Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread (use stale bread for best results, or toast fresh bread)
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the diced ham over the bread, followed by the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses.
- Make the Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Assemble and Soak:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese layers. Press down gently with a spatula to make sure the bread soaks up the liquid.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Slice into squares and serve warm.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use stale or toasted bread to absorb the egg mixture better.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to firm up before slicing.
- Experiment with cheese combinations—Gruyère or Monterey Jack works wonderfully too.
DON’T:
- Skip pressing the bread down after pouring the egg mixture—it ensures even soaking.
- Overbake, or the casserole might dry out. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes.
- Forget to grease the dish, or you’ll spend more time cleaning than eating.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations:
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Meat Swap: Replace ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey for a different flavor.
This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a great way to turn leftover ham into a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch dish. With gooey cheese, fluffy eggs, and crispy bread, it’s the ultimate comfort food to kick off your day. 🍳🧀🍞
