Easy Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is an easy and tasty recipe, ideal to bring to the table for breakfast or as a tasty casserole for a quick but satisfying brunch, with family or friends. It is a sort of maxi toast cooked in the oven, made without cream or béchamel with slices of sandwich bread and a filling of ham and cheese, which will win over adults and children for its fragrant and stringy consistency when bitten.

To prepare it, you just need to alternate layers of bread slices with thinly sliced ham and diced smoked scamorza in a baking dish sprinkled with breadcrumbs, then pour a creamy mixture on the surface obtained by working the whole egg with the milk, grated parmesan, a pinch of salt and a grind of pepper in a bowl, and then put everything in a hot oven at 395°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until a delicious crust has formed on the outside. The result will be a tasty dish with a guaranteed cheesy effect, to be served with a small bowl of mixed salad or a portion of grilled vegetables.

What is Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole?

Breakfast casseroles, like the bread-based version in this recipe, have roots in frugal, practical cooking traditions where leftover bread, meats, and vegetables were layered with eggs and milk to create a hearty, all-in-one dish. These casseroles gained popularity in the U.S. during the mid-20th century as convenient, make-ahead meals for busy mornings or large family gatherings. Variants range from classic sausage-and-cheese combinations to vegetarian versions packed with seasonal produce. In the South, breakfast casseroles often feature biscuits or grits, while in Europe, similar dishes like the French "pain perdu" (lost bread) or British "bread pudding" reflect the same waste-not approach to using stale bread. Today, breakfast casseroles are beloved for their versatility and the ease with which they bring comfort and convenience to the table.

Pro Tips for The Best Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

• Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, creating a firmer, more flavorful texture.
• Uniform bread cubes ensure even cooking and a consistent bite.
• Grease the baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
• Allow the bread to sit in the egg mixture for at least 10–15 minutes to fully absorb the flavors.
• Use foil for the first half of baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

What Else Can I Add to This Casserole?

You can add various fillings to this casserole, such as cooked sausage, bacon, or ham for a savory boost. Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini add freshness, while shredded cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère enhance flavor. For extra texture, try nuts or dried fruits.

What's The Best Bread to Use for This Casserole?

The best bread for this casserole is day-old, hearty bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or a rustic loaf. These types hold their shape and absorb the egg mixture well without becoming too soggy. Avoid overly soft bread, as it may turn mushy during baking.

Why is My Breakfast Casserole so Soggy?

The casserole might turn out soggy if the bread used is too fresh or soft, the egg mixture is too excessive for the amount of bread, or watery ingredients like uncooked vegetables are added. Letting the bread soak for too long can also make it overly mushy.

What Are Good Sides for My Breakfast Casserole?

Good sides for a breakfast casserole include a fresh fruit salad for a light contrast, crispy bacon or sausage for extra protein, or a simple green salad for balance. Toast or hash browns can also complement the dish, adding texture and variety to the meal.

Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?

You can opt for a mix of mixed herbs and mozzarella, or you can try a vegetarian version made with fontina and grilled vegetables or ricotta and spinach.

Can I Make This Breakfast Casserole Overnight?

Yes, this casserole can be made overnight. Assemble it the night before and let it rest in the fridge, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture. Cover it tightly and bake fresh the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Can This Breakfast Casserole Be Frozen?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Assemble it but don’t bake, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual. Alternatively, freeze leftovers after baking in individual portions for easy reheating.

More Casseroles to Try for Breakfast!

Potato Mushroom Casserole

Zucchini Cake Casserole

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Baked Potato Frittata

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Potato Salami Pie

How to Store Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

The casserole will be excellent if eaten hot and stringy as soon as it comes out of the oven. Alternatively, it can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container, for a maximum of 1 day. When serving, we suggest you put it under the grill for a few moments in the oven.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Break the egg into a bowl.

Pour the milk and grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper.

Beat the ingredients with a hand whisk.

Sprinkle an oiled baking dish with breadcrumbs.

Make a first layer with the slices of sandwich bread cut to size.

Cover with the thinly sliced ham.

Add the diced scamorza cheese.

Make a second layer alternating the slices of bread, the ham and the scamorza.

Spread the milk and the egg mixture evenly over the entire surface and place it in a hot oven at 395°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up, remove from the oven and let the casserole settle for a few minutes at room temperature.

Bring the casserole to the table and serve. Enjoy!