Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole! This dish has saved my sanity on those hectic weekday mornings when I barely have time to sip my coffee. Just imagine waking up to a warm, savory casserole that’s ready to go! It’s got all the comforting flavors of ham and gooey cheese, nestled in a delightful bread base. The best part? You prep it the night before! All you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven, and voilà—you’ve got a delicious breakfast that will impress everyone. I love how customizable it is too; you can throw in some veggies or switch up the cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, this casserole will quickly become your go-to morning hero!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole. Trust me, you’ll appreciate how effortless it is to find everything!
- 8 slices of bread, cubed (I like to use a nice hearty bread for added flavor!)
- 2 cups diced ham (Feel free to use leftover ham or deli ham—whatever you have on hand works great!)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar is my favorite, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack or Swiss!)
- 6 eggs (Large eggs work best for this recipe, adding richness and binding everything together.)
- 2 cups milk (Whole milk gives it a creamy texture, but you can use whatever milk you have.)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (Just a touch to brighten the flavors—Dijon works wonderfully!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the taste.)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (Freshly ground, if you can—adds a perfect touch of spice!)
How to Prepare Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole! I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping it up in your sleep. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious breakfast masterpiece.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the casserole bake evenly and achieve that glorious golden color. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Now, grab your greased baking dish and start layering! Begin by scattering the cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Then, toss in the diced ham, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. I like to make sure that each layer is distributed evenly so every bite has that perfect combination of bread, ham, and cheese. It’s like building a savory castle!
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper. Make sure you whisk it well until everything is nicely blended. This step is super important because you want that creamy goodness to coat every piece of bread. The more you mix, the better the flavors meld together!
Step 4: Combine and Refrigerate
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in your baking dish. Make sure it covers everything, so nothing dries out while baking. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge overnight. This is where the magic happens—letting it sit allows the bread to soak up all those delicious flavors and makes for a super moist casserole in the morning!
Step 5: Baking Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy this savory delight, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while your oven finishes preheating. Then, bake it for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s set and golden on top. You’ll know it’s done when you shake the dish a little and it doesn’t jiggle too much in the center. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This little pause will make serving a breeze!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole! Each serving is packed with flavor while keeping things balanced. Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical nutritional values per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and the actual numbers might vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing you’re starting your day with a good mix of protein and carbs is always a win in my book!
FAQ About Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! One of my favorite things about this casserole is how versatile it can be. If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can easily swap it out for Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even a sharp Gruyère for a little extra flair. Just keep in mind that each cheese will bring its own unique flavor. For a fun twist, try mixing a couple of different cheeses together—it’s a great way to enhance that gooey, cheesy goodness!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave or pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just like that, you’ve got a quick breakfast ready to go!
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! To whip up a vegetarian version, just leave out the ham and add in some of your favorite veggies. I love using sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. You could even throw in some diced tomatoes or zucchini for a fresh touch. Adjust the seasoning a bit to complement your veggies, and you’ve got yourself a delicious meat-free breakfast casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenience: Prep it the night before and wake up to a hassle-free breakfast. No morning stress here!
- Flavor-packed: The combination of savory ham and melty cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Easily customize with different cheeses, meats, or veggies to suit your taste and use up leftovers!
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for feeding a group, whether it’s family brunch or friends at a holiday gathering.
- Make-ahead magic: Great for busy mornings or meal prep—simply reheat and enjoy any day of the week!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole comes out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve gathered some of my best pro tips just for you!
- Use stale bread: If you have leftover bread that’s a bit stale, use it! It soaks up the egg mixture better and helps prevent a soggy casserole.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for a little kick! Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten up the flavors too.
- Don’t overmix: When whisking your egg mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, and nobody wants that!
- Let it rest: After baking, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up a bit more, making for cleaner slices.
- Try different meats: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the ham for cooked sausage, bacon, or even diced turkey. Each option brings its own unique flavor!
- Make it dairy-free: You can substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or oat milk, and use a non-dairy cheese for a delicious vegan version!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a casserole-making pro in no time. So get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful dish!
Variations of Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole
One of the best things about my Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to keep your breakfast exciting. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Meat Lovers: Replace the ham with cooked sausage or crumbled bacon for a heartier dish. You could even do a mix of meats for the ultimate protein-packed breakfast!
- Veggie Delight: Go meatless by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You could also throw in some roasted tomatoes or zucchini for a fresh touch.
- Cheese Swap: Change up the cheese for a different flavor profile! Try pepper jack for a bit of spice, or go with a creamy brie for something extra indulgent.
- Herb Infusion: Add some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to your egg mixture for a burst of flavor. It’s a simple way to elevate the dish!
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture. It’ll give your casserole a nice kick!
- Breakfast Burrito Style: For a fun twist, add some diced avocado and black beans to the layers for a Tex-Mex flair. Serve with salsa on the side, and you’ve got a fiesta on your plate!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have in your kitchen or what flavors you’re craving. The possibilities are endless, and each variation will bring a new twist to your breakfast table!
Serving Suggestions
To make your breakfast experience truly unforgettable, I’ve got some fantastic serving suggestions to pair with your Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole! These additions will complement the savory flavors and create a complete morning spread that everyone will love.
- Fresh Fruit: A bowl of mixed berries or sliced melons adds a refreshing touch and balances the richness of the casserole. Plus, they look so pretty on the table!
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage: For a hearty breakfast, serve some crispy bacon or sausage links on the side. The salty, savory flavors are the perfect match for the cheesy casserole!
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer some yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a light and creamy contrast. It’s a great way to add some probiotics to your morning!
- Hash Browns: If you want a little crunch, crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes would be an awesome addition. They’re always a hit with the crowd!
- Green Salad: A light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can brighten up the meal and add some freshness. It’s a nice contrast to the hearty casserole.
- Coffee or Juice: Don’t forget to serve a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice to wash it all down. It’s the cherry on top of a fabulous breakfast!
Mix and match these suggestions based on your mood or what you have on hand. With these sides, your Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole will shine even brighter at the breakfast table!
Print
Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole: 5 Savory Steps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A savory and hearty breakfast casserole made with ham and cheese, perfect for a quick morning meal.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased baking dish, layer the bread cubes, ham, and cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread layers.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
Notes
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
- This dish can be customized with different meats or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole, breakfast casserole, ham and cheese casserole