Imagine the delightful aroma of a hearty breakfast wafting through your home, even as the sun begins to set. Our Breakfast for Dinner Casserole is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for comfort food any time of day! With layers of fluffy eggs, savory ham, and gooey cheese all nestled among soft bread, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. In just one hour, you can whip up a meal that serves six and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 cups diced bread
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 large eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten. This will help to incorporate air into the eggs, making your casserole fluffy.
- Add the 2 cups of milk to the beaten eggs. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Season the egg and milk mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham and cheese will also add saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 1 cup of diced ham and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix them together so that they are evenly distributed.
- Take the 2 cups of diced bread and add them to the bowl with the ham and cheese mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the bread is coated with the ham and cheese.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese mixture. Stir gently to ensure that all the bread is soaked with the egg mixture.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
- Slice the casserole into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your Breakfast for Dinner Casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, consider using stale or day-old bread. It absorbs the egg mixture better and helps to create a more cohesive casserole.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the ham for cooked sausage or bacon, and try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven for a hassle-free breakfast-for-dinner!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Serve with Sides: Enhance your meal by serving the casserole with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 285kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 352mg
