Ham, Egg, And Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe

I recently whipped up my favorite Christmas Breakfast Recipe featuring tender cubes of leftover ham, rich cheddar cheese, and a blend of eggs with whole milk that ties everything together. Paired with flavorful seasonings and day-old bread, this dish offers a brilliant take on a holiday brunch favorite that everyone will enjoy.

I recently experimented with a new twist on a holiday classic and ended up with a Ham, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Casserole thats become a favorite at our Christmas brunches. I used exactly 2 cups diced leftover ham, 10 large eggs, and 2 cups whole milk to create a dish thats both unique and satisfying.

Mixing in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 6 cups cubed day-old bread really brings out the flavor. The seasoning, including 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder, gives it that savory kick that makes this dish a must try for everyone who loves a good egg hash and leftover ham recipes.

I made it the night before so its easy to pop in the oven while I open presents with the family The whole concept of an overnight breakfast casserole was simply too irresistible to pass up Its definitely one of the best breakfast casseroles Ive ever made!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how this recipe lets me use my leftover ham in a fun and tasty way, turning extra food into something amazing.
2. The mix of eggs, milk, and cheddar cheese with day-old bread is just so comforting and fills my kitchen with a warm, holiday vibe.
3. I really like that I can prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven the next day which makes busy mornings way easier.

Ingredients

• Diced ham provides hearty protein, deep savory flavor, and texture to every bite.
• Large eggs bind ingredients, offering rich protein, vitamins, and a firm, fluffy structure.
• Whole milk adds creaminess, calcium and slight sweetness, moisten each tender cube.
• Shredded cheddar melts perfectly, boosting flavor, adding protein, and a rich, tangy note.
• Cubed day-old bread soaks up eggs, balancing textures with its mild flavor and carbohydrates.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups diced leftover ham
• 10 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 cups cubed day-old bread
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the 10 eggs and 2 cups of whole milk then stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder.

3. Add the 6 cups of cubed day-old bread to the egg mixture, followed by 2 cups diced ham and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Mix everything well so all the bread gets coated with egg and spices.

5. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the bread soaks up some of the egg flavor.

6. Pour the soaked mixture evenly into your greased casserole dish.

7. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes until the eggs are set and the top turns a light golden color.

8. Check the center with a knife; if it comes out clean then the casserole is done.

9. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

10. Slice it up and serve hot for a perfect Christmas brunch feel.

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven set to 350°F
2. Greased 9×13 casserole dish
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Stirring spoon or spatula
7. Knife to check the center for doneness
8. Cooling rack or plate for resting the dish after baking

FAQ

Ham, Egg, And Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of diced leftover ham, you could use chopped turkey or even some crispy bacon if you want a little extra flavor.
• If whole milk isn’t your thing, try swapping it with 2% milk or even almond milk for a lighter twist.
• Not in love with cheddar? Use swiss cheese or monterey jack as a substitute for a different kind of kick.
• Day-old bread can be replaced with cubed stale baguette, leftover rolls or gluten free bread if you need an alternative.

Pro Tips

1) Make sure you let the scrambled mixture sit for those full 10 minutes or even a bit more if you like it extra moist—the bread really needs that time to soak up all the eggy flavor.
2) If you want a little twist to jazz up the flavor, try tossing in some chopped green onions or parsley; a tiny pinch of smoked paprika can also add a nice kick without overpowering the ham.
3) Sometimes ovens run a bit off the mark so it might be a smart idea to check your oven temperature with a thermometer just to make sure your dish cooks evenly all the way through.
4) Let the casserole cool down for a good 5 to 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven; this definitely helps it settle and makes slicing way easier so you dont end up with a messy plate.