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Easy Cheesy Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

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A quick and comforting breakfast casserole combining savory ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and fluffy eggs for a perfect morning meal. Ideal for busy weekdays, brunches, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 1½ cups milk plus ½ cup cream for extra richness)
  • 3 cups cubed day-old bread (white or sourdough)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1½ cups diced cooked ham
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (to coat the baking dish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter your 9×13-inch baking dish generously with the melted butter.
  2. Cube about 3 cups of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs and 2 cups whole milk (or 1½ cups milk plus ½ cup cream). Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Chop 1½ cups cooked ham into bite-sized cubes. Finely chop 1 small yellow onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Optionally, sauté onion and garlic in a little oil or butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, then let cool slightly.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes, ham, (sautéed) onions, and garlic together. Pour the custard mixture over the bread mixture and gently fold to coat everything evenly. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
  6. Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, reserving a handful for topping later.
  7. Pour the mixture into your buttered baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, checking at 40 minutes. The casserole should be puffed, golden brown on top, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture to avoid mushiness. Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 10 minutes for a tender casserole. Sautéing onions and garlic beforehand mellows their flavor. Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking to prevent deflation. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. The casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning with a few extra minutes added to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, ham and cheese, cheesy casserole, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, savory breakfast, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-cheesy-ham-and-cheese-breakfast-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-morning-meals/