Introduction
Exploring the joys of a hearty breakfast, the Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole offers a perfect start to your day. This dish is a cozy, fulfilling blend of creamy textures and savory flavors that brings warmth and comfort to the breakfast table. Imagine tender potatoes, flavorful ham, and melted cheese all baked together to create a deliciously satisfying meal that will please even the pickiest eaters.
This casserole is not just any breakfast dish; it’s a meal that embraces the essence of comfort food. It’s rich yet simple, making it the ideal dish for those busy mornings when you need something substantial, or as a crowd-pleaser for brunch gatherings. With its delightful balance of flavors and textures, it becomes an inviting centerpiece at any breakfast spread, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. Whether it’s a leisurely Sunday morning or a quick weekday meal, the Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole promises to brighten your day.
Recipe Overview
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 50 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
– Course: Breakfast
– Cuisine: American
– Servings: 6
– Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
This Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole is an American breakfast classic, ideal for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The recipe’s approach is straightforward and accessible, making it suitable for both novice home cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With ingredients that come together effortlessly, this casserole is designed to feed a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or celebrations.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its versatility—serve it fresh out of the oven or reheat for a quick and delicious breakfast option throughout the week. It’s hearty enough to keep you full and fueled, providing the energy needed for a busy day ahead.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
– 4 cups diced potatoes (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup diced cooked ham
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Dairy and Eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 4 large eggs
Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Garnish
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, the cooked ham, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well to ensure an even distribution.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and frothy.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the potato and ham blend, stirring gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Transfer the entire mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for even cooking.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top for a deliciously cheesy crust.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
8. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This will make slicing easier and allow the flavors to meld.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before slicing into portions and serving warm.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
For an appealing presentation, consider serving the casserole directly in the baking dish for a rustic look. This adds to the homey feel of the meal and invites your guests to help themselves. If you’d like to elevate the experience, transfer individual slices to plates. A light drizzle of hot sauce can enhance the flavor profile, introducing an exciting kick, while a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy touch that complements the casserole beautifully.
Moreover, the addition of freshly chopped parsley not only elevates the dish visually but also infuses a fresh herbaceous note that brightens each bite. This breakfast casserole is not only designed to please the palate but also to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for shared meals. Whether you enjoy it with family, friends, or as a cozy solo breakfast, the Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole is sure to become a favored recipe that you’ll want to prepare again and again.
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into various tips and tricks for making this casserole even more delightful, along with storage options and variations to accommodate different tastes and preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Ideas
Serving this Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole can enhance your breakfast experience significantly. Choosing the right presentation style can make a dish feel even more inviting.
For a rustic serving, maintaining the dish in the original 9×13 inch baking dish provides a homey, comforting appearance. This method encourages family-style dining, where everyone can serve themselves, creating an enjoyable communal experience.
Alternatively, for a more polished presentation, slice the casserole into neat portions and transfer them to individual plates. This not only makes it easier for guests to enjoy but also offers an opportunity to showcase the layers of cheesy goodness and the contrast of colors from the ham and potatoes.
Garnishing Tips
A few thoughtful garnishes can take this casserole from good to spectacular.
Start with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, which adds a bright pop of color and a refreshing taste that balances the rich flavors of the casserole. This little touch can elevate the visual appeal of your dish considerably.
For those who enjoy a hint of spice, consider drizzling with hot sauce or adding a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving. This additional layer can complement the flavors beautifully, providing both creaminess and a kick that many diners appreciate.
Nutritional Value
Serving Size and Calories
This recipe serves an ample 6 hearty portions, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. Each serving has approximately 400 calories, allowing it to fit well within a balanced breakfast regimen.
Health Considerations
The Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole offers a well-rounded meal option. It boasts a blend of protein from the eggs and ham, carbohydrates from the diced potatoes, and fats from the cheese. This combination not only provides energy but also keeps you feeling satisfied throughout the morning. The addition of parsley adds some micronutrients, making this dish both comforting and nutritious.
Time Management
Prep and Cook Time
Understanding the timing involved in preparing this casserole can help you plan your breakfast effectively. The total preparation time is about 15 minutes, allowing you to quickly assemble the ingredients and get started.
When it comes to baking, the casserole will need approximately 50 minutes in the oven. During this time, you can prepare sides or set the table, making efficient use of your time.
Overall Timing
In total, expect to spend about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish for this delicious breakfast casserole. This inclusive timing consists of preparation and cooking, making it an efficient option for busy mornings or special occasions.
Variations of the Recipe
Ingredient Swaps
One of the joys of casseroles is their versatility. This recipe lends itself well to modification based on personal preferences or dietary needs.
For a different twist, you might consider substituting diced bacon or sausage in place of the ham. These variations can bring unique flavor profiles that are equally delightful.
You could also enhance the dish nutritionally by adding various vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. Incorporating these veggies not only boosts the vitamins and minerals in the dish but also adds depth and color.
Cheese Options
Cheese is a key component in this recipe. While cheddar is a classic choice, feeling adventurous with different types of cheese can yield fantastic results.
Mozzarella provides a gooey, melty texture, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick for those who enjoy a little heat. Experimenting with different cheeses can personalize your casserole to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Storage Recommendations
Refrigeration
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain the integrity and flavor of the casserole. Keep any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can be stored for up to 3 days without compromising quality.
Freezing Tips
For those looking to prepare meals in advance, this casserole can also be frozen for later enjoyment. Before baking, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be safely stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as per the original recipe.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole provides a satisfying and cozy meal that unites the classic flavors of breakfast in one dish. With its balanced mix of ingredients and straightforward preparation, it makes for a practical and enjoyable option for various occasions. Whether served straight from the oven or as reheated leftovers, this casserole is sure to delight all who partake.
Cheesy Ham and Potato Breakfast Casserole – A Cozy Morning Delight
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly cracked pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine diced potatoes, cooked ham, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the potato and ham blend, stirring gently.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until eggs are set and top is golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.