You know those mornings when the house is buzzing with excitement, everyone’s a little sleepy but also ready for a feast? That’s exactly the vibe I love to capture with a good holiday brunch! And let me tell you, my go-to for making those mornings extra special is this incredibly easy yet totally delicious Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Holiday Brunch). It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel a little bit pampered, without you breaking a sweat. Honestly, it’s become our family’s annual tradition, and it always disappears way too fast!
Why This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Holiday Brunch) is a Crowd-Pleaser
Honestly, this Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Holiday Brunch) is a total lifesaver when you want something impressive but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all morning. Here’s why everyone loves it:
- It’s SO easy! Seriously, you just chop, mix, and pour. No fancy techniques needed.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can totally assemble this the night before. Just pop it in the oven while you’re sipping your coffee. It makes holiday mornings so much smoother!
- Flavor Town: Savory ham, melty cheddar, and that comfy eggy bread goodness. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s a star for holiday brunches, it’s also great for lazy weekend mornings or feeding a crowd after church.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to business! Having the right ingredients is half the battle, and for this amazing Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole, we’re keeping it simple but oh-so-good. Trust me, the quality of your ingredients really does make a difference, so I always try to use good stuff!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 slices of bread: Day-old bread or slightly toasted bread is your best friend here. It soaks up all the eggy goodness without getting mushy.
- 1 cup diced cooked ham: Any ham you have on hand works great! Leftover holiday ham is perfect, or just grab some thick-cut deli ham and chop it up.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: I’m a firm believer in shredding your own cheese from a block. It melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff, which can sometimes have anti-caking agents that make it a little… sad. But hey, if the pre-shredded is what you have, go for it!
- 6 large eggs: Yep, six! They’re the binders that hold this whole delicious thing together.
- 3 cups milk: Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but 2% works just fine too.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just to wake up all those flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, if you can!
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A little je ne sais quoi that makes it extra yummy.
See? Nothing too crazy! Having these on hand makes whipping up this dish a total breeze, especially when you’re aiming for that perfect holiday brunch vibe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Alright, let’s get this show on the road! Making this casserole is simpler than you might think, and honestly, it’s the kind of thing that’s hard to mess up. Just follow these little steps, and you’ll have a winner on your hands. Remember, for the best results, especially for that perfect holiday brunch, taking your time here really pays off!
Preparing the Casserole Dish and Base
First things first, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good grease. You want to make sure nothing sticks! Then, tear up your bread – think bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little rustic charm is good! Spread these pieces out evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Adding the Savory Layers
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle your diced ham evenly over the bread. Follow that up with all that lovely shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even mix in some Gruyere or Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy kick!
Creating the Custard Mixture
In a big bowl, crack on those 6 large eggs. Pour in the milk, then add your salt, pepper, and that little pinch of garlic powder. Grab a whisk and just go to town! You want to whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth, with no streaks of egg white left. It should look like a creamy, dreamy custard base ready to go.
Assembling and Chilling the Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Carefully pour that amazing eggy mixture all over the bread, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. Make sure it gets into all those nooks and crannies. Now, here’s a super important step for the ultimate flavor and texture: cover the whole thing up and pop it in the fridge. If you can, and trust me, for a holiday brunch you absolutely can, let it chill overnight. It lets all those flavors meld together beautifully!
Baking and Serving Your Casserole
When it’s almost time to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the covered casserole out of the fridge and pop it into the hot oven. Bake it for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up and golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time is crucial, just like with our foolproof breakfast ideas, it lets everything set perfectly!
Tips for the Ultimate Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Holiday Brunch)
Okay, so this Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Holiday Brunch) is already pretty fantastic, right? But if you want to take it from “really good” to “OMG, I need the recipe NOW,” here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. It’s all about those small tweaks that make a big difference, kind of like what makes the perfect breakfast ideas truly sing!
First, don’t be afraid to mix up your cheeses! Cheddar is classic, but throwing in some Gruyere for nuttiness or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness is a game-changer. Also, a little sprinkle of Dijon mustard mixed into the egg custard adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness beautifully. And for that perfect fluffy-yet-set texture? Make sure you don’t overmix the egg mixture, and absolutely give it that overnight chill time – it’s non-negotiable for the best flavor development and that truly foolproof result for your holiday brunch!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You know, sometimes you just don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for, and that’s totally okay! For this dreamy Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole, we have a little wiggle room. If you don’t have standard sandwich bread, no worries! A crusty baguette sliced and torn, or even some challah or brioche (if you’re feeling extra decadent!), would be amazing. Just make sure it’s not super fresh and soft; a day or two old really works best so it doesn’t turn to total mush. As for the cheese, cheddar is just divine, but go wild with your favorites! Monterey Jack gives you that super gooey pull, and a little bit of Swiss or Gruyere adds a lovely nutty depth. Mix and match – that’s the fun part!
Frequently Asked Questions about Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Got questions about our beloved Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those recipes that people always ask about, just like the ones you find in a good recipe collection.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is seriously my favorite part about this casserole. You can totally assemble the whole thing – bread, ham, cheese, and the egg mixture – cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. It makes holiday mornings so much less stressful!
What kind of bread is best?
Honestly, day-old bread or lightly toasted bread is your best bet. It soaks up all that delicious egg mixture without turning into complete mushy sadness. Think of it like making a great bread pudding; you need bread that can stand up to liquid. Sourdough, white bread, even a simple whole wheat loaf works wonders.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You sure can! Once it’s baked and cooled, you can portion it out and freeze individual servings for quick breakfasts later. Or, if you have leftovers, wrap the whole (cooled) casserole tightly. I’d recommend thawing it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It might not be quite as fluffy as fresh, but it’s still super tasty!
Nutritional Information
When serving up this glorious Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole, you’re looking at roughly 350-400 calories per serving. This estimate can totally change based on the type of bread, ham, and cheese you use, of course! It’s a pretty good source of protein, usually around 20-25 grams, which will keep you full and happy for hours!
Share Your Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Holiday Brunch) Creations!
I just LOVE seeing what you all whip up! If you make this amazing Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Holiday Brunch), I’d be so thrilled if you’d share your experience! Drop a comment below, tell me how it turned out, or even better, snap a pic and tag me on social media. Your culinary adventures make my day! You can also reach out anytime via my contact page with questions or thoughts!
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Tear the bread slices into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese over the bread.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
- Let it stand for a few minutes before serving.
