This Easter Cheesy Ham and Egg Casserole is a fun and tasty way to celebrate! Packed with eggs, ham, and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for brunch with family.
Plus, it’s super simple to make—just whisk everything together, pour it in a dish, and bake! I love serving it warm with a sprinkle of herbs. So good! 🍽️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cubed Bread: Day-old sturdy bread like French or sourdough works best. The texture absorbs the egg mixture well. If you’re in a pinch, you can use any bread you have on hand, just make sure it’s not fresh, or it won’t absorb like older bread.
Diced Ham: Cooked ham adds great flavor. If you don’t have ham, cooked bacon or sausage can be used instead. You can also try a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you want a different twist, a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack can add delicious variety. Just remember that the cheese should melt well.
Eggs: Large eggs are standard here. If you need a substitute due to allergies, consider using a mix of ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas per egg, although it will alter the taste slightly.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Perfectly Set?
One of the key factors for a great casserole is ensuring it sets just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve that fluffy texture:
- Letting the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after pouring the egg mixture is crucial. This gives the bread time to soak up all the deliciousness!
- When baking, keep an eye on the casserole towards the end. If the top gets too brown but the center isn’t set, cover it loosely with foil to finish cooking.
- Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a knife in the middle. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
How to Make Easter Cheesy Ham And Egg Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old, preferably a sturdy bread like French or sourdough)
- 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and then will need to bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll want to let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. All in all, you’re looking at about an hour and a half to enjoy this cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with some butter or non-stick spray. This will help ensure that nothing sticks to the dish while baking.
2. Layer the Bread and Ham:
Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and even! Then, take your diced cooked ham and distribute it over the bread cubes. This layer of ham adds so much flavor!
3. Add the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the ham and bread mixture. You can use all cheddar if you love it, or go for a mix of cheeses to add different flavors!
4. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well mixed and combined—it should look creamy and golden.
5. Combine and Press:
Next, pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of bread, ham, and cheese in your baking dish. Use your hands to gently press down so that the bread absorbs the egg mixture well; this will help everything meld together during baking.
6. Let it Soak:
Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes. This is important as it gives the bread time to soak up that delicious egg mixture, making for a fluffy casserole!
7. Bake It Up:
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it is set and the top is golden brown. To test, insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
8. Cool and Serve:
When it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set a little more, making it easier to cut and serve.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy your hearty Easter Cheesy Ham And Egg Casserole!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
It’s best to use day-old bread as it absorbs the egg mixture better. However, if you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out a bit in the oven at a low temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cubing it.
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole and then cover it tightly in the fridge overnight. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking in the morning.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk before reheating if it looks a bit dry!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can mix in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or cooked onions for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture before layering them in the casserole.
