Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Make breakfast a breeze with this ham and egg breakfast casserole recipe. Just mix, bake, and serve a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Whether for your immediate family or a larger group, this ham and egg breakfast casserole recipe is a great way to provide a full, satisfying breakfast all at once. It means there’s no need to stand over the stove making eggs or pancakes to order—just mix, bake, and serve!
Made with diced ham, cheese, eggs, milk, and your choice of bread—like loaf slices, rolls, English muffins, or biscuits—this savory casserole is hearty, flexible, and perfect for make-ahead prep. Feel free to customize it to match your favorite flavors or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to prep. Just layer, mix, pour, and bake—no special skills or tools required.
Versatile and forgiving. Use whatever bread, cheese, or protein you have on hand.
Great for brunch or holidays. Make it ahead and bake when you’re ready—perfect for stress-free mornings.
Ingredient Notes
- Bread: Use loaf slices, croissants, rolls, English muffins, or biscuits—about 4 slices or the equivalent.
- Ham: Diced cooked ham gives salty, savory flavor and is great for using up leftovers.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds classic flavor; feel free to substitute.
- Eggs and milk: Whisked together to bind and bake into a custardy base.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami—optional but recommended.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Steps to Make Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole
- Prep the dish. Grease your baking dish with butter and preheat the oven.
- Assemble the layers. Tear or cut the bread into pieces and place in the dish. Top with ham and cheese.
- Mix the eggs. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire together, then pour over the layers.
- Let it soak. Press the bread down gently to absorb the liquid. Let sit for a few minutes.
- Bake. Bake until puffed and golden, and the center is set.
- Serve. Slice and enjoy warm with your favorite sides or condiments.
Tips for Breakfast Casserole
- Use stale or day-old bread for better texture—it absorbs the egg mixture without getting soggy.
- Let the casserole rest before baking to help everything soak in evenly.
- Test for doneness with a knife—it should come out clean from the center.
- Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch dish for a crowd.
Recipe Variations
- Meat: Swap out the ham with browned sausage or chorizo, cooked crumbled bacon, andouille sausage, or leftover cooked chicken.
- Cheese: Instead of cheddar cheese, make the casserole with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese. Or use what you have on hand.
- Herbs: Add some fresh herbs to the egg mixture for color and flavor. Try parsley, chives, or thyme.
- Vegetables: Sauté 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped onion and bell pepper for a Western breakfast casserole. Some other possibilities: sautéed mushrooms, leftover cooked vegetables, or scallions.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a mixed fruit salad.
- Add sliced avocado, sautéed veggies, or roasted potatoes.
- Offer condiments like salsa, ketchup, hot sauce, or guacamole.
- Pair with a light salad for a brunch-worthy spread.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, covered. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Add extra bake time if needed to ensure the center reaches 160°F.
Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 slices bread, or use equivalent amount of croissants, dinner rolls, English muffins, or biscuits
- 1 1/2 cups ham, diced cooked
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Heat the oven to 350 F (180 C) and use some of the softened butter to grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Butter the bread with the remaining softened butter, tear or cut into smaller pieces, and arrange the pieces in the baking dish. Top the bread with the diced ham and sprinkle with the shredded cheese.
- Prepare the Eggs: Combine the eggs, milk, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper in a large bowl; whisk until smooth and well blended. Pour over the bread, ham, and cheese layers. Gently press to keep the bread submerged and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the casserole for 45 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Slice into squares to serve with your choice of fruits, vegetables, or condiments.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
