Looking for a hearty breakfast that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This Cheesy Baked Breakfast Boat is the perfect way to serve up eggs, cheese, and savory meats in a crisp, golden crust of Italian bread. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s great for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast-for-dinner treat.
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With a warm, fluffy egg filling loaded with ham (or your favorite breakfast meat), onions, peppers, and plenty of melted cheese, this breakfast boat is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Breakfast – Everything you love about a classic breakfast—eggs, cheese, and meat—all baked into one delicious dish, just like a cheesy baked breakfast boat should be.
- Customizable – Swap out the ham for bacon or sausage, or mix in your favorite veggies.
- Perfect for Sharing – A great option for feeding a crowd without making multiple dishes.
Ingredients For Cheesy Baked Breakfast Boat
- 1 large loaf of crusty Italian bread
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ¾ cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup diced ham (or use cooked sausage or bacon)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How To Make This Breakfast Boat
1. Prep the Bread
Start by cutting the Italian bread in half lengthwise, creating a boat shape. Carefully remove some of the bread from the center, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch of bread around the edges to create a shell. Set the hollowed-out half on a lined baking sheet.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, onion, bell peppers, ham, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
3. Fill and Bake
Pour the egg mixture into the bread shell, spreading it evenly. Place in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
4. Add the Final Touch
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for a few more minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Slice and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into pieces. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy baked breakfast boat!
Tips and Variations
- Meat Options – Swap out the ham for crispy bacon, sausage, or even leftover cooked chicken.
- Veggies – Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes for an extra boost of flavor.
- Cheese Choices – While cheddar is classic, this recipe also works well with mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Make-Ahead Option – Assemble the bread and filling the night before, then bake in the morning for an easy cheesy baked breakfast boat.
This Cheesy Baked Breakfast Boat is a simple yet satisfying way to start your day. Whether you’re serving it for brunch or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a filling, homemade breakfast with minimal effort.
Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe and what variations you used! 😊
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FAQ
Can I make the breakfast boat ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the loaf and fillings the night before. Keep it covered in the fridge, then bake it fresh in the morning for an easy breakfast.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully and adds great flavor. You can also use pepper jack for a little kick.
Can I freeze leftover breakfast boat?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Cheesy Baked Breakfast Boat
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup onion chopped
- ¾ cup bell peppers chopped
- 1 cup ham diced (or use cooked sausage or bacon)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, reserve ½ cup for topping
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degees C) Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the Italian bread in half lengthwise, creating a boat shape. Carefully remove some of the bread from the center, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch of bread around the edges to create a shell. Set the hollowed-out half on a lined baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, onion, bell peppers, ham, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the bread shell, spreading it evenly. Place in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for a few more minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Helpful Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Breakfast Boat
- Use a sturdy loaf. A French or Italian loaf works best since it’s thick enough to hold the egg mixture without getting soggy.
- Hollow it carefully. Scoop out most of the inside but leave about ½ inch of bread around the edges to keep it sturdy.
- Precook your fillings. Bacon, sausage, or veggies should be cooked ahead so they blend evenly with the eggs and cheese.
- Don’t overfill the loaf. The egg mixture will puff slightly as it bakes, so leave a little room at the top.
- Bake until just set. The center should be firm but still creamy—check after 25–30 minutes and adjust depending on your oven.