Cheesy Ham and Egg Casserole
This Cheesy Ham and Egg Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dinner. With layers of soft bread, savory ham, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese, every bite is packed with flavor and protein. Topped with fresh tomatoes and chives, this bake is not only delicious but also adds a touch of elegance to your table. Great for feeding a crowd, this make-ahead dish can be prepared in advance and baked right before serving, making it ideal for gatherings or busy weekdays.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
white bread
6 slices (crust trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces)
sliced deli ham
8 ounces (coarsely chopped)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 1/2 cups
fresh chives
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
large eggs
6
milk
1/2 cup
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
plum tomatoes
2 (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
In the prepared baking dish, layer the bread pieces evenly across the bottom.
4
Top the bread with the chopped ham, followed by 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives.
5
In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the milk, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper until well combined.
6
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
7
Place the thinly sliced plum tomatoes on top of the casserole in an even layer.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the egg is nearly set.
9
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and 1 tablespoon of chives over the top.
10
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Cheesy Ham and Egg Casserole?
The casserole features savory layers of ham and bread combined with gooey Monterey Jack cheese, topped with fresh tomatoes and chives.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this is a make-ahead dish that can be prepared in advance and baked right before you are ready to serve.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 2-quart baking dish that has been lightly greased.
What kind of bread is recommended?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of white bread with the crusts trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
How much ham is used in the recipe?
You will need 8 ounces of coarsely chopped sliced deli ham.
What type of cheese is used in this casserole?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How many eggs are needed?
This recipe requires 6 large eggs.
What are the fresh herbs used?
Fresh chives are used, specifically 3 tablespoons finely chopped.
How do I prepare the egg mixture?
Whisk the 6 eggs together with 1/2 cup of milk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined.
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Layer the bread first, followed by ham, 2 cups of cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chives before pouring the egg mixture over the top.
What goes on the very top of the casserole before baking?
Place thinly sliced plum tomatoes in an even layer on top of the egg mixture.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the casserole for approximately 30 minutes until the egg is nearly set.
When do I add the remaining cheese?
After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and 1 tablespoon of chives on top.
How much longer does it bake after adding the final cheese?
Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with other shredded cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss if preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner.
How many plum tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 2 plum tomatoes that should be thinly sliced.
How much milk is used in the egg mixture?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of milk.
Do I need to trim the bread?
Yes, the recipe suggests trimming the crusts off the white bread before cutting into pieces.
What are the seasonings used?
The recipe uses salt and pepper to taste, specifically suggesting 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper in the whisked mixture.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being great for feeding a crowd.
Can I use different meat besides ham?
While the recipe calls for ham, you could substitute with cooked bacon or sausage if desired.
What is the total approximate baking time?
The total baking time is about 40 minutes.
How do I ensure even distribution of the eggs?
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish to ensure it covers everything evenly.
What should the cheese look like when finished?
The cheese should be melted and golden brown.
Can I use dried chives?
The recipe specifies fresh chives, but dried could be used in a smaller quantity if fresh is unavailable.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, with eggs, ham, and cheese, every bite is packed with protein.
What makes this dish elegant for serving?
The addition of fresh sliced tomatoes and bright chives on top adds a touch of elegance.
Why do I grease the baking dish?
The baking dish is greased specifically to prevent the egg and bread from sticking to the sides.