This Easter Cheesy Ham and Egg Casserole is a tasty treat that’s packed with yummy ham, fluffy eggs, and lots of cheese! It’s perfect for a festive brunch and easy to make ahead of time.
I love how this dish takes just a little time to whip up, and it feeds a crowd! Plus, who can resist a cheesy, eggy goodness? It’s a guaranteed hit every time. 🐣🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: A sturdy bread like French or sourdough is perfect for this casserole as it holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture. If you want to lighten it up, brioche or whole grain bread can also work well!
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds great flavor. If you’re not a fan of ham or need a vegetarian option, cooked mushrooms, spinach, or even crumbled bacon work nicely as substitutes.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. You can swap it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, colby, or even a mix of cheeses. Just be sure they melt well!
Eggs: Fresh eggs are key for richness. If you’re egg-free, you could try a combination of silken tofu and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture, but the results will vary.
Milk: Whole milk gives creaminess, but you can use any milk you have on hand, including non-dairy options like almond or oat milk for a lighter option.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Well-Combined?
Mixing your ingredients properly is vital for an even flavor throughout the casserole. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large bowl, combine eggs and milk first. Whisk them well until fully blended.
- Add the dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the eggs and mix them in.
- Make sure to whisk until you don’t see any egg whites separating from the yolks. This ensures a smooth mixture.
- Once combined, pour it evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese layers in the baking dish.
Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes helps the bread absorb the liquid, which is crucial for a well-integrated dish. So don’t rush this step!
How to Make Easter Cheesy Ham and Egg Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 8 cups cubed bread (preferably a sturdy bread like French or sourdough)
- 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 45 to 55 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll be looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with the butter. This will give your casserole a nice golden crust and prevent it from sticking.
2. Layer the Bread:
Evenly spread the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. Make sure to fill the dish nicely; this will create a great base for your casserole.
3. Add Ham and Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the diced cooked ham and shredded cheddar cheese over the bread. Try to distribute them evenly so every bite has that cheesy goodness!
4. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and the milk, along with the dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined, so your casserole is flavorful.
5. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. This step is crucial as it will soak into the bread to create a delicious texture.
6. Let it Soak:
Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can soak up some of the egg mixture. This makes it really fluffy and delicious.
7. Optional Whole Eggs:
If you’d like, carefully crack a few whole eggs on top for a beautiful presentation. This is optional but gives a nice touch!
8. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. It’s done when the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This helps the casserole firm up a bit more.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm, and enjoy with fresh juice or your favorite breakfast sides!
Enjoy this hearty and festive Easter casserole packed with cheesy, hammy goodness and baked eggs!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While French or sourdough bread works best for soaking up the egg mixture, you can use brioche, whole grain, or any sturdy bread you have on hand. Just avoid overly soft breads like sandwich bread, as they might get too mushy.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking the next day. This will help it cook evenly.
What Can I Substitute for Ham?
If you want to skip the ham, you could use cooked bacon, sausage, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just ensure any meat substitutes are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
