Introduction

This easy breakfast casserole is a delicious and hearty way to start your day. Packed with ham, veggies, and plenty of cheese, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings.

A white square baking dish holds a baked egg casserole cut into square pieces, with one piece being lifted by a metal spatula. The casserole has about three visible layers: a golden-orange top layer of melted cheese with small green slices of scallions scattered on it, a middle layer showing soft cooked egg with bits of red and green vegetables, and a bottom layer similar to the middle but slightly browned and firm. The texture on top looks smooth and shiny with some small browned edges, and the dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil (divided into 1 tbsp and 2 tbsp)
1 lb ham, diced (or sausage, or extra vegetables)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 large bell peppers, diced (red and green recommended)
1 1/2 cups white mushrooms, thinly sliced
12 large eggs
1/2 cup half and half (or any milk of your choice)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (or any cheese you prefer)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish or stir-in)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and grease the bottom of a large baking dish.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned, then remove and set aside.
Step 3: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet and heat until shimmering. Sauté the diced onion for 3–5 minutes until translucent.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 5: Remove from heat, stir the cooked ham into the vegetable mixture, and add green onions if using. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half (or milk), 1 cup of shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
Step 7: Pour the egg mixture over the ham and vegetables in the baking dish, stirring gently to combine.
Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top.
Step 9: Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set but still soft and the edges are golden brown.
Step 10: Garnish with additional green onions if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add extra mushrooms or spinach.
Use any cheese you love, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss, for different flavors.
If you prefer a creamier casserole, substitute half and half with heavy cream.
You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for convenience.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through, or place in a 350°F oven until warmed.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a thick, square slice of baked egg casserole being lifted from a white baking dish with a fork. The casserole shows three visible layers: the top layer is golden brown melted cheese, bubbly and slightly browned around the edges, scattered with thinly sliced bright green scallions. The middle layer is a creamy, light yellow egg mixture embedded with small pieces of vegetables like red and green bell peppers. The bottom layer is denser, with slightly browned edges and visible bits of cooked vegetables. The casserole pieces in the dish are cut into neat squares, topped with extra scallion rings. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of ham?

Yes, you can substitute sausage, bacon, or even cooked ground turkey for ham. Just cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Easy Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 123 reviews

A hearty and easy breakfast casserole made with ham, sautéed vegetables, eggs, and cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a satisfying morning meal or brunch with family and friends.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

1 lb Ham (diced; or sausage, or more of the veggies below)
12 large Eggs

Vegetables

1 medium Yellow onion (diced)
6 cloves Garlic (minced)
2 large Bell peppers (diced; red and green)
1 1/2 cups White mushrooms (thinly sliced)
2 tbsp Green onions (chopped; optional for garnish or stir-in)

Dairy

1/2 cup Half and half (or any milk of your choice)
2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded and divided; or any cheese of your choice)

Fats and Oils

3 tbsp Olive oil (divided into 1 tbsp and 2 tbsp)

Seasonings

1/4 tsp Sea salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and grease the bottom of a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Ham: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Onions: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet and heat until shimmering. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they become translucent.
Add Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Combine Ham and Vegetables: Remove the skillet from heat and stir the cooked ham back into the vegetable mixture. Optionally, stir in the chopped green onions. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.
Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half (or milk), 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture over the ham and vegetables in the baking dish. Gently stir to combine. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set, still soft in the center, and the edges are golden brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ham with sausage or add extra vegetables as per your preference.
Half and half can be replaced with any milk (whole, skim, or plant-based) for creaminess.
Cast iron skillet preferred for sautéing to enhance flavor but not required.
Use your favorite cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack as alternatives.
Ensure eggs are not overbaked to maintain a soft, custardy texture.
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat before serving.

Keywords: breakfast casserole, easy breakfast, ham casserole, baked eggs, morning casserole, brunch recipe