Description
Hearty ham egg and cheese breakfast bake brings comfort to morning tables, combining classic breakfast ingredients in one delightful casserole. Savory layers of ham, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs promise a satisfying start you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Bread Base:
- 6 English muffins, diced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
- Create a foundational layer by combining diced English muffins, cooked ham, and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough distribution.
- Craft the liquid component by whisking eggs with milk, seasoning with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture becomes light and homogeneous.
- Merge the dry and wet ingredients by gently pouring the egg mixture over the muffin and ham base, carefully stirring to guarantee even moisture absorption.
- Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by sprinkling the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a potential crispy golden topping.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the center solidifies and a knife test reveals clean removal.
- Allow the baked casserole to rest for several minutes after removing from the oven, which helps stabilize the texture and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and present the warm, inviting breakfast bake, ready to delight diners with its rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping ham with crispy bacon, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles for varied flavor profiles.
- Swap English muffins with day-old bread, croissants, or gluten-free bread alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything the night before, refrigerating overnight, and baking fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast solution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 404
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 753 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 240 mg