Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish packed with savory comfort and make-ahead convenience. It layers cheesy goodness, fluffy eggs, and hearty ham into every bite.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping, or using up holiday ham, this casserole is warm, filling, and simple to prepare. A golden hashbrown crust adds the perfect crispy touch.
Inside the Dish: Key Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Shredded hashbrowns – The crispy base that adds texture and substance, soaking up all the eggy goodness.
- Butter – Infuses richness into the potatoes, creating golden edges and savory depth.
- Monterey Jack cheese – Mild and creamy, this cheese melts beautifully and enhances the custardy layers.
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp and bold, cheddar delivers a rich, cheesy punch in every bite.
- Cooked ham – Meaty, salty, and hearty; the centerpiece of flavor that gives this dish its signature taste.
- Eggs – They bind everything together into a soft, fluffy casserole that’s satisfying and protein-packed.
- Evaporated milk – Creamier than regular milk, it gives the egg mixture a rich, velvety finish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Start by baking the shredded hashbrowns until golden and crispy, laying the foundation for the dish. Melted butter, salt, and pepper ensure flavor and crunch in every bite.
Whisk eggs with evaporated milk and seasonings like mustard powder and onion for subtle depth. Fold in ham and two cheeses until the mixture is thick and speckled with savory bits.
Pour it all over the golden hashbrowns and bake until the top is golden and the center is set. The result is a warm, melty casserole with layers of flavor that slice like a dream.
Tips, Tricks & Tasty Twists
For a shortcut, frozen hashbrowns work wonderfully—just thaw and drain them well before baking. Want more texture? Try a mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack for added kick.
Leftover Honey Baked Ham adds a sweet edge, but deli ham or cubed smoked ham will do the trick, too. Customize with sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach to sneak in extra nutrients and color.
If prepping ahead, assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning and enjoy a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
Keeping It Fresh: Storing & Reheating Tips
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, slice into portions and freeze individually.
To reheat, microwave slices on medium power for best texture or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a favorite for busy mornings or next-day lunches.
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups diced cooked ham
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese 170 g
- 8 large eggs
- ½ cup melted butter 113 g
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 cups shredded hashbrowns*
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese 170 g
- 1 ⅓ cups evaporated milk 327 g, or substitute with heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or spraying with nonstick spray.
- Distribute the hashbrowns evenly in the pan. Drizzle melted butter over the top, then season with salt and pepper. Gently mix to combine and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the hashbrowns are golden and tender. Remove from oven, stir, and return to bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once done, take out the pan and reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, evaporated milk, seasoned salt, kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and onion powder until well combined.
- Stir in the diced ham along with both cheeses.
- Evenly pour this mixture over the pre-baked hashbrowns.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center is set without jiggle.
