Apple Harvest Breakfast Bake

🍏🥞🍳 Apple Harvest Breakfast Bake 🍏🥞🍳

What is it?
The Apple Harvest Breakfast Bake is a delightful and comforting breakfast dish that combines the warm and cozy flavors of apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup with the heartiness of eggs and bread. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy during the fall season, and it’s great for feeding a crowd at breakfast or brunch gatherings.

History:
While there isn’t a specific historical origin for the Apple Harvest Breakfast Bake, it draws inspiration from traditional breakfast casseroles and the classic combination of apples and cinnamon. Many cultures around the world have their versions of baked egg dishes, and this recipe likely evolved from a desire to incorporate seasonal fruits like apples into breakfast.

Components:

• 6-8 slices of bread (preferably day-old or slightly stale)
• 2-3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (common varieties include Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
• Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Tear or cut the slices of bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly in the greased baking dish.

3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

4. Place the sliced apples over the bread in the baking dish. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts over the apples.

5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Press down gently with a fork to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

7. Remove the Apple Harvest Breakfast Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

8. Serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup if desired, and enjoy your delicious breakfast!

Time Needed:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 45-55 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

This Apple Harvest Breakfast Bake is a fantastic way to start your day with the flavors of fall. Whether you’re serving it to your family or friends, it’s sure to be a hit, and the aroma of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. Enjoy! 🍁🍽️😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for the Apple Harvest Breakfast Bake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):

• Calories: 280-320 kcal
• Total Fat: 10-12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4g
• Cholesterol: 190-220mg
• Sodium: 270-320mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39-42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugars: 16-18g
• Protein: 10-12g
• Vitamin D: 20-25% DV (Daily Value)
• Calcium: 15-20% DV
• Iron: 10-12% DV
• Potassium: 10-15% DV

Health Information:

• Moderate Calories: The Apple Harvest Breakfast Bake provides a moderate calorie count, making it a suitable choice for a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.

• Healthy Fats: The dish contains a moderate amount of healthy fats, mainly from eggs and any added nuts. These fats are essential for energy and nutrient absorption.

• Protein: With around 10-12 grams of protein per serving, this breakfast bake can contribute to your daily protein intake, helping you feel full and satisfied.

• Fiber: The dish contains a modest amount of dietary fiber, primarily from the apples and bread, which can aid in digestion and help you feel full longer.

• Sugars: While it does contain sugars from the maple syrup and natural sugars in the apples, it’s not excessively high in added sugars, making it a reasonably balanced choice.

• Vitamins and Minerals: It provides essential nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium, which are important for overall health.

• Customization: You can make this dish healthier by choosing whole-grain bread and reducing the amount of added sugar (maple syrup). Additionally, you can use lower-fat milk if you prefer.

Remember that the actual nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized dietary recommendations.