Overnight Ham-And-Cheese Bake
A hearty overnight bake combining ham, cheeses, mushrooms, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch that pleases family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bread
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. ham, thinly sliced
- 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced and sautéed in butter ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can diced green chiles ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Jack cheese ⓘ
- 6 eggs ⓘ
- 2 c. milk ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. onion salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread butter on bread slices.
- Place the bread, buttered side down, in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the bread.
- Layer ham slices on top of the cheese.
- Add sautéed mushrooms and diced green chiles over the ham.
- Top with shredded Jack cheese.
- Beat eggs in a bowl.
- Add milk, salt, paprika, dried basil, onion salt, black pepper, and dry mustard to the beaten eggs and mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk instead of 2% milk. You can substitute the ham with turkey or a plant-based option for a lighter version. If you want extra flavor, try adding some diced jalapeños or green onions to the mix. This dish is also great for meal prep; it can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bake with a fresh side salad or some sliced fruit for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette or a dollop of sour cream on top. This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings or as a comforting breakfast option, making it a great choice for a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to retain moisture and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Ham-And-Cheese Bake contains roughly 576 calories, with 25g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (106% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 646mg per serving (28% 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 different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses such as Gouda, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing cheeses can add depth to the flavor and make the dish even more delicious.
How long should I let it sit before baking?
Letting the assembled dish sit overnight in the refrigerator allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a moist and flavorful bake. If you're short on time, aim for at least 4 hours to get some of that soaking effect.
Can I make this dish ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It’s a great option for busy mornings!
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).