Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Breakfast Bake
This Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Breakfast Bake is the perfect way to start your day with a nutritious and mouthwatering twist. Packed with tender ham, vibrant broccoli, and rich sharp cheddar cheese, this casserole not only delivers a dose of healthy veggies but also tantalizes your taste buds. With the comforting flavors of a classic breakfast and the ease of a one-pan dish, it’s ideal for busy mornings or serving a crowd at brunch. You’ll be delighted to dig into layers of deliciousness that make this dish a family favorite!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
white bread
12 slices (crusts removed, torn into small pieces)
cooked ham
3 cups (cubed)
frozen broccoli
20 ounces (chopped, thawed, with water pressed out)
sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
milk
3 cups
eggs
5 (beaten)
salt
1 1/4 teaspoons
dry mustard
1 teaspoon
butter
2-3 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x13x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little melted butter.
2
Spread a layer of torn white bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish to form a thin layer.
3
Layer the cubed ham over the bread, followed by the thawed and drained broccoli. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, salt, and dry mustard until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
5
In a small bowl, toss the remaining bread pieces with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this buttery bread mix over the top of the casserole for added crunch.
6
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
7
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 20 minutes. Slice into squares and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Breakfast Bake?
It is a nutritious one-pan breakfast casserole featuring tender ham, vibrant broccoli, and rich sharp cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a 9x13x2-inch baking dish.
How do I grease the baking dish?
You can grease the dish with cooking spray or a small amount of melted butter.
What kind of bread is used for the base?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of white bread with crusts removed and torn into small pieces.
Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?
Yes, you can substitute white bread with whole wheat bread based on your preference.
Do I need to remove the crusts from the bread?
Yes, removing the crusts is recommended before tearing the bread into small pieces.
How much ham is required for this bake?
You will need 3 cups of cubed cooked ham.
What type of broccoli is used?
The recipe uses 20 ounces of frozen chopped broccoli.
How do I prepare the frozen broccoli before layering?
Ensure the broccoli is thawed and all excess water is pressed out before adding it to the dish.
Can fresh broccoli be used instead of frozen?
Yes, but it is best to blanch or steam fresh broccoli slightly before using it in the casserole.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its rich and tangy flavor.
How many eggs are needed for the mixture?
You will need 5 beaten eggs.
How much milk is used in the egg mixture?
The recipe requires 3 cups of milk.
What spices are added to the eggs and milk?
The liquid mixture is seasoned with 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of dry mustard.
Is dry mustard necessary?
Dry mustard adds a classic flavor profile to the casserole, but it can be omitted if you prefer.
What is the purpose of the melted butter?
Melted butter is tossed with bread pieces to create a crunchy and flavorful topping.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It takes approximately 45 minutes to bake.
How can I tell when the breakfast bake is done?
The casserole is done when it is set in the center and the top has turned golden brown.
Why should I let the dish cool for 20 minutes?
Allowing it to cool helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice into clean squares.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is ideal for serving a crowd at brunch due to its ease of preparation and flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
Yes, you can customize it by adding bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious option that includes protein from the ham and eggs along with a serving of broccoli.
Is this a one-pan dish?
Yes, all the main components are layered and baked in a single 9x13-inch dish.
What gives the top of the casserole its crunch?
The topping of bread pieces tossed in melted butter creates a crunchy texture once baked.
Can I use leftover holiday ham?
Absolutely, this is an excellent way to use up leftover cooked ham.
How should I slice the bake?
Once cooled for 20 minutes, slice it into squares for individual servings.
Can I use more cheese if I want?
Yes, feel free to increase the amount of shredded cheddar if you prefer an extra cheesy dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the comforting flavors of ham, cheese, and bread make it a family favorite that children typically enjoy.