Monday morning breakfasts in our home are almost ceremonial. After the mad rush of Sunday dinner clean-up and sleepy weekend routines, Monday feels like a soft reset. My son wandered into the kitchen just as the sky was trading its dawn pinks for a golden haze. Holding his toy dinosaur, and asked, “What’s the smell?” That’s when I realized the casserole had started to puff up and scent the air with savory ham and melty cheese.
This Ham & Cheese Egg Casserole came about as a solution to a question I ask myself nearly every Monday: How do I make a hearty, no-fuss breakfast that gets us through the morning—and feels just a little special? I had a few slices of leftover ham from the weekend, a chunk of Monterey Jack cheese, and the trusty carton of eggs we always have. The result was a brunch-style dish that took minimal effort and gave maximum comfort.
As I sliced into the warm, golden top and watched the cheese stretch just enough to get my son’s wide-eyed approval, I knew this one had earned a spot in our weekly rotation. If you’re looking for something quick to pull together on a weekday morning—or something satisfying enough to serve for a weekend brunch—this casserole covers it all.
Short Description
This Brunch-Ready Ham & Cheese Egg Casserole is a savory, protein-packed breakfast that’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. It bakes up golden, fluffy, and full of flavor in under 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Tools Needed
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Cooking spray or butter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Ham and Cheese
Spread the diced ham evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Make sure it’s well distributed so you get a bit of ham in every bite. Then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top to create a cheesy base layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color. The onion powder gives a hint of depth without overwhelming the dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the egg mixture gently over the ham and cheese. Give the baking dish a slight shake to let the mixture settle evenly throughout.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is lightly golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges may puff slightly—this is a good sign!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes to set. Slice into squares and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with toast, fresh fruit, or a light green salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick prep and short baking time
– High in protein and satisfying
– Great for meal prepping
– Kid-approved flavors
– Customizable with your favorite ingredients
– Perfect for brunches or weekday breakfasts
– Naturally gluten-free
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Undercooking the Eggs
Make sure to bake until the center is fully set. If unsure, insert a knife—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
2. Too Much Moisture
Avoid adding raw vegetables unless pre-sautéed, as they can release water and make the casserole soggy.
3. Overbaking
Start checking at the 20-minute mark. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture.
4. Uneven Layers
Spread ham and cheese evenly to prevent clumps and uneven flavor pockets.
5. Using Cold Ingredients
Let eggs and milk sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing for better consistency.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
As a Main: Serve warm with whole grain toast and orange juice.
As a Brunch Side: Pair with roasted potatoes, fruit salad, or avocado slices.
Drink Pairings: A light mimosa, spiced chai, or a hot cup of black coffee complements the savory profile.
Style: Great for family-style plating or cut into squares for a brunch buffet.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in foil or store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating (Oven): Bake at 300°F for 10–12 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.
Reheating (Microwave): Heat a slice on medium for 60–90 seconds, checking for even warmth.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! Assemble the layers and store the dish in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let it sit on the counter while the oven preheats, then bake as instructed.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely. Try cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or a mix. Just make sure the cheese melts well and complements the ham.
3. What if I don’t have onion powder?
You can finely dice and sauté a tablespoon of fresh onion instead, or simply skip it if you prefer a more straightforward flavor.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use a 9×13-inch dish and extend baking time to 30–35 minutes, checking for doneness with a knife.
5. Is this casserole keto-friendly?
It’s low in carbs and high in protein, so it’s quite keto-friendly. Just double-check your cheese and ham ingredients for added sugars.
Tips & Tricks
– Let the casserole rest before slicing for cleaner cuts.
– Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the egg mixture for a flavor boost.
– Use a silicone spatula to loosen edges before cutting.
– If prepping for a crowd, serve with a build-your-own toppings bar (salsa, sour cream, chopped herbs).
– Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top for freshness and color.
Recipe Variations
1. Spinach & Feta Version
Replace ham with 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (sautéed) and swap Monterey Jack with 3/4 cup crumbled feta. Follow the same steps, pouring the egg mixture over spinach and feta before baking.
2. Southwestern Style
Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack. Add 1/4 cup diced green chiles and 1/2 tsp cumin to the egg mixture. Serve with salsa or guacamole.
3. Broccoli Cheddar Bake
Substitute ham with 1 cup finely chopped, steamed broccoli, and use shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra depth.
4. Mushroom & Swiss Twist
Sauté 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms and substitute the ham with them. Use Swiss cheese for a rich, earthy profile.
Final Thoughts
Making this Ham & Cheese Egg Casserole on a Monday morning brought a sense of calm to what is usually a chaotic start to the week. It’s the kind of recipe that lets you breathe—simple to prepare, nourishing to eat, and versatile enough to make again and again with different twists. The aroma alone made my kitchen feel like a cozy little brunch café, and watching my family dig in with sleepy smiles was the best kind of reward.
Recipes like this don’t need fuss—they just need fresh ingredients, a warm oven, and a few moments of attention. Serve it to little ones with sticky fingers or set it out for friends at a brunch table—this dish has a way of comforting and impressing every time. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too, just as it has in mine.
Brunch-Ready Ham And Cheese Egg Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ham diced
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer diced ham and shredded cheese evenly in the dish to form the base.
- Whisk the egg mixture with eggs, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese, gently shaking the dish to distribute evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and a knife comes out clean from the center.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm with toast, fruit, or salad.
