Mediterranean Vegetable Egg Loaf with Tomatoes, Zucchini & Herbs
This beautiful Mediterranean Vegetable Egg Loaf is a savory, protein-rich dish packed with colorful vegetables, creamy eggs, and fragrant herbs. It has a soft, tender texture and makes a delicious breakfast, brunch, light lunch, or healthy snack.
Ingredients
6 large eggs
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
1 small yellow squash, thinly sliced
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables
Wash and slice the zucchini and yellow squash. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. If the vegetables are particularly watery, pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, zucchini, and yellow squash. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Let cool briefly, then gently fold in the tomatoes.
Step 4: Prepare the egg mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and parsley until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the loaf
Arrange some of the sliced vegetables and tomatoes in the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Pour in the egg mixture and distribute the remaining vegetables throughout. Arrange a few tomato slices on top for a colorful finish.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out without liquid egg mixture. The exact time will depend on the size and depth of your pan.
Step 7: Cool and slice
Allow the loaf to rest for 10–15 minutes before removing it from the pan. Slice carefully and garnish with fresh thyme.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: 55–65 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, or Light Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Tips for the Best Vegetable Egg Loaf
Slice vegetables evenly so they cook consistently.
Avoid adding too many watery vegetables without cooking off excess moisture first.
Use fresh herbs for a brighter Mediterranean flavor.
Let the loaf rest before slicing so it holds its shape.
Add feta cheese, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make this vegetable egg loaf ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it a day ahead, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat individual slices when ready to serve.
Q2: Can I make this recipe without cream?
Absolutely. Substitute whole milk or unsweetened dairy-free milk. The texture may be slightly less rich.
Q3: How do I stop the loaf from becoming watery?
Lightly sauté the zucchini and squash before adding them. Pat the tomatoes dry and avoid overloading the loaf with vegetables.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and finely chopped broccoli all work well.
Q5: How do I know when the egg loaf is cooked?
The center should be fully set, not liquid or wobbly. For food safety, the egg mixture should reach 160°F (71°C) in the center.
Q6: How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3–4 days.
Q7: Can I freeze this egg loaf?
Yes. Cut it into individual portions, wrap them well, and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q8: Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it can fit a low-carb eating plan. The eggs, cheese, and non-starchy vegetables keep the carbohydrate content relatively low, although exact amounts depend on the ingredients used.
Q9: What cheese works best?
Mozzarella gives a mild, creamy texture, while Parmesan adds a savory flavor. Feta is another delicious Mediterranean option.
Q10: What can I serve with this loaf?
Serve it with a Greek salad, fresh cucumber slices, avocado, toasted bread, or roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Vegetable Egg Loaf is colorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare. With juicy tomatoes, tender zucchini, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, it’s a lovely dish to share with family or prepare for meals throughout the week.
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