Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake is the easy crowd-pleaser you want for weekend mornings, and yes, it fits into a busy schedule. Did you know a single casserole can feed 6 to 8 people with minimal hands-on time? This guide is focused on practical tips, exact steps, and smart shortcuts to help you serve a golden, custardy bake every time. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prep, bake, vary, and store this classic brunch bake, plus quick fixes for common problems.
What Is Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake?
Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake is a layered egg casserole made with bread, diced ham, and shredded cheese, soaked in an egg-milk custard and baked until set. It bridges breakfast and lunch, making it ideal for family brunches, potlucks, and meal prep.
This dish is forgiving, which makes it a great entry-level bake for new cooks. Swap bread types, cheeses, or herbs to dial flavor and texture up or down. Quick Facts about Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake:
- Serves: 6 to 8 people
- Prep time: 15 minutes, soak 4+ hours if making ahead
- Bake time: 40 to 45 minutes, 350 degrees F
Nutritional highlights per serving, approximate: - Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbs: 28 g
For authoritative nutrition guidance, see USDA resources.
Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake
Ingredients
For the custard
- 8 large eggs Large eggs for best results.
- 2 cups milk Use whole milk for creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon mustard Dijon mustard recommended.
- 1 teaspoon thyme Fresh or dried thyme.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper Season according to preference.
For the bake
- 8 slices bread Use day-old or lightly toasted bread.
- 2 cups diced ham Cooked ham, diced.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar is recommended.
- 1 tablespoon thyme For topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Arrange a rack in center of oven, preheat to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, thyme, and garlic powder, season with salt and a few grinds of pepper.
Assembling
- Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with butter.
- Spread bread in bottom of prepared dish.
- Top with ham and cheddar.
- Pour over egg mixture.
Baking
- Bake uncovered, until eggs are cooked through and ham is golden, 40 to 45 minutes.
- To make ahead, cover baking dish with foil and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to overnight, then bake as directed.
Finishing Touch
- Top with fresh thyme before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for a reliable, evenly cooked brunch bake that slices cleanly. Each step explains the action and the expected result.
- Arrange a rack in center of oven, preheat to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, thyme, and garlic powder, season with salt and a few grinds of pepper.
- Action: Combine and season custard.
- Expected result: Smooth, flavorful liquid that will set around the bread.
- Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with butter. Spread bread in bottom of prepared dish. Top with ham and cheddar. Pour over egg mixture.
- Action: Layer bread, ham, cheese, and pour custard.
- Expected result: Even distribution so every slice has ham and melted cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, until eggs are cooked through and ham is golden, 40 to 45 minutes. To make ahead, cover baking dish with foil and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to overnight, then bake as directed.
- Action: Bake uncovered, adjust time if chilled.
- Expected result: Set center, puffed edges, golden top.
- Top with thyme.
- Action: Finish with fresh herbs.
- Expected result: Bright flavor and attractive presentation.
Chef tip: Use day-old bread or lightly toast slices to prevent a soggy bottom, and opt for a sharp cheddar for stronger flavor.
Variations & Substitutes
Changing one ingredient can adapt this bake for diets, regions, or pantry limits. Each substitute shifts flavor, time, or nutrition in clear ways.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, protein drops slightly, cook time unchanged.
- Low-carb: Use crustless version with extra eggs and more cheese, carbs drop to about 10 g per serving, bake time similar.
- Regional twist: Add smoked paprika and pepper jack for a Southwestern version, flavor becomes smoky and spicy.
- Cheese swap: Swiss or Gruyere melts smoother, gives nuttier taste and creamier texture.
Pros and cons:
- Pros: feeds a crowd, easy to make ahead, flexible.
- Cons: can be soggy if assembly skipped, sodium varies with ham and cheese.
Mistakes to Avoid
Beginners often repeat the same errors, but quick fixes are simple. Use this checklist before baking.
- Using fresh bread, not stale, fix: toast slices briefly.
- Overfilling dish, fix: use 13 x 9 inch pan or reduce volume.
- Under-seasoning custard, fix: taste with a tiny cooked egg or salt cautiously.
- Baking at too high a temperature, fix: keep at 350 degrees F for even set.
- Not resting before slicing, fix: cool 10 minutes to set and make clean slices.
Storage, Reuse
Leftovers store well and reheat without losing texture when handled correctly. Follow these quick tips.
- Refrigerate covered up to 4 days, cool to room temperature before sealing.
- Freeze in portions up to 2 months, wrap tightly and label date.
- Reheat 350 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes from fridge, add 5 minutes if frozen.
- Repurpose as sandwiches or breakfast bowls, slice and toast in sandwich press for 3 minutes.
Related Recipes / See Also
If you love this, try these similar ideas from our site. Each link opens a tested recipe for easy brunch and sandwich inspiration.
- If you like a creamier egg bake, try our egg bake with cottage cheese and spinach.
- For a lighter baked egg option, read our baked cottage cheese eggs.
- Want sandwich inspiration from leftovers, see creative grilled cheese sandwich ideas.
- Need high-protein sandwich ideas for meal prep, check 3 easy high-protein sandwich recipes.
Conclusion
This Ham and Cheese Brunch Bake saves time, feeds a crowd, and adapts to many diets. With clear steps, useful variations, and smart storage tips, you can make brunch effortless and delicious every time.
