Ham Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty, Flavorful Start to Your Day

When it comes to breakfast, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a hearty, savory dish that combines eggs, cheese, and meat all in one comforting bite. That’s exactly what you get with Ham Breakfast Casserole. This dish is a perfect balance of fluffy eggs, savory ham, and melty cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a great make-ahead meal that will feed a crowd and ensure everyone gets a delicious breakfast in no time.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, having a family breakfast, or prepping for the holidays, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—add vegetables, swap the ham for bacon or sausage, or top it with your favorite sauce for even more flavor.

Let’s dive into how to make this easy and delicious breakfast casserole!

What is Ham Breakfast Casserole?

Ham Breakfast Casserole is a baked dish that typically combines cubed or chopped ham, eggs, cheese, and sometimes bread or hashbrowns, all seasoned and baked together until golden and bubbly. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The best part? You can customize it to your liking by adding vegetables, spices, or other ingredients like sausage or bacon.

This casserole can be made the night before and baked in the morning, making it ideal for busy mornings, holidays, or potlucks. It’s like a savory pie, but easier to prepare and even more satisfying!

Essential Ingredients for Ham Breakfast Casserole

Here’s a list of ingredients that will give you a classic and flavorful ham breakfast casserole:

• Ham – 2 cups (cubed or shredded, cooked ham)
• Eggs – 8 large
• Milk – 1 cup (whole milk works best, but you can use any milk)
• Shredded cheese – 1 1/2 cups (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Bread – 4 slices (cubed; use day-old bread for better texture, or substitute with hashbrowns)
• Green onions – 2 tablespoons (chopped)
• Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
• Butter – 1 tablespoon (for greasing the baking dish)

This classic combination of eggs, ham, cheese, and a base of bread or potatoes will make your casserole rich, filling, and absolutely delicious.

How to Make Ham Breakfast Casserole

Making this casserole is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

If using bread, cut 4 slices of bread into cubes. Alternatively, if using hashbrowns, place about 3 cups of frozen hashbrowns in the dish.

Spread the bread cubes or hashbrowns evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you’re using bread, slightly press it down to make an even base.

Step 3: Add the Ham and Cheese

Evenly distribute cubed or shredded ham over the bread or hashbrowns in the dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the ham. You can use just cheddar, or a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, or even gouda for extra flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined and slightly frothy.

Step 5: Pour the Egg Mixture

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese layers in the baking dish. Use a spoon to press the bread down into the egg mixture, making sure the bread or hashbrowns are fully soaked.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to slice.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the casserole into squares and serve hot. You can garnish with chopped green onions or extra cheese if desired. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad or toast for a complete breakfast or brunch.

Why You’ll Love Ham Breakfast Casserole

1. Easy to Make

This casserole is so simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you need a stress-free meal for a crowd.

2. Hearty and Filling

Packed with protein from the eggs and ham, along with cheese and bread, this casserole is a satisfying breakfast that will keep you full until lunchtime.

3. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

Whether you’re hosting a brunch or cooking for a large family, this casserole makes it easy to serve a group of people without much effort.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, just pop it in the oven, and you’ve got an easy breakfast ready to go.

5. Customizable

You can add your favorite vegetables (like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms) or swap the ham for bacon or sausage for a twist on the classic recipe.

Creative Variations of Ham Breakfast Casserole

While the classic ham and cheese combo is always a winner, here are a few variations you can try:

• Veggie Ham Casserole: Add some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, and onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Sausage and Cheese Casserole: Swap the ham for sausage for a different meat option.
• Bacon Breakfast Casserole: Replace the ham with crispy bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Southwestern Casserole: Add jalapeños, black beans, and cheddar cheese, and top with salsa for a Southwestern twist.

Serving Ideas for Ham Breakfast Casserole

Ham breakfast casserole pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Hashbrowns or roasted potatoes
• Toast or English muffins
• Crispy bacon or sausage
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish

Conclusion

Ham Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch. It’s easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to fit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, prepping for a holiday breakfast, or just want a simple, hearty meal, this casserole will not disappoint. With its combination of eggs, cheese, ham, and a few pantry staples, it’s an absolute winner every time.

So next time you’re looking for a filling and delicious breakfast dish, make this Ham Breakfast Casserole—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it as directed.

2. Can I use other meats in place of ham?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ham with bacon, sausage, or even turkey bacon. Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences.

3. Can I make this casserole without bread?

Yes! You can use hashbrowns instead of bread for a slightly different texture, or even skip the base and focus purely on eggs, cheese, and meat.

4. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ham and use vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for extra flavor.

6. Can I freeze Ham Breakfast Casserole?

Yes! You can freeze the casserole after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–30 minutes until hot.

7. How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

8. Can I use frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, frozen hashbrowns work perfectly in this casserole. Just spread them evenly in the bottom of the baking dish before adding the rest of the ingredients.

9. Can I add milk alternatives?

Yes, feel free to substitute almond milk, soy milk, or another milk alternative for the dairy in this recipe.

10. Can I add spicy ingredients to the casserole?

Yes! Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to give the casserole a spicy kick.