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Cheesy Baked Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole - featured image

Cheesy Baked Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole

  • Author: Liliana
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

A foolproof, make-ahead breakfast casserole that uses leftover ham and stale bread to create a creamy, cheesy, and comforting brunch dish perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1.5 cups diced ham (about 200g)
  • 4 cups cubed stale bread (about 150g)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust based on ham saltiness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach, 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup crumbled bacon, or 1/2 cup cooked crumbled sausage

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If using fresh bread, cube it and toast on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to dry out. If using day-old bread, skip this step. Place bread cubes loosely in a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt a little butter. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add optional vegetables (spinach/peppers) and cook until wilted. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg until smooth and frothy.
  5. Pour the sautéed onion mixture over the bread cubes. Sprinkle diced ham and half of the shredded cheese over the top.
  6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure bread is submerged. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  7. For best results, cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours to allow bread to soak.
  8. If baking immediately or after refrigerating, let the dish sit on the counter for 20 minutes while the oven preheats.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly. If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the custard to firm up.
  11. Serve warm, topped with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

Use stale bread or toast fresh bread to prevent mushiness. Do not skip the soaking time for the best texture. Adjust salt based on the saltiness of the ham and cheese. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to ensure it holds its shape when cut.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Carbohydrates: 22
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, ham and eggs, make-ahead breakfast, easy brunch, cheesy casserole, holiday brunch

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Find it online: https://dinnerecipeshub.com/cheesy-baked-ham-and-egg-breakfast-casserole-easy-brunch/