Mozzarella & Tomato Egg Bake (Caprese Style)
A light and elegant brunch dish featuring perfectly baked eggs, fresh mozzarella, and a gentle touch of tomato.
KEY INFO:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Oven-safe skillet or casserole dish (9×13 inch)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Alternative: Cast iron pan or ceramic baking dish
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 large eggs
- 225g (8 oz) fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks
[Sub: fresh burrata] - 1 large ripe tomato or 8-10 cherry tomatoes, chopped
[Sub: 4-5 sun-dried tomatoes for intense flavor] - 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tbsp balsamic glaze for finishing
METHOD:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F)
- Pat mozzarella dry with paper towels (CRUCIAL for preventing excess moisture)
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened
- Whisk eggs in a large bowl with salt and pepper until well combined
- Grease baking dish with olive oil if not using skillet
- Pour egg mixture into prepared dish
- Distribute cooked tomatoes and mozzarella chunks evenly over eggs
- Scatter half the torn basil leaves
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until eggs are set but still moist (they should not jiggle when gently shaken)
- Remove from oven, top with remaining basil and optional balsamic glaze
CRUCIAL TIPS:
- Use room temperature eggs for even cooking
- Don’t overload with tomatoes – less is more here
- Pat mozzarella thoroughly dry to prevent wateriness
- Check eggs at 25 minutes – overbaking will make them rubbery
STORAGE & SCALING:
- Keeps 2-3 days refrigerated in airtight container
- Double ingredients for larger groups (use larger baking dish)
- Best served fresh but can be gently reheated at 150°C (300°F)
VARIATIONS:
- Add thinly sliced garlic
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat
- Use mixed cherry tomatoes for color
- Finish under broiler for golden top
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
- Using cold eggs (causes uneven cooking)
- Skipping the tomato pre-cook step
- Not drying mozzarella properly
- Overbaking (watch carefully after 25 minutes)
