Easy Fluffy Mimosa Brunch Casserole
A light and fluffy brunch casserole with a bright mimosa twist, combining airy eggs, sharp cheddar, and fresh orange zest and juice. Perfect for weekend mornings and crowd-pleasing gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Brunch
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces/115 g)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (can use gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Separate 8 large eggs into two bowls—yolks in one, whites in another, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites.
- In the yolk bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking gently until smooth and lump-free.
- Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, reserving a small handful for topping.
- Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer or hand whisk until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions using a rubber spatula, folding from the bottom up to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs and milk for best fluffiness. Beat egg whites to soft peaks, not stiff. Fold egg whites gently to maintain airiness. If casserole browns too fast, tent with foil. Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents may affect texture. Leftovers reheat best in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain fluffiness. Can prepare batter the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About one-sixth of t
- Calories: 280320
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: brunch casserole, mimosa casserole, fluffy eggs, cheddar cheese casserole, orange zest, weekend brunch, easy brunch recipe