Name: Ham Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients: Cubed Bread: (1 pound loaf) The foundation of our casserole, providing structure and absorbing all the delicious flavors. Day-old bread works best as it’s slightly drier and soaks up the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Think French bread, sourdough, or even Italian loaf – anything with a good crust and soft interior will work wonderfully.; Cooked Ham: (1 ½ cups, diced) The star of the show! Ham brings a savory, salty depth to the casserole. Leftover ham from a holiday dinner is perfect, but you can also use pre-cooked ham steaks or deli ham, diced into bite-sized pieces. Consider using different types of ham like smoked ham for a richer flavor, or even Canadian bacon for a leaner option.; Shredded Cheese: (2 cups, divided) Cheese adds creaminess, flavor, and that irresistible melty texture. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its sharp and tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder melt, Gruyere for a nutty and complex taste, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for the best of both worlds – flavor and stretch.; Eggs: (8 large) The binding agent that holds everything together and creates a custardy texture. Eggs are also packed with protein and essential nutrients, making this a satisfying and wholesome breakfast. Use large eggs for the best consistency in this recipe.; Milk: (2 cups) Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture. Whole milk will provide the creamiest result, but you can also use 2% milk or even half-and-half for an even richer casserole. For a lighter option, you can use skim milk, but be mindful that it might result in a slightly less creamy texture.; Heavy Cream: (½ cup) A touch of heavy cream elevates the casserole, adding a luxurious richness and velvety texture. If you want to lighten it up slightly, you can substitute with more milk, but the cream really makes a difference in the overall indulgence.; Dijon Mustard: (1 tablespoon) A secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, cutting through the richness of the cheese and ham. Dijon mustard complements the savory flavors beautifully without being overpowering.; Onion Powder: (1 teaspoon) Enhances the savory notes and adds a subtle onion flavor without the need for fresh onions (though you could certainly add sautéed onions if you wish!). Onion powder is a convenient way to add flavor depth.; Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) Similar to onion powder, garlic powder provides a savory base note and complements the ham and cheese perfectly. It’s a pantry staple that adds a subtle aromatic touch.; Salt: (½ teaspoon, or to taste) Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your preference.; Black Pepper: (¼ teaspoon, or to taste) Adds a touch of spice and complexity to the flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for the best flavor.; Fresh Parsley: (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish – optional) Adds a pop of freshness and color to the finished casserole. Parsley not only looks beautiful but also provides a bright, herbal counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.

Ingredients

This Ham Breakfast Casserole is all about simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Cubed Bread: (1 pound loaf) The foundation of our casserole, providing structure and absorbing all the delicious flavors. Day-old bread works best as it’s slightly drier and soaks up the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Think French bread, sourdough, or even Italian loaf – anything with a good crust and soft interior will work wonderfully.
Cooked Ham: (1 ½ cups, diced) The star of the show! Ham brings a savory, salty depth to the casserole. Leftover ham from a holiday dinner is perfect, but you can also use pre-cooked ham steaks or deli ham, diced into bite-sized pieces. Consider using different types of ham like smoked ham for a richer flavor, or even Canadian bacon for a leaner option.
Shredded Cheese: (2 cups, divided) Cheese adds creaminess, flavor, and that irresistible melty texture. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its sharp and tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder melt, Gruyere for a nutty and complex taste, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for the best of both worlds – flavor and stretch.
Eggs: (8 large) The binding agent that holds everything together and creates a custardy texture. Eggs are also packed with protein and essential nutrients, making this a satisfying and wholesome breakfast. Use large eggs for the best consistency in this recipe.
Milk: (2 cups) Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture. Whole milk will provide the creamiest result, but you can also use 2% milk or even half-and-half for an even richer casserole. For a lighter option, you can use skim milk, but be mindful that it might result in a slightly less creamy texture.
Heavy Cream: (½ cup) A touch of heavy cream elevates the casserole, adding a luxurious richness and velvety texture. If you want to lighten it up slightly, you can substitute with more milk, but the cream really makes a difference in the overall indulgence.
Dijon Mustard: (1 tablespoon) A secret ingredient that adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, cutting through the richness of the cheese and ham. Dijon mustard complements the savory flavors beautifully without being overpowering.
Onion Powder: (1 teaspoon) Enhances the savory notes and adds a subtle onion flavor without the need for fresh onions (though you could certainly add sautéed onions if you wish!). Onion powder is a convenient way to add flavor depth.
Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) Similar to onion powder, garlic powder provides a savory base note and complements the ham and cheese perfectly. It’s a pantry staple that adds a subtle aromatic touch.
Salt: (½ teaspoon, or to taste) Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
Black Pepper: (¼ teaspoon, or to taste) Adds a touch of spice and complexity to the flavor profile. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for the best flavor.
Fresh Parsley: (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish – optional) Adds a pop of freshness and color to the finished casserole. Parsley not only looks beautiful but also provides a bright, herbal counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Creating this Ham Breakfast Casserole is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to breakfast bliss:

Prepare the Bread: Begin by cubing your bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. If using fresh bread, you can lightly toast the cubes in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for about 10-15 minutes to dry them out slightly. This will help them absorb the egg mixture without becoming overly mushy. If using day-old bread, this step might not be necessary.
Grease Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar sized casserole dish) generously with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving easier.
Layer the Bread and Ham: Arrange half of the cubed bread in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the diced ham evenly over the bread layer. Then, sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheese over the ham. Repeat these layers with the remaining bread, ham, and another cup of cheese, ensuring even distribution. Layering ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no streaks of egg yolk or white remaining. This mixture is the luscious custard that will bind the casserole together.
Pour Over the Bread Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or spoon to ensure it is submerged in the egg mixture. This step is crucial for proper soaking and baking.
Let it Rest (Optional but Recommended): For the best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive casserole. If you are short on time, you can skip this step, but the resting period does enhance the final texture and flavor.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Uncover the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). The top should be nicely browned and the cheese melted and bubbly.
Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set further and makes it easier to slice and serve. Resting also helps to retain moisture and prevents it from being too runny.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450
Protein: 25 grams