Name: Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488995H14M46S
Total time: PT-488995H14M46S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup chopped banana peppers (mild or hot, as preferred); 1/2 cup diced bell peppers; 1/4 cup chopped onions; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage or beef (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

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If you’re searching for a hearty, zesty, and downright comforting start to your day, look no further than this Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake. This vibrant, flavor-packed dish masterfully blends fluffy eggs, melty cheddar, colorful bell peppers, and just the right pop of banana pepper for a subtle kick. Perfect for impressing guests at brunch or simplifying busy weekday mornings, this one-pan wonder is both effortless and irresistible—guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing and everyone at the table smile.

Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long grocery list to create real breakfast magic; just a handful of classic ingredients bring everything together in this Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake. Each ingredient truly shines, lending its own color, richness, or savory backbone to the final dish.

Eggs: The hearty foundation, providing structure and that irresistible fluffiness in every bite.
Milk: A splash of milk makes the eggs even creamier and lighter, so the bake turns out tender instead of rubbery.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
Black Pepper: Brings a gentle warmth and balances the richer notes in the casserole.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that signature gooey, golden, and deliciously melty layer.
Banana Peppers: Choose mild or hot to level up tang and a hint of heat—these are what make the bake shine.
Bell Peppers: Add sweet crunch and lovely pops of color (red, yellow, and green are all welcome here).
Onions: Give the dish a savory depth that quietly elevates every forkful.
Cooked and Crumbled Sausage or Beef (Optional): An optional but highly recommended add-in for those craving extra heartiness and flavor.
Olive Oil: Just a touch is all you need to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness to the base.

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil—no corners left behind! This step is crucial, not just for easy serving, but also for achieving those enticing golden edges you want in your Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth and slightly frothy. Taking an extra minute to whisk well ensures a light, airy texture once baked—don’t rush this bit!

Step 3: Fold in the Fillings

Now for the fun part: stir in the shredded cheddar, chopped banana peppers, diced bell peppers, onions, and, if you’re feeling it, your crumbled sausage or beef. Mix until everything looks evenly distributed; every slice should be a little rainbow of flavor.

Step 4: Pour and Smooth

Carefully pour the well-mixed egg and veggie blend into your greased dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly into all corners—uniform thickness ensures even baking and maximizes cheesy goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is beautifully golden brown. The mesmerizing aroma will be your cue! Before cutting, let it rest for a few minutes; this makes slicing easy and keeps the squares picture-perfect for serving.

How to Serve

Garnishes

A flurry of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley, chives, or green onions—lifts the finished Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake. Want a little extra fire? Try a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or even a scattering of diced fresh jalapeño for those who love more heat.

Side Dishes

Pairing is a breeze! This bake goes beautifully with a crisp green salad or sliced avocado for a pop of freshness. Buttered toast, roasted potatoes, or even a fruit salad can round out your breakfast table to make any morning feel like a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

You can slice the Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake into larger squares for a brunch crowd or use a biscuit cutter for fun, round servings—perfect for stacking onto toasted English muffins or bagels for brunch sandwiches. For an extra-special touch, arrange the slices on a platter atop a bed of arugula or baby spinach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake stores like a dream. Simply wrap the cooled squares tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container; they’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, making weekday breakfasts deliciously effortless.

Freezing

Want to sock away breakfast for another day? The bake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months, and label with the date for easy meal planning.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual squares for a quick fix or pop them in a 325°F oven, covered, until heated through. If reheating straight from frozen, allow extra time and remove any plastic before heating. You’ll regain that fresh, melty texture every time.

FAQs

Can I make the Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the sausage or beef, and feel free to boost the veggie quotient with mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a colorful, protein-packed, and completely meat-free version.

Is this dish spicy?

The base recipe features mild banana peppers and a dash of black pepper for warmth, but if you like it spicy, you can swap in hot banana peppers or toss in jalapeños for an extra kick.

Can I use a different cheese?

You bet! While cheddar gives you classic flavor and melt, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella work wonderfully. Play around and find your cheesy favorite.

Do I need to let the breakfast bake rest before serving?

Yes, letting it cool for just a few minutes after baking helps everything set for easier slicing, and means each piece holds together beautifully on the plate.

Can I prepare Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake the night before?

Definitely—just assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed, adding 10–15 minutes to account for the chill. You’ll love waking up to a ready-to-bake breakfast!

Final Thoughts

If you love bold breakfast flavors, the Cheesy Pepper Breakfast Bake will win you over on the very first bite. It’s a dish that’s as welcoming to guests as it is to busy families, easy to adapt, and guaranteed to make mornings brighter. Grab your favorite peppers, a good handful of cheese, and get baking—you’re in for a treat!