Ham, Cheese And Broccoli Bake
A comforting ham, cheese, and broccoli casserole with creamy, cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that love hearty, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread frozen broccoli in a deep Pyrex 10-inch pie plate.
- Layer with slices of white bread with crust removed.
- Top with American cheese slices and chopped, boiled ham.
- In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, melted butter, salt, and dry mustard together.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients, almost covering with heavy cream.
- Bake at 250°F for 2 hours until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you want to add more flavor, try incorporating some garlic powder or onion powder into the egg mixture. You can also substitute the American cheese with cheddar or gouda for a different taste. This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, just allow extra baking time if starting from cold.
Serving Suggestions
This Ham, Cheese, and Broccoli Bake is delicious served warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Pair it with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. It also pairs beautifully with Best Sweet Potato Pie for a comforting meal. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham, Cheese And Broccoli Bake contains roughly 752 calories, with 12g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1421mg per serving (62% 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 use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used. Just blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the dish to ensure it's tender. Drain and cool it quickly in ice water to stop the cooking process before layering.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ham and substitute it with sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils for added protein. Using a variety of cheeses, like mozzarella or ricotta, can enhance the flavor and texture, making it a hearty vegetarian option.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the bake a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through and set properly.
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).