Savory Asparagus and Ham Breakfast Casserole
Elevate your brunch game with this Savory Asparagus and Ham Breakfast Casserole! Featuring tenderness from fresh asparagus and the rich flavor of Swiss cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for a special occasion. The combination of creamy eggs, savory ham, and vibrant vegetables lies atop a foundation of Italian bread, creating a delightful breakfast that is satisfying and full of flavor. Prepare this casserole a day in advance and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours before baking it to golden perfection. It's sure to impress friends and family alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
fresh asparagus
1/2 lb (steamed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
medium red pepper
1 (chopped)
medium onion
1 (thinly sliced)
Italian bread
8 cups (cubed)
shredded Swiss cheese
2 cups (divided)
cooked ham
1 cup (cubed)
eggs
8 (beaten)
milk
2 1/2 cups (none)
marjoram
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the steamed asparagus, chopped red pepper, and thinly sliced onion.
4
Sauté the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
5
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cubed Italian bread at the bottom. Then add the cubed ham, sautéed vegetable mixture, and one cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
6
Top this layer with the remaining half of the cubed Italian bread.
7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, marjoram, salt, and pepper until well combined.
8
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and vegetable mixture in the baking dish, ensuring everything is moistened.
9
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to allow flavors to develop.
10
When ready to bake, uncover the casserole and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
11
Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Asparagus and Ham Breakfast Casserole?
It is a hearty brunch dish featuring fresh asparagus, Swiss cheese, cooked ham, and Italian bread in a creamy egg base.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is required for this casserole.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be steamed and then cut into 1-inch pieces.
Which vegetables are sautéed in butter?
The steamed asparagus, chopped red pepper, and thinly sliced onion are sautéed in butter.
How long should the vegetable mixture be sautéed?
Sauté the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
How much Italian bread is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of cubed Italian bread.
What type of cheese is used in this breakfast dish?
Shredded Swiss cheese is used in this recipe.
How much Swiss cheese is required in total?
A total of 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese is needed, which is used in divided portions.
How much ham is required and how should it be prepared?
You need 1 cup of cooked ham, cubed.
How many eggs are used in the egg mixture?
The recipe uses 8 beaten eggs.
What seasonings are added to the eggs?
The eggs are whisked with dried marjoram, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
How much milk is used in the egg mixture?
The recipe requires 2 and 1/2 cups of milk.
What is the first step in layering the casserole?
The first step is layering half of the cubed Italian bread at the bottom of the prepared dish.
When is the first cup of Swiss cheese added?
The first cup of cheese is added after the bread, ham, and sautéed vegetables are layered.
How long must the casserole be refrigerated before baking?
The casserole should be refrigerated for 12 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Should the dish be covered while in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil during refrigeration.
How long is the initial baking time?
The initial baking time is between 45 to 55 minutes.
How do you know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set.
When do you add the remaining cheese?
The remaining cup of Swiss cheese is sprinkled over the top after the initial 45-55 minutes of baking.
How long do you bake the casserole after adding the final layer of cheese?
Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How long should the casserole cool before serving?
Let the casserole cool for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a make-ahead dish that sits in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
How should the red pepper be prepared?
The medium red pepper should be chopped.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The medium onion should be thinly sliced.
How much butter is used for sautéing?
Use 1/2 cup of butter to sauté the vegetables.
What type of marjoram is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried marjoram.
What prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish?
Spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before assembly.
How is the egg mixture applied to the ingredients?
The egg mixture is poured evenly over the layered bread and vegetables to ensure everything is moistened.
How should the final dish be served?
The casserole should be cut into squares and served warm after a brief cooling period.