Egg and Ham Breakfast Casserole Recipe | Easy, Comforting, and Perfect for Any Morning
Egg and Ham Breakfast Casserole Recipe: A Hearty, Comforting Start to Your Day
1. Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a comforting breakfast casserole to kickstart your day, and this egg and ham breakfast casserole is one of the best ways to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal. With layers of savory ham, creamy eggs, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect dish for a busy morning or even a leisurely weekend brunch with friends and family. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and you can even prep it the night before for a quick and stress-free breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This egg and ham casserole is a one-dish wonder that combines protein, veggies, and dairy in one delicious, baked meal. It’s a great way to get your protein fix while still enjoying a rich and flavorful breakfast. You’ll love the versatility of this dish — you can customize it with different vegetables, spices, or cheeses to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, feeding a crowd, or serving as a breakfast-for-dinner option.
In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make this casserole from scratch with step-by-step instructions, along with tips on how to adjust it for your dietary preferences. Let’s dive in!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this egg and ham breakfast casserole so comforting and delicious:
- Eggs: Eggs are the star of this casserole, providing a creamy and rich base. They help hold the casserole together and give it that perfect texture. You can use large eggs for the recipe.
- Diced Ham: Ham adds a savory, salty element to the casserole, making it more filling and flavorful. You can use cooked ham from the deli or leftover ham from a previous meal. If you’re not a fan of ham, cooked bacon or sausage would work as alternatives.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheese is the key to making this casserole creamy and gooey. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can use other varieties like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Milk: Milk helps make the eggs creamy and rich. You can use whole milk for the creamiest results, but feel free to use a dairy-free milk alternative if preferred.
- Bell Peppers and Onions: These vegetables add freshness, color, and flavor to the casserole. You can also use other veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for variety.
- Spices (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, etc.): Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder help enhance the flavors of the dish. You can also add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Substitutions and Dietary Preferences:
- Dairy-Free: Swap regular milk for almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free: This casserole is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your ham and other ingredients for gluten.
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice in place of regular bread cubes for a low-carb version of the casserole.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this egg and ham breakfast casserole is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter. - Prepare the Vegetables
Dice your bell peppers and onions. Sauté them in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and fragrant. This step enhances the flavors and gives your casserole a wonderful base. - Whisk the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other seasonings you like. Make sure everything is well-combined. - Layer the Casserole
In the prepared casserole dish, start by layering the sautéed vegetables, followed by the diced ham. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the layers, making sure it’s evenly distributed. - Add Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of the casserole. You can use about 1 to 1.5 cups of cheese, depending on how cheesy you like it. - Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. - Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
4. Tips and Variations
- Use Leftover Ingredients: This recipe is perfect for using up leftovers. Add any cooked vegetables, meats, or even some bread cubes to the casserole.
- Make It Spicy: Add a bit of heat with some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Variations:
- Meat-Free Version: For a vegetarian option, leave out the ham and use extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Creamier Casserole: For an extra-creamy texture, add a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese to the egg mixture.
- Swap the Ham: You can replace the ham with cooked sausage, bacon, or turkey bacon for a different flavor.
5. Serving Suggestions
This egg and ham breakfast casserole is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other breakfast items for a complete meal:
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of crispy bacon, sausage links, or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Bread: Pair with toasted bread or English muffins for extra carbs and crunch.
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Pairing Ideas:
- Drinks: Pair this casserole with freshly brewed coffee, orange juice, or a mimosa for a special brunch.
- Themed Dinner Nights: This casserole can also work for a hearty dinner, especially with a side of roasted potatoes or a mixed green salad.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat your casserole:
- In the Fridge: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze individual portions of the casserole for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Instructions:
- In the Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- In the Oven: To reheat the whole casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead of Time: Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it in the morning for an easy breakfast.
- Best with Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives the casserole a smoother texture than pre-shredded cheese.
- Use a 6-Quart Crock Pot: If you prefer to use a slow cooker, this casserole can also be made in a 6-quart crock pot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbs | 6g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 21g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Cholesterol | 180mg |
| Calcium | 150mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
- Course: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
- Sauté vegetables in olive oil.
- Whisk eggs with milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Layer vegetables and ham in the dish, then pour over the egg mixture.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then serve.
Notes: Can be prepped ahead and baked the next morning.
10. Health Benefits
- Eggs: High in protein and rich in essential vitamins like vitamin B12, which supports brain function.
- Ham: A great source of protein and essential nutrients like zinc and iron.
- Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers help boost your immune system.
11. Suggested Sauce
If you’d like to add an extra burst of flavor, serve this casserole with a side of hot sauce or a creamy hollandaise sauce for dipping.
12. Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the casserole; it should be firm but still moist in the center.
- Be careful not to use too much salt in the egg mixture, as the ham can be quite salty.
- Ensure that the casserole is cooked through before serving by checking the center with a toothpick.
13. FAQs
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight before baking. - Can I substitute the ham with bacon or sausage?
Absolutely! Bacon or sausage would work well and add a different flavor to the casserole. - How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just reheat in the oven or microwave. - What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack. - Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker by cooking on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
14. Final Thoughts
This egg and ham breakfast casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy mornings or special weekend brunches. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just preparing breakfast for the family, it’s sure to become a favorite. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below!
