Blueberry Lemon Egg Bake
Highlighted under: Holistic Healthy Cooking
I absolutely love making this Blueberry Lemon Egg Bake for brunch, especially on lazy weekend mornings. It combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The freshness of the blueberries paired with a hint of lemon zest has a way of brightening my mood. Plus, it's a fantastic option for feeding a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen!
While experimenting with breakfast recipes one lazy Sunday, I decided to whip up something special. I knew I wanted to incorporate blueberries, as they add both sweetness and a pop of color. The result was this Blueberry Lemon Egg Bake, which quickly became a family favorite. The creamy egg mixture combined with fruity bursts is such a delightful way to start the day.
I learned that using fresh ingredients makes a noticeable difference in flavor. By adding lemon zest, you not only brighten the dish but also elevate the overall taste experience. Now, every time I make it, I feel like it’s an occasion worth celebrating, no matter how simple the gathering may be!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors of lemon and blueberry
- Easy to prepare and perfect for a crowd
- A delightful way to start your day or hold a brunch gathering
The Role of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh blueberries is key to achieving that burst of flavor in each bite of the Blueberry Lemon Egg Bake. When selecting blueberries, look for plump, firm berries that are deep blue in color. Avoid any that are wrinkled or have a dull appearance, as they are past their prime. Fresh berries contribute not only to the taste but also to the texture, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy egg base.
Incorporating lemon zest elevates this dish by adding a zesty brightness that complements the sweetness of the blueberries. Zest the lemons with a fine grater before juicing, ensuring you only capture the outer yellow skin. This adds essential oils to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you find yourself without fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but the zest offers an irreplaceable freshness.
Technique Tips for Success
Whisking the eggs vigorously is essential for incorporating air, which will give your bake a light and fluffy texture. Ensure your mixture is well combined to avoid any egg clumps in the final dish. A whisk works best for this, as it effectively breaks down the yolks and evenly distributes the other ingredients, creating a beautifully homogenized batter with a glossy finish.
When baking, it’s important to monitor the dish closely during the final few minutes. You want a golden-brown top with the edges slightly puffed, indicating that it's set but still moist inside. Overbaking can lead to a dry egg casserole, while underbaking will leave it too runny. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean but moist for the perfect texture.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious bake:
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Make sure to prep your ingredients before starting the cooking process!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Blueberry Lemon Egg Bake:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and cinnamon until well combined.
Add the Blueberries
Gently fold the blueberries into the egg mixture to avoid breaking them.
Bake the Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until set and golden brown on top.
Serve and Enjoy
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Cleaning up is easy – just enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding some chopped fresh mint or a dollop of yogurt on top when serving. You can also substitute the blueberries with raspberries or strawberries for a different twist!
Make-Ahead and Storage
This Blueberry Lemon Egg Bake is an excellent make-ahead option. You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to pour it into the baking dish and bake it fresh in the morning for the best texture. Alternatively, after baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
If you're dealing with leftovers, you can freeze individual slices of the bake. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method preserves the flavors and textures beautifully.
Variations to Try
This recipe offers a wonderful canvas for creativity. For a twist, try adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch and healthy fats. You could also mix in other fruits, such as diced strawberries or raspberries, which pair well with the lemon and blueberry flavors. Remember that the liquid content might change slightly, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, simply substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk. Be sure to use eggs that are pasture-raised to enhance flavor and quality. Additionally, for a lower-sugar option, you could reduce the sugar amount to 2 tablespoons or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, although keep in mind that this may slightly alter the baking time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture the night before, pour it into the baking dish, cover it, and leave it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning.
→ Is it possible to use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the mix to avoid excess moisture.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular baking powder with a gluten-free version, and it will work just fine.
Blueberry Lemon Egg Bake
I absolutely love making this Blueberry Lemon Egg Bake for brunch, especially on lazy weekend mornings. It combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The freshness of the blueberries paired with a hint of lemon zest has a way of brightening my mood. Plus, it's a fantastic option for feeding a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Holistic Healthy Cooking
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and cinnamon until well combined.
Gently fold the blueberries into the egg mixture to avoid breaking them.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until set and golden brown on top.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding some chopped fresh mint or a dollop of yogurt on top when serving. You can also substitute the blueberries with raspberries or strawberries for a different twist!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 320mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 10g