Overnight Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Overnight Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole: A make-ahead sweet and savory combination of honey glazed ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and Cranberry Walnut Bread, and an egg custard. Perfect for Entertaining.

Friends, I must tell you something,  I am in love with my Cranberry Walnut Bread .

Whether toasted with a smear of butter, or as the base for a leftover Turkey or Ham Sandwich, this is one of the most versatile loafs of breads out there!

And recently, I discovered Cranberry Walnut Bread is a perfect base for a breakfast casserole. And while cranberry bread would be incredible in an Overnight French Toast Casserole, when you pair it with sharp cheese and salty ham–it is a sweet and salty perfection.

Overnight Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast casserole has it all! A little sweet, a little savory–sort of like my sweet and savory breakfast pizzas.

And since it is an overnight egg casserole, it is absolutely PERFECT for entertaining. And you know with the Holidays approaching, this is just the kind of recipe you need to keep up your sleeve. 

How to Make Ham and Cheese Egg Casserole

I use Cranberry Walnut Bread as the base for this recipe, but raisin bread or even plain whole wheat bread would work–you would just loose the subtle sweetness from the dried cranberries (or raisins.) I personally love the combination of sweet and salty together.

I also use leftover diced ham–but if you don’t have leftover holiday ham, just cube up a large piece of ham steak. Sprinkle with cheese and then cover in an egg custard. The egg custard is key–I use cottage cheese to add more flavor, protein, and keep the eggs light and fluffy. I also use a bit of Dijon mustard and Maple syrup for an added punch of flavor.

Cover and place in the fridge overnight. I think while you are cleaning up dinner, it is a great time to prep this meal! In the morning, bake and serve.

And look like a rock star. Don’t forget that part. You are definitely going to look like a rock star when you serve your family or guests this Breakfast casserole. Pinky promise.

Tips on Overnight Sweet and Savory Breakfast Casserole:

• If you need this be a gluten-free breakfast casserole, use your favorite Gluten-Free Bread and be sure your ham is gluten-free as well.
• Do you have to make this Overnight Breakfast Casserole the night before? No, by making it the night before, the bread has a chance to soak up the custard, but you can bake it immediately.  If you bake right away, just be sure to press down the bread into the custard to “help” it absorb the egg mixture.
• If you want to have cranberries or raisins in this breakfast casserole without raisin or cranberry bread, sprinkle raisins or cranberries over the ham and bread and add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the egg custard.
• Cooked maple sausage would be great in this casserole in place of ham if desired.
• You may be tempted to serve this casserole with a side of maple syrup. I say go for it–adding an additional touch of sweetness to a dominantly savory and salty dish, completely takes this over the top–and you want to be over the top when it comes to wowing people with food.

Be sure to take a look at all my  easy, healthy breakfast recipes. 

My Breakfast Recipes

5 from 2 votes

Print

Overnight Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole

A make-ahead sweet and savory combination of honey glazed ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and Cranberry Walnut Bread, and an egg custard. Perfect for Entertaining.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 10

Calories 146 kcal

Ingredients

• 8 cups Cranberry Walnut Bread or Raisin Bread, cubed
• 1 cup ham cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• butter for greasing

Instructions

1. Butter a 2 quart or 9x13 casserole dish.

   
   

2. Spread bread over casserole dish, and top with ham and cheese. 

3. Mix together eggs, milk, cottage cheese, maple syrup, mustard, nutmeg, and salt. Pour over bread and ham.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. In the morning, preheat oven to 350.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Serve with maple syrup if desired.

Recipe Notes

• If you need this be a gluten-free breakfast casserole, use your favorite Gluten-Free Bread and be sure your ham is gluten-free as well.
• Do you have to make this Overnight Breakfast Casserole the night before? No, by making it the night before, the bread has a chance to soak up the custard, but you can bake it immediately.  If you bake right away, just be sure to press down the bread into the custard to "help" it absorb the egg mixture.
• If you want to have cranberries or raisins in this breakfast casserole without raisin or cranberry bread, sprinkle raisins or cranberries over the ham and bread and add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the egg custard.
• Cooked maple sausage would be great in this casserole in place of ham if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Overnight Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Amount Per Serving

Calories 146 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 4g 6%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Cholesterol 105mg 35%

Sodium 472mg 20%

Potassium 137mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 13g 4%

Sugars 3g

Protein 11g 22%

Vitamin A 4.1%

Vitamin C 2.2%

Calcium 11.8%

Iron 7.7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.