Description
This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a quick, satisfying one-dish meal combining savory ham, melty cheese, and fluffy eggs. Perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or feeding a crowd, it offers a comforting, customizable breakfast with effortless preparation and make-ahead convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups diced fully cooked ham
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar blend)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (French, sourdough, or Italian)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder or 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Herbs and Add-ins
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
- Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms (as desired)
- Red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or smoked paprika for heat
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Cube the day-old bread and dice the ham into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cheese. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder or Dijon, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer the bread cubes evenly in the dish, sprinkle the diced ham over the bread, then add the shredded cheese on top. Pour the egg mixture over all layers, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure everything is soaked thoroughly.
- Let it Sit or Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes so the bread can absorb the egg mixture fully. Alternatively, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight if preparing ahead.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the eggs are fully set. Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean. Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives or parsley to add a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best custardy texture; fresh bread won’t soak properly.
- Allow the casserole to rest after assembly to ensure even moisture and flavor.
- Choose high-quality cheese to maximize flavor.
- Check doneness with a knife inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
- Stir in or garnish with fresh herbs just before serving for added freshness.
- Make ahead by assembling up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.
- Freeze leftovers wrapped tightly for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 275 mg