Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of a warm, savory breakfast that’s baked to perfection. Meet the *Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole*! This delightful dish combines layers of bread, creamy cheese, succulent ham, and juicy tomatoes, all ensconced in a rich custard of eggs and milk. Perfect for lazy weekends or festive occasions, this casserole will make every morning feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layered Goodness: Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures—from the crisp, buttery bread to the luscious egg custard.
- Make Ahead Magic: Prepare it up to two days in advance, making brunch a breeze and letting flavors meld perfectly.
- Customizable Delight: Swap out ingredients or add your favorites to suit any preference or dietary need.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s the perfect dish for gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients couldn’t be simpler for a *Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole*. Each component plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture that are both immensely satisfying and visually appealing.
- Butter: Use it for greasing the dish to prevent sticking and add a hint of creamy richness.
- White Toasting Bread: This creates a sturdy base and structure. Slice diagonally for a nice presentation.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheese melts beautifully into all the crevices, providing gooey deliciousness.
- Tomatoes: Fresh slices add vibrant color and a juicy, slightly acidic contrast to the rich ham and cheese.
- Baked Ham: Diced into bite-sized pieces, it offers hearty protein and a smoky flavor.
- Eggs and Milk: Together, they form a custard that binds everything, making it creamy and cohesive.
- Kosher Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors throughout the casserole.
Variations
The beauty of this *Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole* is its versatility. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on the contents of your fridge or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ham for sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-packed delight.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try gruyere or swiss for a distinctive flavor profile. Cheese choices can really elevate the dish.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Butter a deep baking dish, then cut the bread into triangles for optimal coverage. Layer them snugly to create a dependable base that will soak up the egg mixture beautifully.
Step 2: Begin Layering the Casserole
Start by layering half of your ham, cheese, and tomatoes over the bread. This layer infuses initial flavors and ensures they permeate the entire dish.
Step 3: Build Another Layer
Continue with another bread layer, followed by most of the remaining cheese, tomatoes, and ham. Cover it up once more with a final bread layer to seal in all those scrumptious fillings.
Step 4: Make the Custard
Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over your layered bread, pressing down to ensure absorption. Sprinkle remaining cheese for that perfect golden crust.
Step 5: Chill Before Baking
Cover your dish and refrigerate it for 12 to 48 hours. This resting time is crucial for developing depth of flavor as the bread soaks up the custard.
Pro Tips for Making Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Breakish Timing: Allow your casserole to sit at room temperature before baking—it ensures even cooking throughout.
- Eggcellent Mixture: Whisk the eggs and milk until fully blended; any strands of unincorporated whites can create uneven texture.
- Cheesy Top: Reserve a bit of cheese to sprinkle on the top for that irresistibly crunchy and browned finish.
- Rest Assurance: Letting the cooked casserole rest before serving makes slicing easier and presentation stunning.
How to Serve Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Add a dash of fresh herbs—like chives or parsley—on top just before serving. It not only enhances the dish with a burst of color but also adds a light, fresh note that complements the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad drizzled with vinaigrette. These sides balance out the meal, providing a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming, rustic presentation, serve it straight from the baking dish, rustic style. Alternatively, cutting it into squares before plating gives a neat, buffet-ready look perfect for admiring guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days, making them an excellent option for meal prepping breakfast throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning while reheating in the oven.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While white toasting bread creates a great base, whole grain or sourdough can add unique flavors and textures.
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What if I don’t have time to refrigerate overnight?
If you’re pressed for time, refrigerate for at least a few hours. This allows the bread to absorb some of the custard, even if it’s not as deep as overnight chilling.
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How do I know if the casserole is fully cooked?
Insert a food thermometer into the center; it should read at least 160°F. The top should be browned and the egg mixture set in the center.
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Can I halve this recipe?
Yes, simply use a smaller baking dish and adjust the ingredients accordingly. It’s perfect for smaller gatherings or families.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to try making this *Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole* and fill your home with its comforting aromas. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the breakfast table and perhaps even lead to your new favorite morning tradition!
Print
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 80 mins
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a savory, filling dish perfect for brunch or weekend mornings. Made with layers of crusty bread, melt-in-your-mouth ham, tangy cheddar cheese, and fresh tomato slices, all baked together in a rich egg and milk custard. It can be prepared ahead of time and baked to golden perfection, offering a comforting and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
For the casserole
- Butter (for the dish)
- 1 loaf sliced white toasting bread
- 3/4 pound mild cheddar, grated
- 8 small tomatoes, or 16 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 thick slice (3/4 pound) flavorful baked ham, cut into 1/4-inch dice
For the custard
- 10 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Butter a deep 9-x 13-inch baking dish. Cut the bread slices on a diagonal into large triangles. Arrange as many triangles as possible to cover the bottom of the dish, cutting smaller pieces as needed to fill gaps.
- Layer the casserole: Sprinkle the bottom layer of bread with half the grated cheddar cheese. Top with half the sliced tomatoes and evenly distribute the diced ham over this layer.
- Add the second bread layer: Place another layer of bread, cutting smaller pieces if necessary, to make a solid layer. Sprinkle with all but 2 tablespoons of the remaining cheese, then top with the remaining tomatoes and ham slices.
- Top with the final bread layer: Cover with the third layer of bread slices.
- Make the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, a pinch of salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine and soak: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the layered bread, pressing down lightly with your hands to ensure the bread absorbs the mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese over the top.
- Refrigerate: Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 48 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare for baking: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the dish out of the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Remove the covering and place the dish on a baking sheet. Bake until puffed, golden brown, and a thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F (71°C), about 55 to 60 minutes. If needed, cover loosely with foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares and serving hot.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before baking.
- Ensure the casserole is fully cooked through to prevent any food safety concerns.
- This dish can be prepped a day ahead, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute the cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
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