If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution. Packed with fluffy eggs, savory ham, melty cheese, and soft baked bread, this dish delivers classic comfort food flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just need a reliable weekend breakfast, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.
One of the best things about this easy breakfast casserole is how convenient it is to make ahead. You can assemble everything the night before, let the flavors meld together in the fridge, and simply bake it in the morning. This makes it ideal for busy mornings, family gatherings, or special occasions like Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day brunch.
This ham and cheese casserole is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients like sautéed vegetables, different cheeses, or even swap the ham for sausage or bacon. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham, making it both budget-friendly and practical without sacrificing flavor.
Not only is this breakfast bake delicious and filling, but it’s also perfect for meal prep. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy quick, protein-packed breakfasts for days. Serve it with fresh fruit, a light salad, or a side of toast for a complete and balanced meal that everyone will love.
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Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
This hearty Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead brunch dish. Packed with savory ham, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and cubes of bread, it bakes into a golden, comforting casserole that’s perfect for holidays, weekend mornings, or meal prep.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough works best)
1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
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Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Whisk eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until fully combined.
Layer bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.
Add ham and cheese over the bread, distributing evenly.
Pour egg mixture over the top, gently pressing the bread down so it absorbs the liquid.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for best flavor).
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Use stale bread: Slightly dry bread absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
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Make it ahead: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate—perfect for stress-free mornings.
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Check doneness: Insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean when fully cooked.
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Don’t overbake: This keeps the casserole moist and fluffy rather than dry.
Variations
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Veggie Loaded: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or onions.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
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Low-Carb Option: Replace bread with cauliflower florets.
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Croissant Version: Use buttery croissants instead of bread for a richer texture.
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Sausage Swap: Substitute ham with cooked breakfast sausage or bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
