Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease your baking dish with butter or oil.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds.
Spread the cubed bread evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a base layer.
If using raw vegetables, sauté them lightly in a pan until tender and water evaporates, about 5 minutes, then layer them over the bread.
Sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese evenly over the bread and vegetables, then scatter chopped herbs on top for freshness.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure everything is soaked.
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard, or proceed directly to baking if in a hurry.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes; this helps the casserole firm up and makes slicing easier.
Slice into squares, serve warm, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy, veggie-filled breakfast.