Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Breakfast Bake
Kickstart your morning with this hearty Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Breakfast Bake, perfect for feeding a small crowd or meal prepping for the week. Bold flavors from diced ham and sautéed mushrooms blend beautifully with the creamy egg mixture, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese. This dish can be prepared in advance and serves as a satisfying breakfast option ideal for brunches, holidays, or any time you crave a comforting start to your day. Enjoy it hot from the oven or reheat the leftovers for a quick, delicious meal!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
white bread
8 slices (sliced)
ham
1 cup (diced)
mushroom
1/2 cup (sliced)
cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (shredded)
eggs
4 (beaten)
milk
1 1/3 cups (skim)
dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying an 8 X 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2
Layer 4 slices of bread on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring they cover the base completely.
3
Evenly sprinkle the diced ham, sliced mushrooms, and shredded cheddar cheese over the bread layer.
4
Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, placing them evenly to cover the filling.
5
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and skim milk until well combined.
6
Add the dried onion flakes, dried parsley flakes, and lemon pepper to the egg mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
7
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and fillings, ensuring an even distribution.
8
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
9
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the baking dish and place it into the oven.
10
Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the egg is set and the top is golden brown.
11
Once out of the oven, place the baking dish on a wire rack and allow it to set for 5 minutes before slicing.
12
Cut into 4 equal servings and enjoy your delicious breakfast bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Ham and Mushroom Breakfast Bake?
It is a hearty breakfast casserole made with layers of bread, diced ham, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese, soaked in a seasoned egg and milk mixture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 equal servings.
What size baking dish should I use for this recipe?
An 8 x 8 inch baking dish is recommended.
Can I use a different type of bread than white bread?
Yes, you can substitute white bread with whole wheat, sourdough, or brioche depending on your preference.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should spray the dish with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
How long does the dish need to be refrigerated before baking?
The dish should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the breakfast bake take to cook?
It takes approximately 1 hour in the oven, or until the egg is set and the top is golden brown.
What type of milk is used in the egg mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of skim milk.
How many eggs are needed for the mixture?
You will need 4 eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with the other ingredients.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this bake?
Shredded cheddar cheese is used for its flavor and gooey melting properties.
How much ham is required for the filling?
The recipe requires 1 cup of diced ham.
Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?
Yes, 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms is needed; either fresh or canned will work, though fresh is typically preferred for texture.
What seasonings are used in the egg mixture?
The egg mixture is seasoned with dried onion flakes, dried parsley flakes, and lemon pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent option for meal prepping as it can be made ahead of time and reheated easily.
How do I know when the bake is finished cooking?
The bake is done when the egg mixture is fully set and the top has turned a golden brown color.
Should I let the dish rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, let the dish set for about 5 minutes on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Can I substitute the lemon pepper?
If you don't have lemon pepper, you can use regular black pepper and a small pinch of lemon zest or a drop of lemon juice.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely, you can add diced bell peppers, spinach, or onions to customize the flavor and nutrition.
How should I store leftover breakfast bake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can the breakfast bake be reheated?
Yes, it can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
Is this dish good for a holiday brunch?
Yes, because it can be prepared the night before, it is perfect for serving at holiday brunches or family gatherings.
Can I use whole milk instead of skim milk?
Yes, whole milk or 2% milk can be used as a substitute for skim milk for a richer flavor.
How should the bread be layered?
Place 4 slices on the bottom, add the ham, mushrooms, and cheese, then top with the remaining 4 slices before pouring the eggs over.
Can I use a different type of cheese like Swiss or Mozzarella?
Yes, you can swap the cheddar for Swiss, Mozzarella, or Monterey Jack depending on your taste.
Do I need to toast the bread before layering?
No, the bread should be used fresh so it can properly absorb the liquid egg mixture while refrigerating.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a 9 x 13 inch baking dish instead.
What makes this dish 'comfort food'?
The combination of melted cheese, hearty ham, and soft bread soaked in savory eggs creates a warm and satisfying meal.
Are the onion flakes necessary?
The dried onion flakes add a subtle savory depth, but you can omit them or use fresh minced onions if preferred.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with simple layering and a whisked egg mixture, it is a very straightforward and easy recipe to follow.