Make Ahead Eggs
Make Ahead Eggs is a hearty, cheesy breakfast casserole layered with ham, mushrooms, and bread, perfect for entertaining or a weekend brunch. It offers savory flavors and convenience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Add bread crumbs to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Layer ham, cheddar cheese, drained mushrooms, and chopped onion on top of the bread.
- In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, salt, pepper, dill weed, and dry mustard, then beat well.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the pan.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 400°F for 30 to 40 minutes until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with Swiss or Monterey Jack for a different flavor. If you want to add some veggies, spinach or bell peppers work well. For a lighter version, use egg whites instead of whole eggs. Make sure to let the dish rest before cutting for cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for brunch and can be served with a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Ham With Raisin Sauce for a delicious combination. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For best results, cover with foil when reheating to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make Ahead Eggs contains roughly 372 calories, with 9g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1280mg per serving (56% 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 recipe without ham?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding more vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers. You could also substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms or cooked sausage for added flavor.
How long can I keep the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing portions for up to a month and thawing them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I freeze the dish before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it well, and freeze it. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes it a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
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).