Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole! This dish is a total game-changer for busy mornings. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woken up, stared at the clock, and thought, “What am I going to make for breakfast?” That’s when I remember this beauty waiting in the fridge, ready to be baked to perfection. It’s hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, making it the perfect way to start the day. The best part? You prep it the night before! Just layer the ingredients, pop it in the fridge, and let it do its thing while you sleep. Trust me, waking up to that warm, delicious smell is the best kind of alarm clock. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just my family, this casserole is always a hit!

Ingredients for Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

8 slices of bread: I love using hearty bread like sourdough or whole wheat for extra flavor, but feel free to go with whatever you have on hand!
1 cup diced ham: Leftover holiday ham works wonders here, adding a rich, savory flavor. If you’re short on ham, turkey or chicken can be a great substitute too!
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The classic choice! It melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the ham. You can also mix in some Monterey Jack for a bit of a kick.
6 large eggs: These are essential for binding everything together. I always use fresh eggs for the best flavor and texture.
2 cups milk: Whole milk gives the casserole a creamy consistency, but you can use skim or even almond milk if you prefer.
1 teaspoon mustard: This adds a nice tang! I usually go for Dijon, but yellow mustard works just as well.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just the right amount to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little bit of pepper adds warmth and depth to the dish.

Having all your ingredients prepped and ready makes the assembly so much easier! Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to whip this up.

How to Prepare Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Now, let’s get into the fun part—preparing this scrumptious casserole! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar as you do it. Here’s how I do it step by step:

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a non-stick spray or a little butter to make sure nothing sticks!
Next, layer the bread slices in the dish. Overlapping them slightly is totally okay; just make sure they’re all cozy together.
Now, sprinkle the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bread. Feel free to be generous—who doesn’t love extra cheese?
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. This is where all the magic happens!
Pour that egg mixture over the layered bread, ham, and cheese. Make sure every bit of bread gets a good soak; you want it all to blend beautifully.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the fridge overnight. This is where the flavors really come together!
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get ready for the deliciousness!
Finally, bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s set and a bit golden on top. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

And there you have it! A delightful casserole that’s ready to be devoured. Just imagine serving this to your family or friends—everyone will be raving about it!

Tips for Success

To make your Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, using stale or slightly dried-out bread really helps soak up that egg mixture. If your bread is fresh, just leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit. This little trick prevents the casserole from becoming soggy!

Also, don’t shy away from customizing the flavors. Add in some sautéed onions or bell peppers for a veggie boost, or throw in a handful of fresh spinach for some color and nutrition. And remember, letting it sit overnight is key for the flavors to meld together, so don’t rush that step!

Finally, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking for that gorgeous, melty finish. Trust me, your family will thank you for it!

Variations on Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

The beauty of this Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole is its versatility! You can easily mix things up to fit your taste buds or whatever you have on hand. For a twist, try using different types of bread like ciabatta or croissants for a flaky texture. You could also substitute the ham with cooked sausage or turkey bacon for a different flavor profile.

If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an earthy touch. Want to spice it up? Add jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat! And for cheese lovers, experiment with different cheeses like feta, gouda, or pepper jack to elevate the flavor even more. The options are endless, and I love switching it up based on what I have in the fridge!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one slice of my Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole:

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 15g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But it gives you a good idea of the hearty goodness packed into each slice! Enjoy without guilt—you deserve a delicious breakfast to kickstart your day!

FAQ About Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Can I make this casserole without ham?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily omit the ham and replace it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. You could also use a plant-based sausage for a meaty texture without the meat.

How long can I store leftovers?
Your Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness!

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy hash browns. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate the flavors even more!

Can I prepare it the same day?
While I highly recommend letting it sit overnight for the best results, you can prepare it the same day. Just allow at least an hour for the flavors to meld before baking. It might not be as rich, but it’ll still be delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, there are so many reasons to fall in love with my Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole! Here are just a few:

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it overnight!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory ham, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will enjoy.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for feeding a crowd or simply your family, it’s a hearty breakfast that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it the night before, making busy mornings a breeze.
Customizable: With endless variations, you can easily switch ingredients to suit your taste or use up leftovers!

Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your breakfast routine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of my Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze individual portions. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer!

When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious casserole again, if it’s frozen, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave! Just place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave. Make sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.

Trust me, reheating it brings back all those comforting flavors, and it’s just as tasty as the first time around!

Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole: 5 Amazing Tips

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty overnight casserole featuring ham and cheese, perfect for breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale

8 slices of bread
1 cup diced ham
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer bread slices in the dish.
Sprinkle ham and cheese over the bread.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.

Notes

Can substitute other types of cheese.
Use leftover holiday ham for added flavor.
Great served with fresh fruit.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Overnight Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Spread the love