This Easter Cheesy Ham and Egg Casserole is a fun and easy dish that’s perfect for brunch! With yummy ham, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
This dish is like a cozy hug on a plate! I love making it the night before and just popping it in the oven in the morning. It makes my breakfast feel extra special without any stress.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Cubes: Day-old bread is ideal since it soaks up the egg mixture well without getting too soggy. If you’re in a pinch, regular bread works too! Just let it sit out for a bit to dry out.
Cooked Ham: Diced ham gives this dish a wonderful flavor. If you don’t have ham on hand, you can use cooked bacon, sausage, or even sautéed veggies for a meatless version.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, but mixing it with mozzarella adds a nice stretchiness. Feel free to replace it with Swiss or gouda for a different taste.
Eggs: Standard large eggs are perfect for binding everything together. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use egg whites or egg substitutes, though it may change the texture a bit.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk is great, and the heavy cream adds richness. You can swap these for low-fat milk or a dairy-free option like almond or oat milk if you need.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Egg Mixture for Our Casserole?
Making the egg mixture is simple but crucial for flavor and texture. Start by whisking the eggs, milk, cream, and spices together in a bowl. This ensures even distribution of flavors. Here’s a tip:
- Combine the dry mustard with a little warm water before mixing it in to help it dissolve better.
- Make sure everything is well-blended so each bite is packed with flavor.
After pouring it over the bread, gently press the cubes down so they soak up that delicious mix thoroughly. Letting the casserole sit before baking helps develop the flavors, so hang tight!
Delicious Easter Cheesy Ham And Egg Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old or slightly stale bread)
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme
How Much Time Will You Need?
To prepare this delightful dish, you’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and 45-55 minutes for baking. Plus, give it an extra 10-15 minutes to sit after assembling before it goes in the oven. In total, you’re looking at just over an hour to have a delightful casserole ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it generously with unsalted butter. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking and makes for easier serving later!
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Evenly spread the bread cubes in the bottom of your greased baking dish. Next, sprinkle the diced cooked ham over the bread, followed by the shredded cheese. Make sure everything is distributed nicely for a great mix of flavors with every bite.
3. Whisk Together the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, milk, heavy cream, dry mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Use a whisk to combine everything until it’s smooth and well mixed. This will ensure that your casserole has a rich, creamy filling.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, ham, and cheese. Use a spatula to gently press down the bread cubes to help them soak up the tasty egg mixture. This step is key for achieving a satisfying texture!
5. Optional Decoration:
If you want to make it look extra special, you can place a few whole or halved eggs on top of the casserole for decoration. It’s not just pretty—it adds to the flavor, too!
6. Let it Rest:
Let the casserole sit for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, the eggs are fully set, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. If you like a little more color on top, you can bake it a few extra minutes!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to cut and serve. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for a fresh touch.
9. Enjoy Every Bite:
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting casserole for a perfect Easter breakfast or brunch. It’s a delightful mix of savory ham, creamy eggs, and gooey cheese that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Casserole?
Absolutely! While day-old or slightly stale bread works best, you can use any bread you have on hand, such as white, whole wheat, or even croissants for a more decadent option. Just make sure it’s not too fresh so it can soak up the egg mixture without becoming mushy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even use a full cup of milk instead. Keep in mind that using milk will make the casserole less creamy, but it will still taste delicious!
