Savory Christmas Morning Ham & Cheese Casserole Recipe

There’s something magical about waking up on Christmas morning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the aroma of a delicious casserole bubbling away in the oven. This Christmas Morning Ham & Cheese Brunch Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a festive hug served on a plate, filled with layers of savory goodness and cheesy bliss that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine biting into fluffy eggs surrounded by tender ham and gooey cheese, all while laughter fills the air—this is what holiday memories are made of.

As families gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter, this casserole becomes the star of the show. It’s perfect for those cozy mornings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re hosting brunch for your extended family or enjoying a quiet morning with your closest loved ones, this dish promises to elevate your holiday experience to new heights. Get ready to dive into a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

I still remember the first time I made this casserole for my family. The smiles on their faces as they took their first bites were priceless—like I had just handed them the keys to happiness.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential for fluffiness; choose large eggs for best results.

• Diced Ham: Use leftover holiday ham or deli ham for convenience; both deliver great flavor.

• Shredded Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella adds richness and stretch.

• Milk: Whole milk works best here, creating a creamy texture that binds everything together nicely.

• French Bread: Day-old bread absorbs flavors well; it adds heartiness to each serving.

• Mustard Powder: A pinch enhances flavor depth without overpowering the dish’s essence.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings ensure that every bite is perfectly seasoned.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Christmas Morning Ham & Cheese Brunch Casserole

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.

Mix Eggs and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and frothy—just like your morning coffee.

Add Bread and Seasonings: Tear the French bread into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the egg mixture along with mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Allow it to soak for 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Incorporate Ham and Cheese: Stir in diced ham along with half of the shredded cheese into the bread mixture until evenly distributed. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it off with remaining cheese for that irresistible cheesy crust.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Place in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown on top. The aroma will fill your home as it bakes—trust me; you won’t be able to resist peeking!

With each step, you’ll find yourself even more excited about serving this festive delight. It’s not just breakfast; it’s an experience wrapped in warmth and love!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create a masterpiece, start by whisking the eggs and milk while the bread cubes soak up the flavors. Prepare your ham and cheese next, ensuring every bite is deliciously savory. Finally, assemble everything in a baking dish and pop it into the oven until golden brown.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ham for crispy bacon or sautéed veggies for a vegetarian twist. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or creamy Gruyère for added depth of flavor. Adding herbs like thyme or chives can elevate your casserole to gourmet levels.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This way, you’ll keep that delightful texture intact.

Sharing this dish always brings me fond memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air while everyone dug into seconds (and thirds!). It’s these moments that remind me why I love cooking; it’s about creating joy around food.

FAQ

Can I make Christmas Morning Ham & Cheese Brunch Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead by assembling all ingredients without baking them. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. On Christmas morning, bake it straight from the fridge; just add a few extra minutes to cooking time.

What type of bread works best for this casserole?

Opt for sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche that can soak up all those delicious flavors without falling apart. Avoid soft white bread unless you want a mushy mess—unless mushy is your thing!

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole?

Pairing fresh fruit salad or a light green salad balances out this rich casserole perfectly. For added flair, serve with mimosas or hot cocoa—it’s Christmas morning after all!

Conclusion for Christmas Morning Ham & Cheese Brunch Casserole

This delightful Christmas Morning Ham & Cheese Brunch Casserole combines ease and flavor into one stunning dish perfect for holiday celebrations. With simple swaps and easy storage tips, you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes while creating lasting memories around the table. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or festive brunch, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition!