Catch the aroma of warm bread mingling with melted cheese and savory ham. Imagine digging into a bubbly, golden-brown Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole that instantly elevates your morning routine. This dish is not just any breakfast; it’s a cozy hug on a plate that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds.
Picture this: you’re hosting a weekend brunch, and your friends are gathered around the table, coffee in hand, ready to feast. The moment they take their first bite of this casserole, you’ll see smiles erupt like fireworks—trust me; it’s that good! Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a festive holiday gathering, this dish is bound to be the star of your morning show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole comes together effortlessly, making mornings less chaotic
- Its rich flavors create a warm embrace on chilly days
- Each slice is visually appealing with its golden crust and bubbling cheese
- Ideal for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy family breakfast!
I remember the first time I whipped up this glorious casserole for my family; the joy on their faces was priceless when they realized I wasn’t serving them another bowl of cereal.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bread: Use day-old bread for optimal texture; it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without turning mushy.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best; they provide structure and richness to the casserole.
- Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess but feel free to use low-fat for fewer calories.
- Diced Ham: Use leftover ham or deli slices; either option packs in flavor while keeping preparation simple.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Swiss cheese creates that gooey deliciousness you crave in every bite.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions add brightness and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- Mustard Powder: Just a pinch enhances flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Create Bread Base: Tear or cut your day-old bread into cubes and spread them evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Ensure every nook is filled because nobody likes an empty corner!
Whisk Eggs & Milk Together: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until fully combined. Add mustard powder for an unexpected depth of flavor; trust me, it’s magic!
Add Ham & Cheese Goodness: Stir in diced ham, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions into your egg mixture. Mix thoroughly so everyone gets a bit of everything.
Pour It All In!: Gently pour this delightful mixture over your bread cubes in the baking dish. Push down any bread pieces poking out to ensure they soak up that delicious goodness.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and set. Let it cool slightly before serving—this part is crucial unless you enjoy scalding your tongue!
This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is not just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen! You can serve it hot from the oven or save leftovers (if there are any!) for an easy breakfast throughout the week.
Now go ahead—invite some friends over or simply treat yourself because you deserve it!
You Must Know
- This delightful Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunches or family gatherings
- With its cheesy goodness and savory ham, it’s sure to disappear faster than you can say “second helping.” The aromas will make everyone excited to dig in!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your ingredients: chop the veggies, whisk the eggs, and mix in cheese. Layer them in a greased baking dish, then pour in the egg mixture. Bake until golden brown for a hearty breakfast experience that’ll impress everyone!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences! You can use turkey instead of ham or add veggies like bell peppers and spinach. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You might even consider adding a splash of milk for extra fluffiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use day-old bread for better texture; it absorbs flavors without getting soggy
- Don’t rush the baking time; let it cook until it’s golden brown for best results
- Mix in fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost that brightens up every bite!
Sometimes, I whip this casserole up when friends come over; their smiles as they take the first bite are priceless. It reminds me how food brings people together!
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What kind of bread works best?
Use sturdy bread like sourdough or baguette for optimal texture and flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze portions in an airtight container for up to two months.
Delicious Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Delight in this cheesy breakfast casserole featuring layers of savory goodness, perfect for brunch or a cozy family breakfast.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup diced ham (or turkey)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk, then stir in mustard powder.
- Mix in diced ham, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and set. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough or baguette for the best texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- To enhance flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 220mg