A ham and cheese breakfast casserole is an ideal make-ahead meal for busy mornings. Assemble it the night before, slide it into the oven while you brew your coffee, and it will be hot and ready by the time you’re finishing your second cup. Simple, satisfying, and easy to scale for family breakfasts or weekend brunches.
Breakfast Casserole with Ham Recipe
Autumn can bring a lot of mixed feelings, but a comforting bake like this keeps mornings peaceful. I enjoy sharing food that’s practical and real—meals that fit into everyday life, including the nights when we rely on simple convenience foods. This casserole is one of those dependable crowd-pleasers that feels homemade without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Life gets busier with each passing year, and I’ve learned to embrace the imperfect parts. I share recipes here because food is a natural, safe way to connect. The photos show the best angle, of course, but the recipes are true to how I actually cook: straightforward, forgiving, and delicious.
That honesty extends to this dish. It uses leftover ham or deli ham, cubed French bread, eggs, milk, and sharp cheddar—ingredients that are easy to find and often already on hand. You can customize the cheese, swap the bread for another sturdy loaf, or add vegetables for variety. The method is intentionally simple: layer, soak, refrigerate, and bake. The result is a golden, custardy interior studded with ham and melty cheese, perfect for family breakfasts, holiday mornings, or a relaxed brunch.
This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, a green salad for a brunch spread, or warm pancakes for an indulgent morning. It’s easy to double for a crowd or to halve for a smaller household. The make-ahead step makes mornings simpler: assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready to eat.
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*Depending on how quickly you drink your coffee, this will be ready in time for your second cup.
Breakfast Casserole with Ham
Use leftover ham to make this hearty breakfast casserole made with cubed French bread, eggs, milk, and cheddar cheese. It’s easy to assemble ahead and bakes to a golden, custard-like texture that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2–3 tablespoons butter (for greasing)
- 4 cups cubed French bread
- 9 eggs, beaten
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the butter, making sure the sides are well coated.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, salt, onion powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Place the cubed French bread in the prepared dish. Pour the egg-and-milk mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly to help it absorb the liquid.
- Sprinkle the diced ham over the top, then scatter the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the surface.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least several hours to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Remove the plastic wrap, then bake in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly browned. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the depth of the casserole.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking, then cut into portions and serve warm.
Notes
Swap the cheddar for Gruyère, Swiss, or a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile. Add cooked vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Yield: 12 servings • Serving Size: 1
Calories: 272 • Total Fat: 16g • Saturated Fat: 8g • Trans Fat: 0g • Unsaturated Fat: 6g • Cholesterol: 192mg • Sodium: 732mg • Carbohydrates: 12g • Fiber: 0g • Sugar: 1g • Protein: 20g
Nutrition data is an estimate. Consult a trusted source if you need precise values for medical reasons.