Simple Denver Omelet Breakfast Bake

Key Ingredients for Your Baked Denver Omelette Casserole

Creating the perfect Denver omelette casserole starts with selecting fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for variations:

• Butter: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and adding a rich flavor base. You can use either salted or unsalted butter. If opting for salted butter, you might want to slightly reduce the amount of additional salt in the egg mixture to taste.
• Onion: White or yellow onions are ideal for their balanced sweetness and sharpness once cooked. Dicing them finely ensures they blend well into the omelette.
• Green Bell Pepper: A signature ingredient of the classic Denver omelet, green bell pepper provides a distinct fresh, slightly bitter note. For a sweeter profile or a splash of color, feel free to substitute with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers.
• Eggs: Large eggs are standard for this recipe. For the fluffiest results, ensure your eggs are fresh. The eggs form the core of your omelette, binding all the delicious fillings together.
• Water: A small amount of water or milk helps to lighten the egg mixture, creating a more tender and airy texture in your baked omelette. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a splash of heavy cream for an extra rich casserole.
• Ham: Cooked ham is the star of the Denver omelet. Leftover holiday ham is fantastic for this recipe, offering a wonderful way to repurpose trimmings. Alternatively, quality deli ham, cut into small cubes, works just as well. Make sure it’s fully cooked and diced into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
• Shredded Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the traditional choice for a Denver omelet, providing a delightful tang and excellent melting properties. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! Pepper Jack adds a subtle kick, mozzarella offers a milder, stretchier melt, and a sprinkle of goat cheese or crumbled feta can introduce an exciting savory complexity.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings are crucial to enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust to your personal preference, keeping in mind the saltiness of your ham and butter.

How to Make This Easy Baked Denver Omelette Recipe

This recipe simplifies breakfast by transforming a classic into a convenient, make-ahead friendly casserole. Follow these straightforward steps for a delicious meal:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking once your ingredients are ready.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium-sized skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add your diced onions and green bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and slightly softened. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the vegetables and brings out their sweetness before they’re baked into the egg mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eight large eggs. Add the water (or milk), salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously with a fork or a wire whisk until the eggs are well broken up and the mixture is light and frothy. This aeration helps create a fluffy omelette. Gently fold in the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier. Evenly spread the sautéed onions and peppers over the bottom of the prepared dish. Carefully pour the egg, ham, and cheese mixture over the vegetable layer. You can gently stir with a spoon to slightly combine the layers, but don’t overmix.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the omelette are beautifully golden brown and the center is fully set. You can test for doneness by gently jiggling the pan; if the center doesn’t wobble, it’s ready.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into generous portions. This brief cooling period helps the omelette set completely and makes for cleaner slices. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream, freshly diced tomatoes, or creamy avocado slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and Reheating Your Baked Denver Omelette

This casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for quick leftover breakfasts. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Refrigerate: Allow any leftover baked omelette to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you have only a small portion remaining, transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing (Not Recommended, but Possible): While technically possible, freezing this omelette casserole is generally not recommended as the texture of eggs can change after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit rubbery. However, if you must, ensure it is completely cooled. Wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, then with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store for up to 1 month. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating: For individual slices, the microwave is your quickest option. Reheat for 30-60 seconds at a time until warmed through. For larger portions or to reheat the entire casserole, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed and steaming in the center. Cover with foil to prevent drying out if reheating the whole dish.

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