Excellent Breakfast Casserole
A hearty breakfast casserole layered with bread, ham, cheese, and vegetables, baked to perfection, ideal for weekend brunch or family gatherings with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 slices bread with crust cut off ⓘ
- 8 slices ham or ground ham ⓘ
- 8 slices American cheese ⓘ
- 8 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 8 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 dash pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 cups crushed potato chips ⓘ
- 1/4 pound melted butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13-inch greased pan with 8 slices of bread, crust cut off.
- Layer ham, cheese, chopped onions, green peppers, and the remaining 8 slices of bread on top.
- In a bowl, whip together eggs, salt, pepper, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and milk.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled sandwiches in the pan.
- Cover and let stand in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Top with crushed potato chips and drizzle melted butter over the casserole before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To add extra flavor, consider using different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack instead of American. You can also substitute the ham with cooked sausage or bacon for variation. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Remember to ensure the bread is slightly stale for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
This breakfast casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside a side of Barbecued Beans 'N Beef for a hearty brunch. For drinks, consider offering coffee or a refreshing juice to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent Breakfast Casserole contains roughly 935 calories, with 17g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2234mg per serving (97% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for prepping the night before. After assembling, just cover and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. Simply bake it in the morning for a delicious, hassle-free breakfast.
What can I substitute for milk if I want a dairy-free version?
You can easily substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just ensure that the alternative milk is unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor of the casserole.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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).