Savory Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
This Savory Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish for a special brunch or a cozy breakfast at home. Layered with buttery, toasted bread, hearty cubes of ham, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, this egg-based casserole is comforting and satisfying. It can be easily prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you sleep. Just pop it in the oven in the morning, and you'll awaken to enticing aromas and a delicious breakfast that serves a crowd. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or leisurely weekends.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Toasted Bread
10 slices (lightly buttered and cubed)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Cooked Ham
1 1/2 cups (cubed)
Eggs
6 (beaten)
Milk
2 1/2 cups (whole or 2%)
Dry Mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
Curry Powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 13" x 9" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2
Create a base layer by evenly spreading half of the cubed, toasted bread across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3
In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed ham, mixing well. Sprinkle half of this cheese and ham mixture over the layer of toast cubes.
4
Add another layer by repeating the process with the remaining cubed toast and the other half of the cheese and ham mixture on top.
5
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the 6 eggs until frothy. Gradually whisk in the milk, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and chopped parsley until well combined.
6
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole, making sure not to stir the contents.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the casserole is firmly set and the top is golden brown.
8
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious ham and cheddar breakfast casserole warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole?
It is a comforting and satisfying egg-based dish layered with buttery toasted bread, hearty cubes of ham, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for brunch or family gatherings.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What type of bread is used in this casserole?
The recipe calls for 10 slices of toasted bread that have been lightly buttered and cubed.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended, specifically 2 cups when shredded.
How much ham is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of cooked ham, cubed.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 6 large eggs, beaten until frothy.
What type of milk should be used?
You can use 2 1/2 cups of either whole or 2% milk.
Can this breakfast casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The casserole should bake for 50 to 60 minutes until firmly set and golden brown.
What is the first step in assembling the layers?
The first step is to spread half of the cubed, toasted bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Should I mix the ham and cheese together before layering?
Yes, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed ham in a small bowl and mix well before sprinkling over the bread.
How many layers are in this casserole?
The casserole consists of two layers of bread topped with two layers of the cheese and ham mixture.
What spices are included in the egg mixture?
The mixture includes dry mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and curry powder.
Is there Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of curry powder.
Should I stir the casserole after pouring the egg mixture?
No, you should slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers without stirring the contents.
Does the pan need to be greased?
Yes, the pan should be lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray before assembly.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is firmly set and the top has turned a golden brown color.
Should the casserole be served immediately?
It is recommended to allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving it warm.
What is the quantity of dry mustard needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dry mustard.
How much parsley should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley in the egg mixture.
What is the suggested amount of salt?
Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or adjust to your taste preferences.
How much paprika is used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Breakfast dish.
What makes this casserole a good choice for crowds?
Its high serving count of 10 and the ability to make it ahead of time make it ideal for family gatherings and holiday mornings.
How much pepper is added to the mixture?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the texture of the bread in the casserole?
The bread is toasted and buttered before assembly, providing a hearty and buttery base.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features savory ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and a lightly spiced egg custard with hints of mustard and curry.