Description
This Ham & Cheese Breakfast Bake is a hearty and savory casserole perfect for a family brunch or a make-ahead breakfast. With fluffy eggs, creamy milk, mustard, fresh thyme, ham, and melted white cheddar, it combines classic breakfast flavors into one easy-to-make dish baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Egg Mixture
- 10 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Bake
- Unsalted butter, for greasing dish
- 4 cups cubed French bread or baguette
- 1/2 pound ham, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Egg Mixture: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme leaves, and garlic powder. Season the mixture with kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Layer Ingredients: Grease a 13” x 9” baking dish with unsalted butter. Spread the cubed French bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top the bread with chopped ham followed by the shredded white cheddar cheese. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the eggs are set, cooked through, and the ham is golden. You can make this ahead by covering the dish with foil and refrigerating it from 4 hours up to overnight before baking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and top with additional fresh thyme leaves before serving for extra flavor and a fresh appearance.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the French bread with gluten-free bread cubes.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor over pre-shredded varieties.
- Make ahead by assembling the night before and storing covered in the refrigerator, then bake in the morning.
- Add vegetables like sautéed spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer, swap ham for cooked bacon or sausage.
