This Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate way to start your holiday morning. A comforting combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheddar cheese layered over soft bread cubes makes this dish a hit for family and friends.
Perfectly festive and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for feeding a crowd during busy holiday mornings. Just pop it in the oven, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness while spending precious moments with your loved ones. Add colorful toppings like diced bell peppers or green onions to give it a vibrant holiday touch!
Ingredients in Order:
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 8 Ounces Diced Deli Ham
- 1 Diced Medium Onion
- 1 Diced Red Bell Pepper
- 1 Diced Green Bell Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Chopped Fresh Thyme
- 6 Croissants, cut into 1 1/2 to 2-inch pieces
- 1 Cup Milk
- 3/4 Cup Half-and-Half
- 1 Teaspoon Hot Sauce
- 5 Large Eggs
- 2 Cups Divided Grated White Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Cup Divided Grated Pepper Jack Cheese
Cooking Directions:
- Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high flame. Toss in the diced ham, onion, and bell peppers. Stirring frequently, cook until the vegetables are tender, typically taking about 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and thyme, cooking for an additional minute. Once done, set the skillet aside to allow it to cool down a bit.
- Take a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and brush it with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Layer in the croissant pieces, followed by the ham and vegetable mixture. Gently mix them to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together milk, half-and-half, hot sauce, and eggs. Incorporate half of both types of cheese into this mixture. Gently pour this over the croissants, ensuring the liquid mix soaks the bread evenly. For best results, cover and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheating your oven to 350°F is the next step. Take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Press down the croissants with a spatula to make sure they’re fully soaked in the egg mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole. Bake it until you see it puff up and turn a lovely golden brown, with the cheese bubbling and melted, roughly 45 minutes. Let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy this delectable and easy-to-make dish, perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend breakfast!