Overnight Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole is a delicious make-ahead recipe that features ham, sharp cheddar cheese, a rich egg custard, and cubed bread.
Whenever I have leftover ham from Instant Pot Ham or Oven Baked ham, I set aside cubed ham to make this ham and egg casserole. It is especially delicious when made with Cranberry Walnut Bread or Cinnamon Raisin bread, giving this casserole sweet notes that pair perfectly with the savory ham.
There is something about sweet and savory combinations at breakfast.
And when you can combine sweet and savory into one dish, as this Ham and Egg Casserole does, you can guarentee it satisfies.
From the sweet and savory ham, sharp cheddar, sweet cinnamon raisin bread and a rich egg base this breakfast casserole delivers on flavor.
And because this recipe is designed to be prepared in advance, an overnight ham and egg casserole, it is absolutely PERFECT for entertaining. Prep the night before, and your only job will be to brew the coffee while your casserole bakes.
Notes on Key Ingredients
- Bread: Cranberry Walnut Bread or Cinnamon Raisin Bread is my choice for this ham and egg casserole as it lends a subtle sweetness to the dish. However, you can use whole wheat bread, french bread, brioche bread, or even gluten-free bread.
- Ham: Use leftover diced ham or cube up a large piece of ham steak. If you don't have ham, diced up maple sausage links are a great alternative to the ham.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is my choice of cheese for this casserole as the sharpness from the cheese helps to cut the sweetness in this casserole. Swiss cheese is another great option.
How to Make Ham and Egg Casserole
- Grease a large casserole dish (9 by 13 or 2 quarts) with butter.
- Layer the bread, ham, and cheese inside the prepared dish.
- Whisk together the eggs, cream, mustard, maple syrup, and seasonings until well combined.
- Pour the egg custard over the mixture.
- Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight. If you do not have time to refrigerate the ham and egg casserole overnight, press down the bread into the custard to "help" it absorbs the egg mixture and then bake for 10 minutes less than directed.
- In the morning, remove the plastic wrap bake.
- Serve with maple syrup on the side.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Gluten-Free Modifications: If you need this be a gluten-free, use your favorite Gluten-Free Bread and be sure your ham is gluten-free as well.
- Baking Immediately: If you do not have time to refrigerate the ham and egg casserole overnight, press down the bread into the custard to "help" it absorbs the egg mixture and then bake for 10 minutes less than directed.
- Cranberry/Raisin Addition: If you want to have cranberries or raisins in this breakfast casserole without using raisin or cranberry bread, sprinkle raisins or cranberries over the ham and bread and add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the egg custard.
More Breakfast Casserole Recipes
- Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Easy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
- Easy Skinny Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
- Green Chile Egg Casserole
The next time you have leftover ham, be sure to set some aside to make this EASY and DELICIOUS Ham and Egg Casserole--you won't regret it! And I would love for you to leave a comment to let me know how much you enjoyed this recipe!
Overnight Ham and Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 cups Raisin Bread or Cranberry Walnut Bread, cubed
- 1 cup ham cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup cream
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- butter for greasing
Instructions
- Butter a 2 quart or 9x13 casserole dish.
- Evenly spread the bread over casserole dish. Top with ham and cheese.
- Mix together eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, mustard, nutmeg, and salt. Pour over bread and ham. Use your hands to gently push the bread into the egg mixture.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350. Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven preheats.
- Uncover casserole and bake for 40-45 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2017 but has been updated with new tips in 2020.
Lisa
The ingredient list cites cottage cheese but the instructions reference cream. I'd really like to make this but I'm not sure what to use.
Kristen Chidsey
There is no cottage cheese in this recipe, just cream or milk. I hope you enjoy!
Denay DeGuzman
When I think of breakfast casseroles, I think of family gatherings, fun times, and Sunday Brunch. This is the ideal recipe for the weekend! Yum. Yum.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed this so much Denay!
Jessica
The thing that stood out for me was using raisin bread. It added such a unique flavor and texture. Loved it!
Kristen Chidsey
It really does make this casserole hit all the notes--sweet, savory, and delicious! So glad you enjoyed!
Mary
This is a keeper! Made it for a brunch bible study with friends and it was a hit! I used a brioche bread rather than cranberry walnut and it was very good! Making it again for a church brunch this time adding cranberries and cinnamon as instructed! Love it!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Mary! I am so glad your bible study group enjoyed so much! It is great to use whatever bread you have on hand, but I think you will like the added sweetness of the cranberries and cinnamon. Thank you for sharing your review and enjoy your church brunch!
ANGEL BROWN
Can this be made 24-48 hrs ahead of time or just 12?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Angel! I would make this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. At 48 hours, the bread may disintegrate. Hope you enjoy!
Nancy
Do you bake it covered?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Nancy, this is a casserole you bake uncovered. I will be sure to clarify in directions Nancy! Enjoy!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
What a tasty and easy breakfast to make for a crowd! Looks very tasty!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Shadi!
Britni
This is perfect! Im always looking for fun easy recipes to make my morning run smoother.
Kristen Chidsey
YAY!! This makes the mornings so easy!
Rebecca Hubbell
I love overnight casseroles because they make weekdays so easy, this one was so delicious!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad your family enjoyed Rebecca!