Egg-Ham Baked Souffle
A hearty baked souffle combining bread, ham, and cheddar cheese with a creamy egg mixture, perfect for brunch or family dinners, offering comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim crust off bread, butter and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Put the bread cubes into a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the bread cubes.
- Distribute cubed baked ham over the cheese.
- Beat the eggs; add milk and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham, cheese, and bread.
- Set the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F or until the cheese puffs up over the ham.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella in place of or alongside the Cheddar. You can also substitute the baked ham with leftover Honey Coated Ham And Vegetables for a sweeter touch. If you're short on time, use pre-cubed bread or bakery-style croutons for convenience. Ensure the bread is stale for better absorption of the egg mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Egg-Ham Baked Souffle with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a warm bowl of Ham And Dried Beans for a hearty brunch. For a complete spread, consider adding pastries or muffins to the table, making it perfect for gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the souffle in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the texture may not be as fluffy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Egg-Ham Baked Souffle contains roughly 836 calories, with 23g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (65% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1028mg per serving (45% 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 the souffle without overnight refrigeration?
While it's best to refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, you can bake it immediately. However, expect a denser texture as the bread may not soak up as much moisture.
What can I use instead of sourdough bread?
You can substitute sourdough with any sturdy bread like French bread, brioche, or even whole wheat for a healthier option. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale to hold up well in the egg mixture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ham and add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Additionally, consider incorporating herbs and spices for extra flavor to make a delicious vegetarian version.
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).