt and pepper—taste the mixture if you like to check the seasoning!
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the mixture evenly into the greased pan, making sure the toppings are distributed throughout. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set in the center.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Scatter diced green onions over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Slice into squares and serve warm!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overbake: Watch for a lightly browned top and just-set center; overcooking will make the eggs rubbery.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent melting, so freshly grated is worth the extra minute.
- Uniform Dice: Chop ham and vegetables into even pieces to ensure every bite has a little of everything—and it looks more appetizing too!
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the bake sit for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven for neater slices.
How to Serve
Serving this Denver Omelette Egg Bake is as easy as it gets! It’s a standout on its own, but you can jazz it up with:
- Toast or Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up every bit of cheesy, eggy goodness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: For a balancing burst of sweetness.
- Hash Browns or Roasted Potatoes: Take the brunch experience to the next level.
- Hot Sauce or Salsa: If you like a little zing with your eggs, don’t hold back!
Try serving leftovers tucked into a breakfast sandwich or wrapped in a warm tortilla for a quick breakfast burrito.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—making breakfast a grab-and-go delight!
Freezing
Slice the bake into individual squares, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat slices in a 325°F oven until warmed through, or microwave on low, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Note: If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for even warming.
FAQs
-
Can I make this egg bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the egg mixture the night before, pour it into your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
-
Can I use egg whites only or an egg substitute?
Yes, you can go lighter by using only egg whites or a mix of egg whites and whole eggs. Just remember, the flavor and texture will change slightly, but it will still bake up beautifully.
-
How do I know when the egg bake is done?
The center should no longer jiggle and a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean. The top will be lightly browned and puffed up—perfection!
-
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Easily! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time. Just check for doneness with the same knife method.
Final Thoughts
This Denver Omelette Egg Bake proves that you don’t need an elaborate menu or loads of time to make a breakfast that everyone will talk about all week. The combination of hearty protein, bubbling cheese, and sweet veggies comes together effortlessly in one dish, creating something truly greater than the sum of its parts. Give it a try, experiment with the ingredients you love, and enjoy every delicious, easy, flavor-packed bite.
PrintDenver Omelette Egg Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Denver Omelette Egg Bake is a quick and flavorful baked egg casserole featuring fluffy eggs, savory ham, melted cheddar cheese, sweet bell peppers, and onions. It’s a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch option that comes together in 30 minutes and serves a crowd with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 1/2 cup half and half
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced (can substitute cooked bacon or sausage)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 3/4 cup bell pepper, diced (use red and green for color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/2 cup diced green onion
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your egg bake will cook evenly and set properly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy for a fluffy texture.
- Add Mix-Ins: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked diced ham, diced onions, diced bell peppers, and your desired amount of salt and pepper. Mix everything gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined egg mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan, spreading evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is beginning to turn light golden brown and the center is set.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool slightly, then garnish with sliced green onions for added color and flavor. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor.
- Use different types of cheese or additional veggies as preferred.
- The bake can be prepared ahead and reheated, making it great for meal prep.
- Check for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should be set and not jiggly.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of half and half.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the bake
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 250mg