This Ham and Cheese English Muffin Breakfast Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Soft, toasted English muffins soak up a rich egg mixture, while layers of ham and gooey melted cheese bring out the ultimate savory flavors. The result is a fluffy, golden-baked casserole that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunches, this dish can be prepped the night before, making it a great option for entertaining. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking for a delicious, make-ahead breakfast, this casserole will impress every time.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 English muffins, split and cut into cubes
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cubed English muffins evenly in the baking dish.
- Layer half of the ham, cheddar cheese, and Swiss cheese on top.
- Repeat with the remaining English muffins, ham, and cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring all the bread cubes are soaked.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
When it comes to breakfast, few dishes can compete with the warm, cheesy, and hearty goodness of a Ham and Cheese English Muffin Breakfast Casserole. This recipe combines everything you love about a classic ham and cheese breakfast sandwich but transforms it into an easy, baked casserole. Perfect for meal prep, brunch gatherings, or a simple family breakfast, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your morning cravings.
Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead breakfast option or a cozy weekend brunch recipe, this casserole is packed with flavor, texture, and convenience. Let’s explore why this dish is a must-try, its benefits, and how you can customize it to suit your taste.
The Origins and Popularity of Breakfast Casseroles
Breakfast casseroles have been a staple in American kitchens for decades. They became particularly popular in the mid-20th century as people sought ways to make hearty, flavorful meals using common pantry staples. The idea of layering bread, eggs, cheese, and meats in a baking dish and allowing the ingredients to meld together while cooking made it a practical and delicious meal option.
The ham and cheese combination has long been a favorite, especially for breakfast. From croque monsieur sandwiches in France to classic American ham and cheese sandwiches, this flavor pairing is well-loved worldwide. The addition of English muffins in this casserole adds a delightful toasty texture and a slight tang that complements the savory ham and creamy cheese.
Why This Recipe Is the Best Choice for Breakfast
This Ham and Cheese English Muffin Breakfast Casserole stands out for several reasons:
- Perfect for Meal Prep – You can assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and simply bake it in the morning. This makes it an ideal time-saving breakfast for busy weekdays.
- Rich and Flavorful – The combination of savory ham, gooey cheese, and custardy eggs creates a well-balanced and delicious dish. The English muffins soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a tender yet slightly crispy texture.
- Feeds a Crowd – If you’re hosting a brunch or a family gathering, this casserole is a great way to serve multiple people without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Customizable – You can easily swap out ingredients based on dietary preferences, making it vegetarian-friendly or adjusting it for low-carb or keto diets.
- Minimal Clean-Up – Since everything is baked in one dish, this recipe reduces the hassle of cooking multiple items separately.
Nutritional Benefits of This Casserole
This breakfast casserole is not only delicious but also nutritious. It contains a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal. Here’s what each main ingredient contributes:
- Eggs – Packed with protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and choline, eggs help keep you full and provide energy for the day.
- Ham – A good source of lean protein, ham adds a savory depth to the dish. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use turkey ham or even lean Canadian bacon.
- Cheese – Both cheddar and Swiss cheese bring a creamy texture and bold flavor while providing calcium for bone health.
- English Muffins – They add a satisfying texture and serve as a great base for soaking up the egg mixture, creating a soft yet crispy bite. You can use whole wheat English muffins for a higher fiber option.
Ingredient Breakdown and Variations
Main Ingredients
- English Muffins – Traditional English muffins provide the best texture, but you can substitute with whole wheat, sourdough, or even bagels for a different flavor.
- Ham – Diced ham adds protein and a smoky-salty flavor. You can also use bacon, sausage, or turkey for a variation.
- Cheese – A mix of cheddar and Swiss cheese provides a great balance of sharpness and creaminess. Feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Eggs and Milk Mixture – The custard-like base binds everything together. Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika enhance the flavor profile.
- Butter – Adds richness and ensures a crisp, golden-brown top layer.
Creative Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a meat-free version.
- Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly – Swap English muffins for a low-carb bread alternative or use extra eggs and cheese to create a crustless version.
- Spicy Kick – Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Dairy-Free – Use almond milk or oat milk and dairy-free cheese for a lactose-intolerant-friendly casserole.
- Extra Protein Boost – Add cooked chicken, turkey sausage, or crumbled bacon for an even heartier dish.
Tips for Making the Best Breakfast Casserole
- Let It Rest – Allow the casserole to sit for at least 30 minutes before baking, or refrigerate it overnight for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Use Stale Bread – If your English muffins are fresh, toast them slightly before using them to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t Overbake – Bake until the center is just set to keep the casserole soft and creamy. Overbaking may result in a rubbery texture.
- Garnish for Freshness – A sprinkle of chopped parsley, chives, or even green onions adds color and freshness.
- Serve with Sides – Pair with fresh fruit, a green salad, or crispy breakfast potatoes for a complete meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about this casserole is that it stores well for future meals.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ham and Cheese English Muffin Breakfast Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a weekend brunch idea, a meal-prep breakfast, or a cozy family meal, this dish delivers all the flavors of a classic ham and cheese sandwich in a warm and hearty baked form.
The fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and smoky ham create a comforting bite that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the ability to make it ahead of time makes it a stress-free option for busy mornings.
If you love a savory, cheesy breakfast with minimal effort, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Try it today and experience the joy of a delicious and effortless breakfast casserole!
Conclusion
The Ham and Cheese English Muffin Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that combines simplicity, rich flavors, and versatility in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for a cozy and satisfying breakfast, this casserole checks all the boxes.
With its fluffy eggs, melted cheese, savory ham, and hearty English muffins, each bite is packed with comforting goodness. Plus, the customizable nature of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences—whether you prefer a vegetarian twist, a spicier kick, or a low-carb version.
What makes this dish truly stand out is its convenience and ease of preparation. You can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, making busy mornings stress-free. The combination of nutrient-rich eggs, protein-packed ham, and gooey cheese ensures that it’s not just delicious but also a well-balanced, satisfying meal to start your day right.
If you’re looking for a foolproof breakfast casserole that’s both comforting and flavorful, this recipe is a must-try. Serve it at brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or holiday mornings, and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!