Wednesday: Menu for a Crowd, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Eggs 12 Different ways; Enjoy happy day!
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Nov 16, 2021
- 12 min read
My neighbor shared more zucchini from his garden than I knew what to do with. He loved this recipe—it's great for brunch or a special breakfast. —Darcy Kennedy, Hendersonvlle, North Carolina
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium red potatoes (about 1/2 lb.), cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 small zucchini, shredded (about 3 cups)
4 frozen fully cooked breakfast sausage links, thawed and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
6 cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
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Directions
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and onion; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until potatoes are crisp-tender. Stir in zucchini and sausage; cook 4-6 minutes longer or until the vegetables are tender.
Gently stir in red peppers, tomatoes, salt and pepper; sprinkle with cheese. With back of spoon, make four wells in potato mixture; break an egg into each well. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, covered, 4-6 minutes or until egg whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 316 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 209mg cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
Drop egg yolks on nests of whipped Italian-seasoned egg whites, then bake in a cast-iron skillet. Dreamy!—Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin

Italian Cloud Eggs
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min. Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
4 large eggs, separated
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
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Directions
Preheat oven to 450°. Separate eggs; place whites in a large bowl and yolks in 4 separate small bowls. Beat egg whites, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper until stiff peaks form.
In a 9-in. cast-iron skillet generously coated with cooking spray, drop egg white mixture into 4 mounds. With the back of a spoon, create a small well in the center of each mound. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until light brown, about 5 minutes. Gently slip an egg yolk into each of the mounds. Bake until yolks are set, 3-5 minutes longer. Sprinkle with basil and tomatoes. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 96 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
My husband and I have a standing breakfast date on Saturday mornings. When we want something fancy, we make Italian-inspired eggs Benedict with pesto and prosciutto. —Jackie Dodd, Los Angeles, California

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 tablespoon prepared pesto
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons white vinegar
4 large eggs
8 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham
4 fresh basil leaves
4 slices tomato
4 slices Italian bread (1 inch thick), toasted
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Directions
In a small saucepan, melt butter; stir in pesto. In top of a double boiler or a metal bowl over simmering water, whisk egg yolks, water and lemon juice until blended; cook until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and temperature reaches 160°, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to very low. Very slowly drizzle in warm melted butter mixture, whisking constantly.
Transfer to a small bowl if necessary. Place bowl in a larger bowl of warm water. Keep warm, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve. Place 2-3 in. of water in a large saucepan or skillet with high sides; add vinegar. Bring to a boil; adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Break cold eggs, 1 at a time, into a small bowl; holding the bowl close to the surface of the water, slip each egg into water.
Cook, uncovered, 3-5 minutes or until whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard. Using a slotted spoon, lift eggs out of water.
To serve, layer prosciutto, basil, tomato and eggs over toast. Top with hollandaise sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 525 calories, 39g fat (19g saturated fat), 457mg cholesterol, 1092mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
Creamy Eggs & Mushrooms Au Gratin

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Cook: 25 min. Makes 8 servings
When I want a brunch recipe that has the crowd appeal of scrambled eggs but is a little more special, I turn to this dish. The Parmesan sauce is simple but rich and delicious.—Deb Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 green onion, chopped
sauce:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
eggs:
16 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 green onion, finely chopped
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Directions
In a large broiler-safe skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook and stir until browned, 4-6 minutes. Add green onion; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon. Wipe skillet clean.
For sauce, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheese.
Preheat broiler. For eggs, in a large bowl, whisk eggs, salt and pepper until blended. In same skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture; cook and stir just until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains. Remove from heat.
Spoon half the sauce over the eggs; top with mushrooms. Add remaining sauce; sprinkle with cheese. Broil 4-5 in. from heat until top is lightly browned, 4-6 minutes. Sprinkle with green onion.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 363 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 431mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
The best part about these creative and convenient bread bowls is that you can fill them with whatever you want. This is one of our favorite breakfasts. —Patrick Lavin, Jr., Birdsboro, Pennsylvania

