Baked Rice and Egg Casserole

A savory blend of ingredients, fluffy rice, and creamy eggs come together in Baked Rice and Egg Casserole, a satisfying and adaptable recipe. This casserole is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It may be eaten by itself or with a simple salad, meat, or veggie on the side. This casserole’s versatility is its greatest asset; you may alter the ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Components:

Regarding the casserole:

1. Two cups (375g) of cooked rice, either brown, white, or a combination of the two
   Six big eggs
2. One cup (240 milliliters) of milk (or a dairy substitute)
3. 60g, or half a cup, of shredded cheese (either mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix; optional)
4. Half a teaspoon of powdered garlic
5. 1/4 tsp onion powder
6. To taste, add salt and pepper.
7. One tablespoon of butter or olive oil (to grease the baking dish)
8. Optional: 1/4 cup (60g) of cooked vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach
9. An optional 1/4 cup (60g) of cooked meat, such as chicken, sausage, bacon, or ham

As an optional garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley, salsa, or hot sauce

Tools:

• 9 x 9 inches (or thereabouts) baking dish
• Bowls for mixing
• Fork or whisk
• Measurement spoons and cups
• Stirring spoon
• Knife (if using meat or vegetables)

Getting ready:

1. Get the oven ready:

• Set the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F). When the ingredients are ready, this will guarantee that it is hot and ready for the casserole.

2. Get the baking dish ready:

Duration: two minutes

• Grease a 9 x 9-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized dish) lightly with butter, olive oil, or nonstick cooking spray. This will make it easier to serve the casserole later by preventing it from sticking to the pan.

3. Get the rice ready:

Duration: 5 minutes

• Follow the directions on the package to cook one cup of dry rice if you don’t already have cooked rice. About two cups of cooked rice are needed for this recipe. Depending on your preferences, you can use brown rice, white rice, or a combination of the two.
• Note: Because leftover rice gives the dish a more cohesive texture, it’s ideal for this recipe. Make sure the remaining rice is either room temperature or just warmed up if you plan to use it.

4. Prepare the Egg Blend:

Duration: 5 minutes

• Crack six big eggs into a large mixing basin and whisk until the whites and yolks are well mixed.
  Continue whisking after adding 1 cup of milk (you may use any kind of milk, including dairy or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk).
• Add salt and pepper to taste, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Depending on your preferred taste, you can change these ingredients.
• Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (either mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination) if you plan to add cheese. This will give the dish more flavor and depth. For a golden, cheesy crust, you can also save some cheese to sprinkle on top.

5. Mix the egg mixture with the rice:

Duration: three minutes

• Make sure the rice is completely covered with the egg mixture by adding the cooked rice and gently stirring to blend.
• Fold cooked meats (such as chopped ham, crumbled sausage, or bacon) or cooked vegetables (such as sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms) into the rice and egg mixture. The dish will gain taste and texture from these additions.
• Note: Feel free to add more veggies, such as tomatoes, onions, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach or kale, if you like your casserole to be more vegetable-heavy.

6. Fill the baking dish with the mixture:

Duration: one minute

• To guarantee that the casserole cooks evenly, pour the rice and egg mixture into the baking dish that has been prepared, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.

7. Make the casserole by baking:

Duration: 30 to 40 minutes

• The casserole should be set in the middle and have a hint of golden crust after 30 to 40 minutes of baking in a preheated oven. A toothpick put into the middle of the casserole should come out clean, indicating that the eggs are cooked through.
• You can broil the casserole for the final two to three minutes of baking if you prefer a golden, crispy top. Simply monitor it to avoid burning.

8. Give It Time to Relax:

Duration: 5 minutes

• After the casserole is finished, take it out of the oven and give it a good five minutes to rest. This facilitates the setting of the casserole and facilitates slicing and serving.

Serving Recommendations:

• Serve the baked rice and egg casserole with toast, a side salad, or fresh fruit for breakfast or brunch. Add avocado slices and salsa or spicy sauce over top for a really decadent brunch.
• For dinner, to counterbalance the casserole’s richness, serve it with roasted vegetables or a green salad. It also tastes great with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple tomato salad.
• Garnishes: For a splash of freshness, you can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives to the casserole.

Remarks:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can make this casserole the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just put the dish together (step 5) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Take it out of the refrigerator and bake it according to the recipe’s instructions. If baking straight from the refrigerator, you might need to extend the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rice Substitution: You can use quinoa, couscous, or farro in place of the rice if you’d choose. Before putting them in the casserole, just make sure they are cooked.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, just leave out the beef and add more veggies, like cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and omit the cheese to make the dish dairy-free. If you choose, you can use a dairy-free cheese substitute in its stead.

In summary:

• A simple, soothing, and adaptable dish, baked rice and egg casserole is perfect for any time of day. This casserole’s blend of fluffy rice, creamy eggs, and flavorful seasonings creates a filling dish that’s ideal for a quick weekday supper or for using up leftovers. Enjoy this delectable casserole with your loved ones and create many versions by adding your preferred meats and vegetables!