This Ham Breakfast Casserole is a simple yet tasty dish that brightens up your morning! With layers of fluffy eggs, ham, and cheese, it’s perfect for any breakfast table.
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? I enjoy making this ahead of time, so all I have to do is pop it in the oven and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Talk about a morning win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are essential for a fluffy texture. If you’re in a pinch, egg substitutes or egg whites can work too, though they may alter the taste slightly.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk gives a rich creaminess. If you’re watching calories or dairy-free, plant-based milk like almond or oat milk can be swapped in.
Ham: Cooked ham is the star here, but turkey ham or even crumbled sausage can be used for a different flavor vibe. Leftovers from a holiday ham work perfectly as well!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a fun twist.
Bread: Day-old bread is ideal for soaking up the egg mixture. If you don’t have any, fresh bread can work too, but you’ll want to let it dry out a bit on the counter first.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the bake time right is key to fluffy and fully cooked casserole. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your dish properly. Here are some tips:
- Once you’ve mixed your ingredients, let it rest for about 10 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
- After baking, check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- If the top starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil until the casserole is cooked through.
Letting it cool for a few minutes helps it set up too, making slicing much easier!
Ham Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best; white or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Time Needed:
This delicious Ham Breakfast Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then 40 to 45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need approximately 1 hour for this wonderful dish to be ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some butter to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add in the milk, salt, pepper, and parsley. Whisk everything together until it’s all mixed well and looks nice and smooth.
3. Assemble the Base:
Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This will be the base for all the delicious layers.
4. Add the Ham:
Next, sprinkle the diced ham over the top of the bread cubes. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so you get a taste of ham in every bite!
5. Layer the Cheese:
Now, take half of your shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the ham and bread. This adds a nice cheesy flavor that complements the ham perfectly.
6. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Take the egg mixture you whisked earlier and pour it over the bread, ham, and cheese. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread, so it gets soaked in that creamy goodness.
7. Top with Remaining Cheese:
Finish it off by sprinkling the rest of the cheddar cheese on top for that gooey, cheesy crust everyone loves.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Put your casserole into the oven and bake it uncovered for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the middle is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will help it hold its shape when you slice it. Then, cut into squares and serve warm!
Enjoy your warm, hearty Ham Breakfast Casserole! It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a satisfying meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or even crumbled vegetarian alternatives. Feel free to get creative with your protein choice!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before! Just assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the oven for about 45-50 minutes, adding a few extra minutes if it’s still cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or cover and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Cut it into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave!
