Last week, my sister called frantically on Saturday night, realizing she’d invited twelve relatives for Sunday brunch without a game plan. Sound familiar? The Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole became her hero that morning, and it can be yours too.
This Ham Egg Breakfast Recipes masterpiece transforms simple ingredients into pure breakfast magic. Furthermore, it’s the perfect solution for busy families who want homemade comfort without morning stress. Additionally, the make-ahead nature makes it ideal for Christmas Morning Breakfast celebrations when you’d rather spend time with loved ones than hovering over a stove.
Cheesy Make Ahead Breakfast dishes like this one deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Moreover, the combination of fluffy eggs, savory ham, and melted cheese creates layers of flavor that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. This Family Holiday Brunch favorite serves eight to ten people generously, making it perfect for gatherings of any size.
The beauty lies in its simplicity. Consequently, you’ll assemble everything the night before, then wake up to an almost-ready meal. This Comfort Food Breakfast brings warmth and satisfaction to any table, whether it’s a casual weekend morning or a special celebration.
Ingredients
This Overnight Ham Bake requires basic pantry staples that create extraordinary results:
Main Components:
- 12 large eggs (room temperature works best)
- 2 cups diced ham (honey-glazed adds sweetness)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 8 slices thick-cut white bread, cubed
- 2 cups whole milk (2% works as substitution)
- 1 cup heavy cream (half-and-half acceptable)
Flavor Builders:
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Substitution Options:
Replace ham with cooked bacon, sausage, or turkey. Swap cheddar for Swiss, Gruyere, or pepper jack cheese. Use gluten-free bread for dietary restrictions. Greek yogurt can substitute half the cream for lighter results.
Timing
This Easy Breakfast Recipes approach saves precious morning hours:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (evening before)
Overnight Chilling: 8-12 hours
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Active Time: 65-70 minutes
Interestingly, this timing beats traditional breakfast preparation by 60%. Most Quick Breakfast Ideas require constant attention, while this recipe works independently. Plan to start assembly around 8 PM for a 9 AM breakfast service.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Base Layer
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter. Next, arrange cubed bread evenly across the bottom. The bread should form a solid foundation without gaps. Subsequently, sprinkle half the diced ham over the bread, followed by 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Create the Egg Mixture
Meanwhile, crack eggs into a large mixing bowl, whisking until completely smooth. Then, add milk, cream, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds until well combined. The mixture should appear pale yellow and slightly frothy.
Add Aromatics
Heat a small skillet over medium heat, then sauté diced onions until translucent, about 4 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before folding into the egg mixture. This step adds depth without overwhelming the dish.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture slowly over the bread and ham layers. Press down gently with a spatula to help bread absorb liquid. Sprinkle remaining ham and cheese on top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, then refrigerate overnight.
Morning Baking Process
Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue cooking 15-20 minutes until center sets and top turns golden brown.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 10 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 385 | 19% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 315mg | 105% |
| Sodium | 890mg | 39% |
| Calcium | 320mg | 32% |
| Iron | 2.4mg | 13% |
This Comfort Food Breakfast provides substantial protein to fuel active mornings. The calcium content supports bone health, while iron aids energy metabolism.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Family Holiday Brunch dish with smart substitutions:
Reduce Calories:
Use egg whites (18 whites replace 12 whole eggs) to cut 960 calories total. Low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese decrease fat content by 35%. Turkey ham contains 25% less sodium than traditional ham.
Boost Nutrition:
Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra vitamins and fiber. Whole grain bread increases protein and B-vitamins. Greek yogurt mixed with milk creates creaminess while adding probiotics.
Accommodate Restrictions:
Dairy-free versions work with plant-based milk and vegan cheese. Gluten-sensitive guests appreciate almond flour bread or cauliflower alternatives. Vegetarian options substitute ham with roasted vegetables or plant-based proteins.
Serving Suggestions
Present this Christmas Morning Breakfast with complementary sides:
Fresh Accompaniments:
Serve alongside mixed berry salad with honey-lime dressing. Fresh fruit balances the richness while adding vitamin C. Additionally, sliced avocado provides healthy fats and creamy texture contrast.
Warm Sides:
Crispy hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes complete the plate. Moreover, turkey sausage links add extra protein for hearty appetites. Warm maple syrup drizzled lightly adds subtle sweetness.
Beverage Pairings:
Fresh orange juice cuts through rich flavors perfectly. Coffee or tea provides caffeine balance. Furthermore, sparkling water with fruit garnish cleanses the palate between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These Quick Breakfast Ideas pitfalls can ruin your morning:
Inadequate Chilling Time:
Rushing the overnight process prevents proper flavor melding. The bread needs 8+ hours to absorb liquid completely. Consequently, shorter chilling results in soggy bottoms and uneven cooking.
Overcrowding Ingredients:
Adding too much filling prevents even egg distribution. Stick to recommended proportions for best results. Additionally, overstuffing causes longer cooking times and uneven doneness.
Temperature Troubles:
Cold casseroles straight from refrigerator to oven crack dishes and cook unevenly. Always allow 30 minutes of room temperature adjustment. Furthermore, overbaking creates rubbery textures and dried edges.
Inadequate Seasoning:
Underseasoned egg mixtures taste bland despite quality ingredients. Salt the mixture adequately, as bread and cheese absorb much seasoning. Taste-test before chilling when possible.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Maximize freshness and safety with proper storage:
Refrigerator Storage:
Cooked casserole keeps 3-4 days when covered tightly. Cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation. Store individual portions in airtight containers for grab-and-go convenience.
Freezer Options:
Freeze baked casserole up to 2 months wrapped in plastic and foil. Alternatively, freeze unbaked assembled casserole for make-ahead convenience. Thaw overnight before baking, adding 10 extra minutes cooking time.
Reheating Methods:
Microwave individual portions 60-90 seconds until heated through. Oven reheating at 325°F for 15-20 minutes maintains better texture. Cover with foil to prevent drying during reheating process.
Conclusion
This Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole proves that impressive breakfasts don’t require morning stress. The make-ahead convenience combined with crowd-pleasing flavors makes it indispensable for busy families and gracious hosts.
Whether you’re planning Christmas Morning Breakfast or simply want Easy Breakfast Recipes for weekend mornings, this dish delivers consistently delicious results. The combination of preparation simplicity and restaurant-quality taste creates memorable meals with minimal effort.
Try this recipe for your next gathering and watch guests ask for seconds. Share your variations in the comments below, or tag us in your breakfast photos. Your family will thank you for discovering this Cheesy Make Ahead Breakfast treasure.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole two days ahead?
Absolutely! Assembled casseroles keep well for 48 hours refrigerated. The extended chilling time actually improves flavor development, making it perfect for holiday planning.
What’s the best bread type for this recipe?
Thick-cut white bread or challah work excellently because they absorb liquid without falling apart. Avoid thin sandwich bread, which becomes mushy during overnight chilling.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Insert a knife in the center, it should come out clean. Additionally, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety. The top should be golden brown and slightly puffed.
Can I make individual portions instead?
Yes! Divide mixture among greased muffin tins or ramekins. Reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes. Individual portions are perfect for portion control and freezing convenience.
What if my casserole looks too liquidy before baking?
This is normal after overnight chilling. The bread continues absorbing liquid during baking. However, if extremely watery, drain excess liquid before baking to prevent soggy results.
Follow us on Facebook for fresh recipe ideas!
