5 Delicious Ham and Cheese Casserole Recipes With Egg

Ham and cheese casseroles with egg are a staple for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, offering a delightful blend of flavors and the comforting warmth of a casserole dish. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a brunch gathering or seeking a family-friendly meal, these recipes bring both simplicity and gourmet satisfaction to your table. Let's explore five mouth-watering variations of this classic dish.

Recipe 1: Classic Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Start your day with this timeless recipe that layers ham, cheese, and eggs into a one-dish wonder that’s both hearty and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of thick-cut ham, chopped
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 4 slices of white bread, cubed
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Place the bread cubes on the bottom of the dish, followed by an even layer of the chopped ham.
4. Mix Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the bread and ham.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake: Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

🍳 Note: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a handful of chopped scallions or spinach to the mix.

Recipe 2: Croissant and Prosciutto Casserole

Give your casserole a touch of elegance with buttery croissants and rich prosciutto, making it perfect for special occasions or a lavish weekend brunch.

Ingredients:

• 6 large croissants, split and quartered
• 8 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
• 10 eggs
• 2 cups half-and-half or cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare: In the baking dish, arrange the croissants and drape with prosciutto.
3. Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper, then pour over the croissants.
4. Cheese Topping: Cover with grated Gruyère and Parmesan.
5. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the eggs are set and the croissants are crispy on the top.

Here's a quick breakdown of the preparation steps:

Recipe 3: Spicy Mexican Egg, Ham, and Cheese Bake

Bring the flavors of Mexico to your breakfast table with this spicy twist on the classic casserole.

Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup diced ham
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Corn tortillas for lining the dish
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat: Oven at 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer: Line a baking dish with corn tortillas, then sprinkle ham and jalapeño on top.
3. Whisk Eggs: Beat eggs with milk, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, then pour into the dish.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle with pepper jack cheese.
5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the eggs are set. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Recipe 4: Garden Vegetable and Ham Casserole

Create a nutritious and delicious dish by incorporating an array of vegetables into your ham and cheese casserole.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Vegetables: Sauté the bell pepper, zucchini, and tomatoes in olive oil until slightly softened.
2. Layer: Arrange sautéed vegetables and ham in a greased baking dish.
3. Mix Eggs: Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper, then pour over the veggies and ham.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the top.
5. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked through.

Recipe 5: Hearty Hash Brown Ham and Cheese Casserole

Combine the comforting textures of hash browns with savory ham and cheese for an indulgent breakfast or dinner treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 (30 oz) package of frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 pound diced cooked ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, ham, Swiss cheese, soup, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer: Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch dish.
4. Top: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake: Bake for 1 hour or until the top is crispy and golden.

With these five recipes, you now have a repertoire of delicious ham and cheese casseroles with egg that can cater to various tastes and occasions. From the straightforward classic to the luxurious croissant bake, each recipe brings its own unique flavors and textures to the table, ensuring your meals are both satisfying and memorable. These dishes are not only about comfort but also about bringing families together over a shared love for good food.

Can I prepare these casseroles in advance?

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Yes, most of these casseroles can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. The next day, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

How can I make these recipes gluten-free?

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Many of these recipes can be adapted to be gluten-free. For the Classic Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole, use gluten-free bread or skip it entirely for a lower-carb option. Ensure that your ham and cheese are also gluten-free. For the Croissant and Prosciutto Casserole, you might need to find gluten-free croissants or use gluten-free pastry as a substitute.

What sides go well with these casseroles?

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These casseroles can be paired with various sides for a balanced meal. Consider:

• Fresh fruit salad to add a sweet element.
• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette for freshness.
• Sautéed spinach or kale for a healthy touch.
• Roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus to complement the flavors.

Can I freeze the casseroles?

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Yes, you can freeze these casseroles before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap the dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding significant time to the baking schedule, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For baked casseroles, cool completely, wrap, and freeze. Reheat in the oven until heated through.