Denver style EGG BAKE

The sun finally made an appearance in Chicago and people are flipping out. Brunch parties, potlucks and tons of day drinking are otw. So if you’re in search of a signature potluck item that’s simple, delicious and easily made vegetarian, then plz keep reading.

Search EGG BAKE on Pinterest and note the endless ingredient combinations that pop up.  However, the DenverOmelette-inspired bake is my favorite these days. I like to serve it with sliced avocado drizzled in olive oil, but I’ve also seen it served with sour cream or solo.

The first time I made this dish was for a St. Patrick’s Day brunch at a friend’s. It was SO good,  I made it again the following day to share with colleagues at work. In fact, a friend from the finance team emailed me soon after asking for the recipe. She even offered to pay for an entire Bake! BUTTTT — I’ll email her a link to this recipe instead because if I can make it, anyone can make it.

BUEN PROVECHO x MUCHOS BESOS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 poblano pepper, diced
• 1 cup of pre-packaged diced ham (disregard if vegetarian)
• a handful of baby spinach (optional)
• shredded SHARP cheddar cheese
• crumbled feta cheese (I like Odyssey Feta from WI)
• 8 eggs
• 1/4 cup of egg whites
• butter (or oil)
• tablespoon of minced garlic
• salt, pepper
• baking dish (For mine, Le Creuset)
• skillet

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and butter baking dish
2. Prepare your vegetables:
   1. Chop your onion, tomato and peppers
3. Whisk together 8 eggs, 1/4 cup of egg whites, salt, pepper and set aside.
4. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onions and garlic.
5. When aromatic, add all the peppers, s & p,  and cook for 3-5 minutes or until soft.
6. Add diced ham to the skillet, a layer of cheddar cheese and a handful of baby spinach. Toss.
7. Once spinach is wilted, remove skillet from heat and evenly pour ingredients into the baking dish.
8. Pour over the egg mixture and sprinkle feta cheese.
9. Place baking dish in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until desired bake.
   *Tip: If you’re taking this dish to a potluck, bake it for 20 minutes and then bake for another 5-10 at your destination to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

SERVING OPTIONS:

• Sliced avocado
• Diced scallions
• An additional sprinkle of feta cheese
• Crushed red pepper