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Easy Leftover Ham Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Make-Ahead Mornings

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A cozy and hearty breakfast casserole using leftover ham, eggs, bread, and cheese, perfect for make-ahead mornings and busy schedules.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups leftover ham, diced
  • 4 cups stale bread, cubed (white or sourdough preferred)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, or mixed with Monterey Jack)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for tossing bread cubes)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube 4 cups of stale bread into bite-sized pieces and toss lightly with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  2. Dice 2 cups of leftover ham into small chunks.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs and 2 cups milk until fully combined.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon), and freshly ground black pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon). Whisk again until smooth and slightly frothy.
  5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
  6. Scatter the diced ham and chopped onion evenly over the bread.
  7. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  8. Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered bread, ham, and cheese. Press down gently to help the bread soak up the custard.
  9. Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
  10. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
  12. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
  13. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

Use day-old or stale bread to avoid mushiness. Soaking the bread in custard for at least 10 minutes or overnight improves texture and flavor. Baking from chilled casserole requires adding 10 extra minutes to baking time. Customize cheese blends for flavor and meltiness. For gluten-free, substitute bread with gluten-free bread or cooked quinoa/rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover ham, breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, easy breakfast, ham casserole, cheesy breakfast, brunch recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-leftover-ham-breakfast-casserole-recipe-for-make-ahead-mornings/