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min.
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup chopped pancetta
4 crusty hard rolls (4 inches wide)
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mushrooms
4 large eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup shredded Gruyere or fontina cheese
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a small skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
Meanwhile, cut a thin slice off top of each roll. Hollow out bottom of roll, leaving a 1/2-in.-thick shell (save removed bread for another use); place shells on an ungreased baking sheet.
Add mushrooms and pancetta to bread shells. Carefully break an egg into each; sprinkle eggs with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 18-22 minutes or until egg whites are completely set and yolks begin to thicken but are not hard.
Nutrition Facts 1 breakfast bowl: 256 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Total Time Prep: 50 min. Bake 1 hour + standing
Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls, divided
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
7 large eggs, divided use
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli ham
1/2 pound thinly sliced hard salami
1/2 pound sliced provolone cheese
2 jars (12 ounces each) roasted sweet red peppers, drained, sliced and patted dry
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. Unroll 1 tube of crescent dough and separate into triangles. Press onto bottom of prepared pan to form a crust, sealing seams well. Bake until set, 10-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach and mushrooms; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender. Drain on several layers of paper towels, blotting well. In a large bowl, whisk 6 eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper.
Layer crust with half of each of the following: ham, salami, provolone cheese, red peppers and spinach mixture. Pour half of the egg mixture over top. Repeat layers; top with remaining egg mixture.
On a work surface, unroll and separate remaining crescent dough into triangles. Press together to form a circle and seal seams; place over filling. Whisk remaining egg; brush over dough.
Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 160°, 1 to 1-1/4 hours, covering loosely with foil if needed to prevent overbrowning. Carefully loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove rim from pan. Let stand 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 403 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
Two of my favorites – mushroom and avocado – make a stacked sandwich fancy enough for company or a weekend breakfast with the family. —Carol McLaughlin, Papillion, Nebraska

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Bake: 10 min.
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
8 large eggs
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
6 slices French bread (1 inch thick), toasted
3 ounces Brie cheese, cut into 6 slices
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and thinly sliced
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Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, lemon pepper and basil until blended. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture; cook and stir until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains. Gently stir in chives.
Meanwhile, in another skillet, heat oil and remaining butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until tender.
Place toast slices on an ungreased baking sheet; top with mushrooms, eggs and cheese. Bake 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Just before serving, top with avocado.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 319 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 307mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
When you need a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast that won’t up your cholesterol level, whip up a pan of chicken and asparagus crepes. The filling is rich and savory with fresh asparagus, onions and mushrooms. Shredded chicken breast is a more cholesterol-friendly option than other breakfast meats.
Total Time Prep: 25 min. Bake: 35 min. + standing
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
filling:
1-1/2 cups cut fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces)
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon canola oil
2-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 cups cubed rotisserie chicken
sauce:
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
2/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
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Directions
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and butter. Combine flour and salt; add to egg mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Heat a lightly greased 8-in. nonstick skillet over medium heat; pour 1/4 cup batter into center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to coat bottom evenly. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing skillet as needed. When cool, stack crepes with waxed paper or paper towels in between.
Saute asparagus and onion in oil until tender. Add mushrooms and cook 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat and stir in chicken. Set aside.
For sauce, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Spread about 1/2 cup filling down the center of each crepe; top with 2 tablespoons sauce and 1 piece of Swiss cheese. Roll up and place seam side down in each of two greased 11x7-in. baking dishes. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a bubbly.
Cheesy Zucchini Quiche

