Ham and Egg Breakfast Bake: A Crowd-Pleasing Morning Delight

Nothing says weekend brunch or holiday breakfast quite like a hearty and comforting ham and egg breakfast bake. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a satisfying breakfast with your family. This baked casserole is packed with savory ham, creamy eggs, and your favorite cheeses, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This breakfast bake is perfect for feeding a large group. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your needs.
* **Easy to Prepare:** Minimal prep work is required, and the oven does most of the work.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to customize the dish to your liking.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the breakfast bake the night before and bake it in the morning, saving you time and effort.
* **Delicious and Filling:** This bake is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying and energizing way to start your day.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bread:** A loaf of crusty bread, such as French bread or sourdough, cut into cubes. Stale bread works best, as it will absorb the egg mixture better.
* **Ham:** Cooked ham, diced. You can use leftover ham from a holiday dinner or purchase pre-diced ham from the grocery store. Consider using different types of ham for varied flavor.
* **Eggs:** Large eggs, the base of the breakfast bake. They provide structure and richness.
* **Milk:** Whole milk or half-and-half. This adds moisture and creaminess to the egg mixture. You can substitute with non-dairy alternatives if preferred, but the consistency might slightly differ.
* **Cheese:** Shredded cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a combination of your favorites work well. Cheese is a must to make the dish melty and flavorful.
* **Onion:** Diced onion. Adds a savory flavor to the breakfast bake. Yellow or white onions are great choices.
* **Bell Pepper:** Diced bell pepper. Adds color, flavor, and nutrients. Red, green, or yellow bell peppers all work well.
* **Butter:** Melted butter. Used to grease the baking dish and add richness to the dish. Olive oil can be used as a substitute.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Adds a tangy and savory note to the egg mixture.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Essential for seasoning the breakfast bake.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Consider adding mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, jalapenos, or other vegetables to customize your bake. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley or thyme also work beautifully.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making your own delicious Ham and Egg Breakfast Bake:

**1. Prepare the Bread and Vegetables:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
* Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, you can lightly toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out slightly. This will help it absorb the egg mixture better.
* Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Sauté them in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is optional, but it helps to mellow the flavor of the onion and bell pepper.
* Dice the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces.

**2. Assemble the Breakfast Bake:**

* In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, diced ham, sautéed onion and bell pepper (if using), and shredded cheese. Toss everything together to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
* Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

**3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:**

* In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or half-and-half, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure the egg mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.

**4. Pour and Bake:**

* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and ham mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are submerged in the egg mixture.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the top from browning too quickly and allow the inside to cook through.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
* To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the bake. If it comes out clean, the bake is ready. If there is still some wet egg mixture, bake for a few more minutes.

**5. Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the breakfast bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the bake to set up further and make it easier to cut.
* Cut the breakfast bake into squares and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped chives or parsley, if desired.

## Tips for the Perfect Ham and Egg Breakfast Bake

* **Use Stale Bread:** Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better than fresh bread, preventing the bake from becoming soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the breakfast bake will result in a dry and rubbery texture. Bake until the egg mixture is set but still slightly moist.
* **Customize Your Ingredients:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to customize the bake to your liking. Some popular additions include mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, jalapenos, and fresh herbs.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the breakfast bake the night before and bake it in the morning. This is a great option if you’re short on time or preparing for a large crowd. Simply cover the assembled bake with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
* **Add a Topping:** For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding a topping to the breakfast bake before baking. Some popular toppings include shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of paprika.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little kick.
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese to create unique flavor combinations. Gruyere, Swiss, and Havarti are all great options.
* **Add Some Greens:** Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding chopped spinach, kale, or arugula to the breakfast bake.
* **Serve with Sides:** Complement your breakfast bake with a variety of sides, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, bacon, sausage, or a simple green salad.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this ham and egg breakfast bake is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Vegetarian:** Omit the ham and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free bread substitute, such as cauliflower rice or quinoa.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk. Use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
* **Spicy:** Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
* **Italian:** Add Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
* **Mexican:** Add chorizo, black beans, corn, and cheddar cheese. Top with salsa and sour cream after baking.
* **Everything Bagel:** Use everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for a classic flavor.
* **Hashbrown Topping:** Top with a layer of shredded hash browns before baking for a crispy potato topping.
* **Spinach and Artichoke:** Add cooked spinach, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese for a creamy and flavorful variation.

## Serving Suggestions

This ham and egg breakfast bake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Fresh Fruit:** A side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes, adds a touch of sweetness and brightness to the meal.
* **Yogurt:** A dollop of Greek yogurt or plain yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** Crispy bacon or savory sausage complements the flavors of the breakfast bake.
* **Toast or Biscuits:** Serve with toast or biscuits for dipping into the egg mixture.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad adds freshness and a healthy dose of vitamins.
* **Hollandaise Sauce:** Drizzle with hollandaise sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Avocado:** Top with sliced avocado for healthy fats and a creamy texture.
* **Salsa:** Serve with salsa for a zesty and flavorful kick.
* **Sour Cream:** Add a dollop of sour cream for a tangy and cooling contrast.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the great things about this breakfast bake is that you can prepare it ahead of time. Here’s how:

1. Assemble the breakfast bake as directed in the recipe, but do not bake it.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let the bake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
4. Bake as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary. You may need to add about 10-15 minutes extra baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover breakfast bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** To freeze the breakfast bake, let it cool completely. Cut it into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen breakfast bake to the refrigerator overnight or microwave on low power until thawed.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the breakfast bake in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place a slice of breakfast bake on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the eggs rubbery.
* **Skillet:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a slice of breakfast bake to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use a different type of bread?**

A: Yes, you can use any type of crusty bread that you like, such as French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread. You can also use gluten-free bread if needed.

**Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?**

A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you like. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, and Havarti are all great options.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to the breakfast bake?**

A: Yes, you can add any vegetables that you like. Some popular additions include mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Sauté them before adding to remove moisture.

**Q: Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can assemble the breakfast bake the night before and bake it in the morning. This is a great option if you’re short on time.

**Q: How do I store leftovers?**

A: Leftover breakfast bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Q: Can I freeze the breakfast bake?**

A: Yes, you can freeze the breakfast bake. Let it cool completely, cut it into individual portions, and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

## Ham and Egg Breakfast Bake Recipe

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-50 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 loaf (1 pound) crusty bread, such as French bread or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 cups cooked ham, diced
* 8 large eggs
* 2 cups milk or half-and-half
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a combination)
* 1/2 cup diced onion
* 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: Chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme) for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, diced ham, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and shredded cheese. Toss together to combine.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and ham mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are submerged in the egg mixture.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
8. Let the breakfast bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
9. Cut into squares and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Enjoy this delicious and easy Ham and Egg Breakfast Bake! It’s the perfect way to start your day or impress your guests at brunch.