This Breakfast Veggie Crinkle Cake is a savory, crispy, and cheesy dish packed with fresh vegetables and flaky layers of phyllo dough. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep, offering a deliciously crunchy texture with a soft, flavorful center. Inspired by the viral crinkle cakes, this version swaps sweet for savory, making it a unique and nutritious start to your day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Flaky – Layers of phyllo dough create an irresistible crunch.
- Loaded with Veggies – Packed with zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, and more.
- Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch – A savory alternative to pastries.
- Easy to Make – Just layer, crinkle, and bake!
- Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for busy mornings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crinkle Layers:
- 8-10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, feta, or mozzarella)
For the Veggie Filling:
- 1 small zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- ½ bell pepper, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup mushrooms, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or thyme)
For the Egg Mixture:
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth)
Directions
1. Prepare the Phyllo Dough
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough, brush with olive oil or butter, and crinkle it loosely.
- Place it into the dish and repeat with remaining sheets, layering them to fill the dish.
2. Add the Veggie Filling
- In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 2 minutes.
- Add zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms, cooking for another 3 minutes until softened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then remove from heat.
- Sprinkle cheese over the crinkled phyllo, then evenly spread the veggie mixture on top.
3. Pour the Egg Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, paprika, and nutmeg.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the phyllo and veggies, making sure it soaks in.
4. Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is crispy and golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Dairy-Free – Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and dairy-free milk.
- Protein Boost – Add crumbled feta or cooked turkey sausage.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free phyllo or a thin layer of mashed potatoes instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or air-fry at 375°F for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo dough?
Yes, but it will have a flakier, less crinkled texture.
How do I prevent phyllo from drying out?
Cover it with a damp towel while working.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
How do I make this extra crispy?
Brush more olive oil or butter between layers.
What cheese works best?
Feta, cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese all add great flavor.
Can I make mini versions?
Yes! Use a muffin tin and adjust baking time to 15-20 minutes.
Is this similar to a breakfast quiche?
Yes, but lighter and crispier due to the phyllo dough.
Can I serve this with a sauce?
Yes! Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or hot sauce pair well.
Can I add eggs on top?
Yes! Crack an egg on top before baking for a baked egg effect.
Conclusion
This Breakfast Veggie Crinkle Cake is a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful way to enjoy a veggie-packed breakfast. Whether for brunch, meal prep, or a fun twist on breakfast pastries, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a flaky, golden-brown bite!
PrintBreakfast Veggie Crinkle Cake
This savory, flaky breakfast cake is packed with layers of crispy phyllo dough, cheesy eggs, and colorful veggies, all baked to golden perfection. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for a brunch, meal prep, or a protein-packed start to your day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 slices 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Fusion
Ingredients
- 6 sheets of phyllo dough, thawed
- 3 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or shredded cheddar/parmesan)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, etc.), chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (for topping, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9-inch round baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In a pan, heat 1 tbsp butter or oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and chopped vegetables, cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Assemble the Crinkle Cake
- Take one phyllo sheet, scrunch it loosely, and place it in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining sheets until the dish is filled.
- Brush melted butter or oil over the scrunched phyllo layers.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the crinkled phyllo dough.
- Sprinkle sautéed veggies on top.
5. Bake & Serve
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or bagel seasoning before serving.
- Slice and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Make it dairy-free by using almond milk and dairy-free cheese.
- Add cooked sausage, bacon, or tofu crumbles for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days and reheat in the oven for crispiness.