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Easy Cheesy Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole (Best 30-Minute Recipe)

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This easy cheesy ham and egg breakfast casserole is ready in 30 minutes, uses simple pantry ingredients, and is perfect for holidays, brunch, or busy weekday mornings. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a light, fluffy texture and no soggy spots.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups cubed day-old bread (sturdy white bread or French loaf)
  • 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • ¼ cup finely diced onion (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds depth)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, including the corners and sides.
  2. Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes (about 2 cups). Spread the cubes evenly across the bottom of the buttered dish without packing them down.
  3. Sprinkle the diced ham evenly over the bread cubes, then scatter about 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for later. If using diced onion, sprinkle it over the cheese now.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 eggs and whisk vigorously until the yolks and whites are completely combined and slightly frothy (about 30 seconds). Add the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk again until smooth and uniform.
  5. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese in the baking dish, distributing it evenly. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them absorb the mixture. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  6. After the 5-minute rest, sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Add the chopped green onions if using.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and puffed, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes to avoid burning.
  8. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

For best texture, use day-old sturdy bread like French bread or sourdough. If using fresh bread, cube it and let it sit out for an hour to dry slightly. Use room temperature eggs for a more even custard. Grate your own cheese for a creamier melt. Do not skip the 5-minute rest after pouring the egg mixture. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. For a make-ahead option, assemble the night before, refrigerate, and add 5-7 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast casserole, ham and egg casserole, easy breakfast recipe, 30-minute breakfast, cheesy casserole, holiday breakfast, brunch recipe

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-cheesy-ham-and-egg-breakfast-casserole-best-30-minute-recipe/