Savory Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Start your day off right with this hearty and satisfying Savory Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole. Packed with protein from the ham and egg substitute, and loaded with the comforting flavors of sautéed onions, green peppers, and hearty hash browns, this casserole is perfect for busy mornings or casual brunches. Not only is it low in points for those following Weight Watchers guidelines, but it's also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a delightful dish for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy warm or cool it for meal prep throughout the week, all while keeping it nutritious and delicious!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked ham
2 cups (chopped)
small onion
1 (chopped)
small green pepper
1 (chopped)
Ore-Ida country style hash browns
3 cups (frozen)
Kraft free shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (divided)
Bisquick reduced-fat baking mix
1 cup (none)
skim milk
2 cups (none)
fat free egg substitute
1 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray, sauté the chopped onion and green pepper over medium heat until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the chopped ham to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread out the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom.
5
Season the hash browns with salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings for extra flavor.
6
Evenly distribute the sautéed ham and vegetable mixture over the hash browns.
7
Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the ham and hash brown layer.
8
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the skim milk, Bisquick reduced-fat baking mix, and fat-free egg substitute. Whisk until well blended.
9
Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
10
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
11
After 40 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole?
It is a hearty, protein-packed breakfast dish featuring ham, egg substitute, frozen hash browns, and cheese, designed to be both nutritious and delicious.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for large families or meal prep.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The casserole should be baked in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I prepare the vegetables for this casserole?
Chop one small onion and one small green pepper, then sauté them in a non-stick skillet for about 5 minutes until tender.
Do I need to cook the ham before adding it to the baking dish?
Yes, add the chopped ham to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
What type of hash browns are used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of Ore-Ida country style frozen hash browns.
Should the hash browns be thawed before baking?
No, the instructions specify using frozen hash browns spread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a standard 9x13 inch baking dish.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe requires 2 cups of Kraft free shredded cheddar cheese, which is added in two stages.
What is the liquid base of the casserole?
The liquid base consists of 2 cups of skim milk, 1 cup of Bisquick reduced-fat baking mix, and 1 cup of fat-free egg substitute whisked together.
Is this recipe Weight Watchers friendly?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being low in points for those following Weight Watchers guidelines.
How long does the casserole need to bake initially?
The casserole should bake uncovered for 40 minutes before adding the final layer of cheese.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
It is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
When do I add the remaining cheese?
After the initial 40 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Does the casserole need to rest after baking?
Yes, let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
Can this casserole be used for meal prep?
Absolutely; it can be cooled and stored for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Can I serve this dish cold?
The recipe notes that it can be enjoyed either warm or cool.
What seasonings are recommended?
Salt and pepper are used to taste, but you can add other preferred seasonings for extra flavor.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe specifies using skim milk to keep the dish lower in fat.
Is it necessary to use a non-stick skillet?
A non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray is recommended for sautéing the ham and vegetables to prevent sticking.
How much egg substitute is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of fat-free egg substitute.
Can I substitute the green pepper?
While the recipe calls for green pepper, you can likely use any bell pepper or similar vegetable of your choice.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a savory, solid casserole with a tender center and a bubbly, melted cheese topping.
How many cups of ham are required?
You will need 2 cups of cooked, chopped ham.
Is Bisquick a mandatory ingredient?
This recipe uses 1 cup of Bisquick reduced-fat baking mix to help bind the casserole and provide structure.
Is the baking dish covered during the process?
No, the casserole is baked uncovered in the preheated oven.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and peppers?
It takes about 5 minutes for the onions and peppers to become tender and fragrant.
Can I add extra protein to this?
The dish is already high in protein from ham and egg substitute, but you could add other cooked meats if desired.
What makes this a 'savory' breakfast?
The combination of ham, onions, peppers, and cheddar cheese creates a classic savory flavor profile.
Is this recipe easy to scale?
Yes, though you would need to adjust the pan size or bake in multiple batches if doubling the ingredients.