High Protein DietHigh Protein RecipeKeto DietKeto RecipesRecipe

Cheesy Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole

Updated on 4 min read

Quick Description

This Cheesy Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole is a family-friendly, protein-packed bake that combines fluffy eggs, savory ham, gooey cheese, and green onions in one golden, oven-baked dish. It’s easy to prep ahead, perfect for meal prep, and endlessly customizable with your favorite add-ins. Serve it hot from the oven or slice and store for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 8–10 squares
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients List

  • 12 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 cup diced ham (leftover or store-bought)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
  • ½ cup chopped green onions (or regular onions sautéed)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 2 cups hash browns or diced cooked potatoes (for a heartier version)
  • 1 cup spinach or broccoli (for veggie boost)
  • ½ cup cooked bacon or sausage crumbles (for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Whisk Eggs & Milk: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Layer Casserole: Spread diced ham evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and green onions. Add potatoes or veggies if using.
  4. Pour Egg Mixture: Slowly pour whisked eggs over the top, letting them seep into layers.
  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden on top and set in the center. A toothpick should come out clean.
  6. Cool & Slice: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm.

Additional Notes

  • Can be prepped the night before — assemble everything, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning.
  • Great for holidays, brunch parties, or weekly meal prep.
  • Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

Dietary Info

  • High-Protein
  • Gluten-Free
  • Keto-Friendly (skip potatoes)
  • Meal-Prep Friendly

Brief Introduction

Egg casseroles are a classic breakfast solution for busy mornings. Instead of scrambling a dozen eggs individually, you bake them all at once with cheese, meat, and veggies for a filling, shareable dish. This recipe is inspired by the classic American “church potluck” or holiday brunch table — hearty, comforting, and always the first to disappear.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide (Narrative Expansion)

Step 1: Eggs & Milk
Eggs are the backbone. Whisking with milk makes them fluffier and prevents rubbery texture.

Step 2: The Meaty Layer
Ham is traditional, but any protein works — sausage, bacon, or even turkey. Dice small for even distribution.

Step 3: Cheese Factor
Cheese not only adds flavor but also binds the casserole. Cheddar = sharpness, mozzarella = stretch, pepper jack = spice.

Step 4: Vegetables
Green onions add freshness. Spinach or peppers add color and nutrition. Potatoes make it heartier.

Step 5: Baking
The key is even baking. Too hot = dry eggs, too low = watery center. 375°F is the sweet spot.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Eggs: Use 10 eggs + 1 cup liquid egg whites for lighter version.
  • Ham: Swap with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage.
  • Cheese: Use reduced-fat cheese for lighter macros.
  • Milk: Almond milk works fine; cream makes it richer.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  1. Denver Omelet Casserole – Ham, green peppers, onions, cheddar.
  2. Southwest Egg Bake – Chorizo, jalapeños, pepper jack, salsa topping.
  3. Mediterranean Casserole – Spinach, feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. Meat Lovers Bake – Sausage, bacon, ham, cheddar.
  5. Veggie-Packed Casserole – Zucchini, broccoli, spinach, peppers.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate up to 5 days.
  • Freeze slices individually (wrap tightly) up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in microwave (1–2 min) or oven (350°F for 10–12 min).

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this ahead?
Yes — assemble the night before, cover, and bake in the morning.

Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use almond milk and dairy-free cheese.

Q3: How do I avoid watery casserole?
Don’t overload with watery veggies (like zucchini). Sauté them first.

Q4: Can I cut this recipe in half?
Yes — bake in an 8×8 dish for ~30 minutes.

Optional Personal Story

I first made this casserole for Christmas morning because I wanted something filling that didn’t need flipping pancakes or frying bacon while family waited. It was such a hit that now I bake it almost every Sunday for meal prep. It’s quick, customizable, and makes busy mornings so much easier.

Call-to-Action

If you loved this Cheesy Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole, share it with a friend who needs an easy meal prep recipe. Try a variation — Southwest, Mediterranean, or Veggie — and show your version online.

You may also like...