Brunch-Ready Pioneer Woman Ham & Egg Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s ham and egg casserole represents comfort food at its finest, offering a hearty morning meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Weekend breakfasts deserve something special, and this delightful dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Hearty and filling, the casserole blends rich flavors with satisfying textures that dance across your palate.

Savory ham mingles with creamy eggs, creating a harmonious combination that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through carefully balanced ingredients that complement one another perfectly.

The recipe’s simplicity belies its incredible taste, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Why Ham and Egg Casserole Starts the Day Right

• Quicken Breakfast Prep: Whip up a hearty, satisfying meal in under an hour with minimal kitchen effort. This casserole streamlines morning cooking, letting you enjoy a delicious breakfast without spending hours at the stove.
• Packed with Protein Punch: Loaded with eggs and ham, this dish delivers a substantial protein boost to kickstart your day. Each bite offers a balanced mix of nutrients that will keep you energized and full until lunch.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients to match your taste or use what's in your fridge. Red bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onions add vibrant flavors and textures, making this casserole adaptable to your culinary creativity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or meal prep. The melted cheese and creamy egg base create a comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful shared experience.

Ingredients That Make This Casserole Shine

Main Ingredients:

• Eggs: Fresh protein base that gives structure and richness to the casserole.
• Whole Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and tender texture.

• Ham: Diced meat that adds savory flavor and substantial protein to the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a mild onion flavor and bright color accent.

• Red Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetable that brings sweetness and vibrant texture.
• Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that contributes depth and meaty texture.

Binding And Flavor Ingredients:

• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy product that enhances creaminess and adds richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a classic savory topping.

• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances overall dish flavor.

Preparation Ingredient:

Cooking Spray: Non-stick agent that ensures easy casserole removal and prevents sticking.

How to Make a Hearty Ham and Egg Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Egg Base

• 6 eggs
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Salt

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Mix in Delicious Fillings

• Chopped ham
• Diced red bell peppers
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped green onions

Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is set. Check doneness by inserting a knife – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle of shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the baked casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.

Tips That Keep It Fluffy and Flavorful

• Slice Strategically: Chop ingredients like ham, peppers, and green onions into uniform bite-sized pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and balanced flavor in each mouthful.
• Mix Creatively: Experiment with unexpected vegetable combinations such as roasted zucchini, caramelized onions, or fresh baby spinach to elevate the casserole's taste profile.
• Cheese Matters: Select aged sharp cheddar or a bold cheese blend to intensify the overall richness and provide a tangy counterpoint to the savory ham.
• Overnight Magic: Whisk eggs, dairy, and seasonings the evening before, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more complex flavors before baking.
• Temperature Trick: Let the casserole rest at room temperature for 15 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing more precise and clean.

Best Storage Tips for Breakfast Casseroles

• Refrigerate: Store the casserole in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve its delightful flavors and prevent moisture loss. Properly sealed containers keep the dish tasting freshly made for up to four days in the refrigerator.
• Portion Control: Before storing, slice the casserole into individual servings wrapped in aluminum foil. Grab-and-go portions make reheating quick and convenient for busy mornings or spontaneous meals.
• Temperature Management: Always let the casserole cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating. Placing hot dishes directly in the fridge can create condensation, potentially compromising the texture and introducing unwanted bacterial growth.

Creative Swaps for Your Morning Casserole

• Tex-Mex Breakfast Blast: Replace ham with spicy chorizo, add diced jalapeños, swap Cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and mix in black beans for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Morning Mix: Substitute ham with crumbled feta cheese, add spinach, roasted red peppers, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired breakfast casserole that brings Mediterranean freshness to the table.
• Veggie Lovers' Morning Feast: Eliminate ham completely, increase vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes, use goat cheese instead of Cheddar, and incorporate fresh herbs like basil for a vegetarian-friendly option packed with garden-fresh goodness.
• Smoked Salmon Sunrise: Replace ham with flaked smoked salmon, add capers, diced red onions, and swap Cheddar for cream cheese to create an elegant brunch-style casserole with rich, luxurious flavors.

A Tasty Sendoff for a Hearty Breakfast Bake

Pioneer Woman’s Ham and Egg Casserole emerges as a symphony of flavors, weaving together classic breakfast ingredients with gourmet flair.

Hearty ham chunks mingle with creamy eggs, creating a harmonious blend that speaks to comfort and sophistication.

Colorful bell peppers and green onions add depth and brightness to each delectable bite.

Mushrooms provide an earthy undertone, elevating this dish beyond standard breakfast fare.

Melted Cheddar cheese crowns the casserole, offering a rich, indulgent finish that promises satisfaction.

Culinary adventurers and weekend brunch enthusiasts, this recipe calls out to you.

Pioneer Woman Ham And Egg Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman’s Ham and Egg Casserole brings comfort to breakfast tables with hearty layers of savory ham, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese. Crispy bread cubes and creamy textures create a morning masterpiece you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 12 large eggs
• 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 ¾ cups cooked ham, finely chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ¾ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¾ cup fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup green onions, sliced

Seasoning and Preparation:

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by preheating the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Thoroughly coat a 13 × 9-inch (33 × 23 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy release.
2. Create a smooth foundation by whisking eggs, whole milk, sour cream, and salt in a large mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a uniform, silky consistency.
3. Enhance the egg base by gently incorporating chopped ham, vibrant red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and thinly sliced green onions. Stir carefully to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent cooking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes.
5. Verify the casserole’s doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should emerge clean and without any liquid egg residue.
6. Finish the dish by sprinkling shredded Cheddar cheese across the surface in an even layer. Return to the oven for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbling texture.

Notes

• Overnight preparation transforms this breakfast casserole into a morning lifesaver.
• Protein flexibility means bacon, sausage, or chicken can replace traditional ham.
• Crisp vegetables like bell peppers and green onions boost flavor complexity.
• Full-fat sour cream delivers luxurious, velvety texture to the dish.
• Homemade cheese shredding guarantees superior melting and authentic taste.
• Earthy mushrooms perfectly complement the saltiness of ham.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 288 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 360 mg