Craft a delightful Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole that everyone's sure to love. Start by gathering eggs, sharp cheddar, diced ham, and stale bread. Whisk together eggs and milk, then layer bread, ham, and cheese in a greased 9×13 inch dish. Pour the egg mixture over the layers, letting it sit for 15 minutes before baking at 350°F for 45 minutes. Finish it off with 10-15 more minutes uncovered until golden. Each serving balances savory ham with rich cheese and fluffy eggs, creating a satisfying dish. Discover more culinary tips and serving suggestions that elevate this crowd-pleaser even further.
Key Components: Ham, Cheese, Eggs
When it comes to whipping up a delicious breakfast casserole, the trifecta of ham, cheese, and eggs takes center stage.
These ingredients blend harmoniously to create a savory dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. You'll find that the creamy richness of the eggs provides a perfect base, while the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
To achieve the best results, consider these key aspects:
- Eggs: Use fresh, high-quality eggs for a rich flavor and smooth texture.
- Cheese: Opt for a sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses for depth.
- Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, and herbs to elevate the taste.
- Layering: guarantee even distribution for balanced flavors.
- Baking Time: Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
With these tips, you're sure to impress at breakfast.
Diced Ham Adds Flavor
When you add diced ham to your breakfast casserole, it enhances the savory profile, making each bite more satisfying.
The ham helps balance the richness of the cheese, ensuring the dish isn't overly heavy.
It also complements the egg mixture, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that makes your casserole truly delicious.
Enhances Savory Profile
As you prepare your ham and cheese breakfast casserole, diced ham emerges as a key ingredient that enhances its savory profile. The salty, smoky flavor of the ham complements the other ingredients, adding depth to each bite.
When you incorporate diced ham, you introduce a rich, meaty taste that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The ham's natural umami works wonders, creating a hearty and satisfying experience that delights your taste buds.
Incorporating diced ham also guarantees each forkful offers a consistent savory punch. The ham's texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy eggs and tender bread, providing a delightful chewiness.
Balances Cheese Richness
The diced ham not only enhances the savory profile but also beautifully balances the richness of the cheese in your breakfast casserole. When you incorporate ham, its mildly salty flavor provides the perfect counterpoint to the creamy, often intense cheese.
You'll find that each bite offers a harmonious blend, guaranteeing the cheese doesn't overwhelm your palate. Ham's texture adds a delightful contrast, making every mouthful enjoyable.
As you prepare your casserole, remember that the ham's smokiness elevates the dish, giving it a depth that's hard to resist.
It's a simple yet effective way to guarantee your casserole is both flavorful and well-rounded. By adding diced ham, you're not just enriching the dish; you're crafting a balanced, satisfying meal for everyone.
Complements Egg Mixture
In your breakfast casserole, diced ham seamlessly complements the egg mixture, adding a burst of flavor that's both savory and satisfying. As you whisk the eggs, the ham's saltiness enhances the overall taste, guaranteeing each bite is more exciting than the last.
The small, tender pieces of ham distribute evenly throughout the dish, giving you a consistent flavor profile without overpowering the delicate eggs.
When you bake the casserole, the ham releases juices that infuse into the eggs, creating a moist and cohesive texture. This combination guarantees the eggs remain fluffy and deliciously rich.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Action: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tools Needed: Oven.
- Tip: Make sure the oven is at the right temperature before baking to guarantee even cooking.
- Gather Ingredients
- Action: Collect all the necessary ingredients for the casserole.
- Ingredients Needed: 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 6 cups of bread cubes (stale or day-old bread works best), 2 cups of diced ham, 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped chives.
- Tip: Use a variety of bread types for added texture and flavor.
- Prepare the Baking Dish
- Action: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Tools Needed: Baking dish, butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Tip: Confirm the entire surface is coated to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Egg Mixture
- Action: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Tools Needed: Large bowl, whisk.
- Tip: Mixing until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated will result in a smoother custard.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Action: Layer the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheese over the bread.
- Ingredients Needed: Bread cubes, diced ham, shredded cheese.
- Tip: Distribute the ham and cheese evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Pour the Egg Mixture
- Action: Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Tools Needed: Ladle or measuring cup for pouring.
- Tip: Press down gently on the bread cubes to guarantee they soak up the egg mixture.
- Add Chives
- Action: Sprinkle chopped chives over the top of the casserole.
- Ingredients Needed: Chopped chives.
- Tip: Chives add a nice pop of color and flavor; adjust the amount to taste.
- Cover and Chill
- Action: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Tools Needed: Plastic wrap or foil, refrigerator.
- Tip: This step allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, resulting in a custardy texture.
- Bake the Casserole
- Action: Remove the cover and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Tools Needed: Oven mitts.
- Tip: Use a toothpick to check if the center is cooked through; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve
- Action: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Tools Needed: Cooling rack.
- Tip: Cooling slightly allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Gather Necessary Kitchen Tools
Before diving into the delicious world of a breakfast casserole, make sure you've got all the right tools at hand.
Start with a large mixing bowl; it's essential for combining your ingredients seamlessly. A whisk will help you mix the eggs and milk to a smooth consistency.
Use a sharp knife and cutting board to dice your ham and shred cheese, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking. Have a measuring cup on hand for precise ingredient portions.
A non-stick 9×13-inch baking dish is vital for baking and easy casserole removal. Tongs can assist in layering ingredients without a mess.
Oven-Baked to Perfection
With your kitchen tools ready, it's time to assemble the ham and cheese breakfast casserole.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Scatter half of the diced ham and shredded cheese over the bread.
Repeat with the remaining bread, ham, and cheese.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the dish, ensuring everything is moistened.
Cover with foil and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and set.
Enjoy!
Calorie and Protein Content
Understanding the calorie and protein content of your ham and cheese breakfast casserole is essential for planning a balanced meal. Knowing these values helps you manage your daily intake and guarantees you're getting enough nutrients. Typically, a serving of this delicious casserole might contain around 300 calories and 18 grams of protein, but it can vary based on ingredients.
Here's a quick breakdown of nutritional content:
| Ingredient | Calories (per serving) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Ham | 70 | 10 |
| Cheese | 110 | 7 |
| Eggs | 80 | 6 |
| Bread | 40 | 1 |
These numbers let you tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs, whether you're cutting calories or boosting protein. Adjusting portion sizes or swapping ingredients can make a significant difference.
Conclusion
You might think a breakfast casserole takes too much effort, but it's actually quite simple and definitely worth it. With diced ham adding a burst of flavor and the creamy combination of cheese and eggs, you'll have a dish that's not just tasty but also packed with protein. Plus, it's perfect for feeding a crowd. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a delightful breakfast that brings everyone together.