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Crispy Cheesy Ham and Gruyere Egg Casserole

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A crispy, cheesy egg casserole featuring ham and Gruyere cheese, perfect for a quick and impressive breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or half-and-half (can substitute almond milk)
  • 1 ½ cups (about 150 g) shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (about 200 g) diced ham (leftover cooked or deli ham)
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion (yellow or sweet)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 4 cups cubed crusty bread (about 200 g; day-old bread preferred)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk or cream until smooth and slightly frothy (about 1-2 minutes). Stir in salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
  4. Add sautéed onion and garlic, diced ham, and shredded Gruyere cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Fold in cubed bread, ensuring each piece is coated with the egg mixture. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb custard.
  6. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Press down gently with a spatula to compact slightly.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and crispy and the center is firm but slightly jiggly.
  8. Check doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. If needed, bake an additional 5-10 minutes.
  9. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for best fluffiness. Sauté onions and garlic before adding to avoid harsh flavors. Use day-old crusty bread to prevent sogginess. Rest casserole before slicing for better texture. Broil last 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: egg casserole, breakfast casserole, ham casserole, Gruyere cheese, cheesy breakfast, easy breakfast, brunch recipe

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