Little Inn Sunday Brunch
A hearty brunch casserole featuring ham, cheese, and bread, with savory onion and green chilies, perfect for weekend gatherings and satisfying breakfast or lunch options.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups cubed ham ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped canned green chilies ⓘ
- 8 slices firm sandwich bread (white, cracked wheat or sourdough) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter on Medium-high power for 10 seconds.
- Add the chopped onion to the melted butter.
- Microwave on High power for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion is soft.
- Add the cubed ham and chopped green chilies to the onion mixture and stir.
- Slice the crust off the bread, if desired.
- Cut the bread slices into triangles.
- Place half of the bread triangles in individual microwave-safe serving dishes.
- Top the bread with the ham-onion mixture.
- Sprinkle most of the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese over the ham mixture.
- Place the remaining bread triangles on top of the cheese layer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream to the egg mixture before pouring it over the layers. If you don't have sharp Cheddar, a mild or pepper jack cheese can work too. For a vegetarian version, substitute ham with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Feel free to add extra spices like cayenne or paprika for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad for a complete brunch experience. You can also serve it alongside a side of crispy bacon or sausage links. For a delightful drink pairing, consider serving mimosas or freshly brewed coffee to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the individual servings in the microwave and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Inn Sunday Brunch contains roughly 1182 calories, with 39g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (180% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1845mg per serving (80% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ham-onion mixture and layer it with the bread and cheese in advance. Cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just add the egg and milk mixture before microwaving or baking.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Firm sandwich bread like white, cracked wheat, or sourdough works best as it holds its shape when layered. Avoid using soft breads that may become mushy. Try using Jack Baird's Bread for a unique twist.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.
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).