Breakfast-In-A-Pan
A hearty breakfast casserole with ham, cheese, and bread baked to perfection, ideal for weekend mornings or family brunches that satisfy everyone's cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Cover the bottom of the pan with cubed French bread.
- Layer with half the ham and half the cheese; repeat layers.
- Beat eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, ham, and cheese.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover with foil and chill overnight.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah bread instead of French bread, which will add a nice sweetness. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ham to skip the cooking step. Adjust the cheese type to your preference; Gruyère or Monterey Jack also work well. Adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach can enhance the dish and provide extra nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Breakfast-In-A-Pan with fresh fruit or a side of crispy breakfast potatoes for a complete meal. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with the American recipes category, making it a versatile option for brunch or holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the texture enjoyable.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Breakfast-In-A-Pan contains roughly 705 calories, with 28g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (72% of the Daily Value), calcium (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1173mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish without chilling it overnight?
Yes, while chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the egg mixture better, you can bake it immediately. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different, and you may need to adjust the baking time.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the French bread with gluten-free bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially processed ones like ham and cheese, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You might also consider adding some crumbled feta or goat cheese for added flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).