Ham Breakfast Casserole

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If you are stuck in the same ol’ breakfast rut you are in for a treat! Ham Breakfast Casserole is savory, delicious and so easy to make. This easy breakfast casserole is perfect for cozy mornings and brunch gatherings and everyone will ask for seconds.

My family loves waffles, we love ham, and we absolutely loooooove cheese. So why not combine all three into one dish?

This delectable breakfast creation combines all your favorites in one hearty skillet. We’re talking about fluffy eggs, savory ham, leftover waffles (yes, you read that right!), and a glorious blanket of melty cheese.

But that’s not all; what truly elevates this ham and cheese breakfast casserole recipe is the final flourish of a sweet drizzle of maple syrup. It’s like a breakfast dream come true!

The best part? This ham casserole recipe is not only mouthwateringly delicious but also super convenient. Just toss this fuss free breakfast all together, pop it in the oven, and you’re ready to enjoy a breakfast that’s both comforting and indulgent. Just like this Brioche French Toast Casserole.

Ham Breakfast Casserole is so great for festive mornings when you need to spend less time cooking and more time joining in on the celebration. So, whether you’re planning a leisurely brunch with friends or simply looking for a way to jazz up your weekend breakfast routine, this Ham Casserole recipe is the answer.

Check out these easy breakfast casseroles to really elevate your morning breakfast game.

Why Make This Recipe

• A unique use of leftovers – It’s a creative way to repurpose leftover waffles, minimizing food waste and giving new life to yesterday’s breakfast.
• All-in-one dish – Everything you need for a hearty breakfast is in one skillet, reducing the number of dishes to clean up after enjoying your meal.
• It’s convenient for make-ahead – You can prep the egg mixture ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you want a hassle-free breakfast.

Ingredient Notes

• Leftover Ham – Use any cooked diced ham you have on hand. If you don’t have ham steak, you can substitute it with cooked bacon, sausage, or even turkey.
• Eggs – Large eggs are a standard choice for this recipe. You can use extra-large or medium eggs if that’s what you have.
• Whole Milk – Whole milk provides a rich and creamy base for the casserole. You can use 2% or skim milk if you prefer a lighter option, but it might not be as creamy.
• Paprika – Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and color. You can substitute chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
• Salt – Salt enhances the flavor of all the ingredients.
• Cheddar Cheese – Sharp Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for its sharp and melty goodness. You can swap it with other shredded cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss if you prefer different flavors.
• Waffles – Leftover homemade buttermilk waffles are a fun and unique addition. If you don’t have waffles, you can use cubed bread, croissants, or even biscuits as a substitute. You can also use frozen waffles that have been thawed.
• Maple Syrup – Real maple syrup is the perfect finishing touch for that sweet and savory balance.

How To Make Ham Breakfast Casserole

Making casseroles is a great way to save time and money. Check out these casseroles for more flavorful ideas your family will love. 

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C.
2. Mix milk, eggs, paprika, and salt together in a large bowl.
3. In a large non-stick skillet, layer half of the waffles, then half of the ham, then half of the grated cheese. Repeat with the remaining half of the waffles, ham and cheese.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet.
5. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes.
7. Serve in bowls drizzled with maple syrup.

Expert Tips

• As mentioned earlier, you can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste.
• Make sure to generously grease your skillet or baking dish to prevent sticking. You can use butter, cooking spray, or a neutral oil.
• When cubing the waffles, aim for even-sized pieces. This ensures that they’ll soak up the egg mixture uniformly and cook evenly.
• Start by layering the waffle cubes at the bottom of the skillet, followed by the cubed ham, and then half of the grated cheese. This layering helps distribute the ingredients evenly.
• Layering cheese in the middle and on top of the casserole helps create a gooey, cheesy center while forming a golden, crispy crust on the top.
• Whisk the eggs, milk, paprika, and salt together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings and a consistent texture.
• Keep an eye on your casserole to avoid overcooking. The goal is to have a set, but still slightly creamy, center. Overcooking can make it dry.
• After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.
• Drizzle the warm casserole with maple syrup just before serving. The sweet syrup complements the savory ingredients beautifully.

Delicious Variations

• Swap the Cheese – I used extra sharp cheddar, but feel free to make this dish with your favorite cheese instead. For example, both Gouda and Havarti taste great in this casserole.
• Swap the Meat – And if you prefer, you can swap in bacon or sausage for the ham.
• Add in Veggies – Mix in fresh spinach, green onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli and more.
• Make it Spicy – Add in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or some hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Prep and Storage

• Prep Ahead – Prepare the egg mixture in a large bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Dice up the ham and waffles and grate your cheese. Place in ziplock bags and refrigerate.
  • Then when you’re ready to cook, simply layer the waffles, ham and cheese into the skillet, pour the egg mixture on top, cover with foil and pop in the oven. Please note that additional cooking time may be necessary when cooking the casserole ingredients straight from the fridge.
• Storage – Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days.
• Freeze – We do not recommend freezing this casserole.
• Reheat – This casserole reheats well, so don’t worry if you have some leftovers. Pop them in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious breakfast the next day

FAQs

Easy Breakfast Casseroles

Looking for more EASY, delicious, and flavorful recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out my full collection of casseroles, or start a few of my most popular recipes:

• Crockpot Breakfast Casserole.
• Easy Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole.
• And if you like ham casserole recipes, you will also want to try my Air Fryer Ham Casserole.
• Crockpot French Toast Casserole.
• 25 easy Breakfast Casseroles.
• Ps you might want to try this Air Fryer Ham Casserole Recipe.

Serve with:

• Fruit Salad.
• Instant Pot Infused Water.
• Easy Strawberry Muffins.
• Easy 6 ingredient Egg Bites.

Recommended Tools

• A good quality whisk makes is so easy to make the egg mixture.
• A cast iron skillet is a versatile kitchen tool.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my ham casserole recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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