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Bake: 35 min. + standing Makes 8 servings
A few years ago, I found this zucchini quiche recipe that's quick to prepare and freezes well, too. Just put it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and pop it into the oven when you wake up! —Karen Howard, Lakeville, Massachusetts
Ingredients
Dough for single-crust pie
3 tablespoons butter
4 cups thinly sliced zucchini (about 3 medium)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
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Directions
Preheat oven to 400°. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle; transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim crust to 1/2 in. beyond rim of plate; flute edge. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add zucchini and onion; cook and stir until tender. Drain and cool slightly.
Whisk eggs and seasonings until blended. Stir in cheese and zucchini mixture. Spread mustard over pastry shell; add filling.
Bake on a lower oven rack until a knife inserted in center comes out clean and crust is golden brown, 35-40 minutes. If needed, cover edge loosely with foil during last 15 minutes to prevent overbrowning. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
CHEESY ZUCCHINI QUICHE TIPS How do you store a zucchini quiche? Like other quiche recipes, you can store this zucchini quiche in the fridge for up to three to four days. You can also freeze quiche for up to a month when tightly wrapped.How can you guarantee even slices of zucchini for zucchini quiche? You can get even zucchini slices by cutting them with a mandoline slicer. Have leftovers? Use up your extra veggies in these zucchini recipes.How can you avoid a soggy quiche? Avoiding a soggy quiche is easier than it seems. We have two recommendations for this zucchini quiche recipe: The first is to pat the zucchini dry and add salt to remove any excess water before cooking it with the onion. You could also blind bake the pie crust before adding the filling. New to blind baking? Check out our guide on how to blind bake (and solving other pie crust problems). —Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 332 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
This brunch dish has easy ingredients and an impressive look all rolled into one! I love hosting brunch, and this special omelet roll is one of my very favorite items to prepare and share. A platter of these pretty swirled slices disappears fast. —Nancy Daugherty, Portland, Ohio

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 35 min. Makes 12 servings
Ingredients
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 large eggs
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups finely chopped fully cooked ham
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
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Directions
Line the bottom and sides of a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan with parchment; grease the paper and set aside.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth. Add flour and salt; mix until combined. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until blended. Add cream cheese mixture; mix well. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake at 375° until eggs are puffed and set, 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven. Immediately spread with mustard and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Sprinkle with ham, onions and 1 cup cheese.
Roll up from a short side, peeling parchment away while rolling. Sprinkle top of roll with the remaining cheese; bake until cheese is melted, 3-4 minutes longer.
Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 239 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 260mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
My sister-in-law always made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come up with good, easy breakfast ideas. Served with toast, juice and milk or coffee, it's a sure hit with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a big help while I was raising my nine children. Now I've passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
3/4 pound bacon strips, finely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
8 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Directions
In a large skillet, cook bacon and onion over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings in pan.
Stir in hash browns. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat until bottom is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Turn potatoes. With the back of a spoon, make 8 evenly spaced wells in potato mixture. Break 1 egg into each well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cook, covered, on low until eggs are set and potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese; let stand until cheese is melted.
SHEEPHERDER’S BREAKFAST TIPS What do I do with leftover bacon grease? Save your leftover bacon fat in the fridge to use in a variety of ways. Try baking with it, adding it to ice cream or any of these other bacon grease ideas.Are there any variations I can make with this recipe? This top-rated breakfast recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes. Feel free to use country pork sausage instead of bacon or make it vegetarian by eliminating the meat and replacing the ¼ cup reserved bacon drippings with oil or butter.Can I make this with more or less eggs? Yes, you can make this recipe with more or less eggs! Make as many wells in the potato mixture for as many eggs as you need. If you've got eggs left over, use them up in any of these egg recipes. Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 354 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 222mg cholesterol, 617mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
6 large egg whites
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
2 turkey bacon strips, chopped
1 cup fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
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Directions
Preheat broiler. In a small bowl, whisk the first 6 ingredients.
In an 8-in. ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper and bacon; cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until onion is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; top with spinach.
Pour in egg mixture. As eggs set, push cooked portions toward the center, letting uncooked eggs flow underneath; cook until eggs are nearly thickened. Remove from heat; sprinkle with basil, then cheese.
Broil 3-4 in. from heat 2-3 minutes or until eggs are completely set. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into wedges.
TEST KITCHEN TIPWant to make this recipe super healthy? Substitute 6 egg whites for the 3 whole eggs listed in the ingredients. You'll be using a total of 12 egg whites to complete the recipe. Nutrition Facts 1 slice: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
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