This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a savory, filling start to their day. The combination of tender eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and hearty ham creates a comforting, satisfying breakfast. It’s a breeze to make, and the flavors come together beautifully, making it an ideal dish for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches.
Packed with protein and rich in flavor, this casserole is also customizable. You can add in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, or swap the ham for bacon or sausage. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, this dish will quickly become a go-to breakfast favorite.
Full Recipe:
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6 large eggs
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2 cups milk
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup cooked ham, diced
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1/2 cup green onions, chopped
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1 cup frozen hash browns, thawed
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, green onions, thawed hash browns, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well combined.
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Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and slightly golden on top.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
A Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a quintessential dish for breakfast or brunch that can easily feed a crowd. It combines the hearty flavors of eggs, ham, cheese, and bread, making it a filling and satisfying option for your morning meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a holiday gathering, this casserole offers a convenient and flavorful solution. The best part? It can be made ahead of time, which means less time spent in the kitchen when your guests arrive.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Mornings
One of the major advantages of the Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is its “make-ahead” feature. Preparing this casserole the night before allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the egg mixture overnight. When baked the next morning, it forms a golden, eggy crust on top while the middle remains soft and creamy. The result is a dish that is rich with cheese, savory ham, and the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. With the ability to prepare it ahead of time, this casserole is perfect for busy mornings when you still want to serve a homemade breakfast.
A Dish with Versatile Ingredients
This casserole relies on a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious and comforting meal. White toasting bread, eggs, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced ham are the key components. You can also experiment by swapping out the ham for another protein, such as bacon or sausage, or even adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. While the recipe traditionally calls for tomatoes, these can be omitted if they are out of season or if you prefer a more straightforward flavor profile.
The bread acts as the base of the casserole, absorbing the egg mixture and becoming soft and custardy as it bakes. This gives the casserole a unique texture that sets it apart from other breakfast bakes. Meanwhile, the cheese adds richness and a creamy texture, while the ham provides a savory and smoky element. The tomatoes, when included, add a burst of freshness and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the dish.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Making a Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole involves a few simple steps. First, you layer slices of toasting bread into a greased baking dish. Then, you add layers of cheese, ham, and tomatoes, creating a flavorful base. Afterward, the egg mixture is poured over the top, ensuring that the bread absorbs the liquid and soaks up all the delicious flavors. The casserole is then covered and refrigerated overnight, allowing the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
When you’re ready to bake, the casserole is removed from the fridge and allowed to come to room temperature. Then, it is baked at 375°F for about 55 to 60 minutes until the top is golden and puffed. The result is a dish that is easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
The Role of Bread in the Casserole
The type of bread you choose is important when making this casserole. The recipe recommends using “toasting” bread, which is firmer than regular sandwich bread. This type of bread holds up better in the casserole, as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. If you can’t find toasting bread, you can use regular sandwich bread that is thick and substantial. The bread acts as the foundation of the dish, providing structure and texture that complement the richness of the eggs and cheese.
The Importance of Refrigeration
The key to making this casserole ahead of time is refrigeration. Allowing the casserole to sit overnight gives the bread ample time to absorb the egg mixture, which ensures a creamy, custard-like texture throughout the dish. The eggs are also given time to infuse the bread with flavor, resulting in a dish that is more flavorful and cohesive. This step also makes the casserole easier to bake, as the liquid is evenly distributed through the bread, allowing it to cook uniformly.
Baking the Casserole to Perfection
When it’s time to bake the casserole, you want to ensure that it’s cooked through and has developed a golden, crispy top. It’s important to allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This will help the casserole set and make it easier to slice neatly. The dish should be baked until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F, which ensures that the eggs are fully cooked. If the casserole is not quite done, you can cover it with foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about this casserole is that it’s highly customizable. While the traditional recipe uses cheddar cheese, you can substitute other cheeses based on your preferences. Swiss cheese or Monterey Jack are great alternatives that melt beautifully and add their own distinct flavor to the dish. If you’re not a fan of ham, you can easily replace it with cooked bacon, sausage, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
In addition to the main ingredients, you can add other vegetables to the casserole for added texture and flavor. Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini can all be added to the layers of the casserole. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish more nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
The Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, but it can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some fruit to balance out the richness of the casserole. You can also serve it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Nutritional Information
This casserole is not only delicious but also quite filling. Each serving provides a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast. A single serving contains around 524 calories, with 31 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 24 grams of fat. While it is rich in calories, it also provides a good amount of essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, and potassium.
Conclusion
The Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture make it a favorite at breakfast tables, and its make-ahead nature makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings. With the ability to customize the recipe to suit your preferences, it’s easy to create a version that works for your family’s tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a special holiday breakfast or just a casual weekend brunch, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
