Easy Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Brunch!

Are you looking for a breakfast recipe that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd? Look no further! This Easy Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the answer to your brunch prayers. It’s packed with savory ham, melty cheese, and a custardy egg base that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch with friends, or simply want a hearty and satisfying breakfast for your family, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices to make it your own. The best part? You can prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning, making it perfect for busy mornings.

## Why You’ll Love This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole:

* **Easy to make:** With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this casserole comes together in a snap.
* **Perfect for a crowd:** This recipe feeds a large group, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings.
* **Make-ahead friendly:** Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite ingredients.
* **Delicious and satisfying:** The combination of savory ham, melty cheese, and custardy eggs is simply irresistible.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **Bread:** 1 loaf of your favorite bread, cubed (stale bread works best)
* **Ham:** 1-2 cups cooked ham, diced
* **Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a combination)
* **Eggs:** 8 large eggs
* **Milk:** 2 cups milk
* **Heavy cream:** 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
* **Dijon mustard:** 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon salt
* **Black pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
* **Green bell pepper:** 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for greasing the pan)
* **Fresh chives or parsley:** For garnish (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need:

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife and cutting board

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Here’s how to make this delicious Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole:

### Step 1: Prepare the Bread

* Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, you can toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out slightly. This will help it absorb the egg mixture better and prevent the casserole from becoming soggy. Stale bread works perfectly without toasting.
* Spread the cubed bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted. (Optional, but recommended for fresh bread.)

### Step 2: Prepare the Ham, Cheese, and Vegetables (Optional)

* Dice the cooked ham into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover ham from a previous meal, deli ham, or a ham steak.
* Shred the cheese. You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a combination of cheeses work well. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
* If using onion and green bell pepper, dice them into small pieces.

### Step 3: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.
* If you’re adding vegetables, you can sauté them lightly in a pan with a little butter or olive oil before adding them to the egg mixture. This will help soften them and bring out their flavor.

### Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan.
* Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
* Sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheese over the bread.
* If using onion and green bell pepper, sprinkle them over the ham and cheese.
* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, cheese, and vegetables.
* Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s submerged in the egg mixture. This will help the bread absorb the egg mixture and create a cohesive casserole.

### Step 5: Refrigerate (Optional)

* For best results, cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture and the flavors to meld together. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the casserole will be slightly more liquidy.

### Step 6: Bake the Casserole

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the casserole bake more evenly.
* Uncover the casserole and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
* If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

### Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set up further and make it easier to slice.
* Garnish with fresh chives or parsley, if desired.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations:

* **Use stale bread:** Stale bread works best in this casserole because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread lightly in the oven to dry it out.
* **Customize the cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Gruyere, Swiss, pepper jack, and fontina are all great options.
* **Add vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to soften them and bring out their flavor.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a little bit of heat.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the ham and add more vegetables for a vegetarian version of the casserole.
* **Use different meats:** Substitute the ham with cooked sausage, bacon, or chorizo.
* **Add a topping:** Sprinkle the casserole with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter before baking for a crispy topping.
* **Make individual casseroles:** Divide the bread, ham, cheese, and egg mixture into individual ramekins for single-serving casseroles. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
* **Adjust the milk and cream ratio:** If you prefer a richer casserole, use more heavy cream and less milk. If you prefer a lighter casserole, use more milk and less heavy cream, or omit the heavy cream altogether.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.

## Make-Ahead Instructions:

This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is very cold.

## Serving Suggestions:

This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a simple salad.

Here are some other serving suggestions:

* **Fresh fruit salad:** A colorful fruit salad adds a touch of sweetness and freshness to the meal.
* **Yogurt with granola:** A dollop of yogurt with a sprinkle of granola provides a healthy and satisfying side.
* **Side salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Muffins or scones:** Serve with your favorite muffins or scones for a more decadent breakfast or brunch.
* **Coffee or tea:** A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect accompaniment to this breakfast casserole.

## Storage Instructions:

Leftover Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Per serving, based on 8 servings):

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

**Q: Can I use different types of bread?**

A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you like. However, stale bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Crusty breads like sourdough or French bread are also good choices.

**Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?**

A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese for convenience. However, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor.

**Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?**

A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.

**Q: Can I freeze this casserole?**

A: While you *can* freeze it, the texture may change slightly. The bread can become a little mushy. If you do freeze it, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking.

**Q: How do I know when the casserole is done?**

A: The casserole is done when the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?**

A: Yes, you can add your favorite vegetables to the casserole. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to soften them and bring out their flavor. Good choices include mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes.

**Q: Can I use different meats in this casserole?**

A: Yes, you can substitute the ham with cooked sausage, bacon, or chorizo.

**Q: What if my casserole is browning too quickly?**

A: If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

This Easy Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple for any home cook. Enjoy!