Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole
Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole is a spectacular way to enjoy a special breakfast casserole be it at the holidays, a church or office potluck parties or casual weekend brunches with the family. A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup just before serving is guaranteed to take it over-the-top..
Easy Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole Recipe
Brunch dishes like this savory Ham and Swiss Cheese Brunch Casserole are always a very popular and in demand recipe searched by my visitors here on Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen. when drizzled with maple syrup it features that sweet and salty flavor combination that appeals to all palettes. This recipe begins with french bread, cubed ham and shredded Swiss cheese. It’s held together by a rich egg custard that’s seasoned to perfection. To make Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole:
- Slice the french bread into 3/4 inch slices and lightly butter each piece on one side. Cut each slice through the middle then into 3/4-1 inch cubes.
- Layer half of the buttered bread cubes in the bottom of a buttered 13 x 9 baking dish. Sprinkle leftover ham over the bread.
- Next, sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the ham then repeat with the reserved chunks of bread.
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk together whole milk, fat half and half, eggs, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, onion powder and black pepper with fresh chives. Pour the egg mixture over the bread then cover and chill overnight to allow the custard to soak into the bread.
- Bake at 375°F until golden and puffed around 40-45 minutes.
How to Make the BEST Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole
Tips for making this elegant breakfast or brunch dish to serve family and guests.
- Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole: Cubed ham, cubed Italian or French bread, large eggs, shredded Swiss cheese, half and half, salt, ground mustard, black pepper, maple syrup and softened butter.
- Kitchen tools you’ll need: One large bowl, whisk, sharp knife and chopping board, measuring cups and spoons, 13 x 9 inch pan or baking dish.
- This brunch casserole can be prepared ahead of time, and baked off in the morning. Because of this it’s important to allow it to rest on the counter for a 15-20 minutes to warm to room temperature before baking. Depending on how your oven performs, you may also need to extend the bake time.
- This brunch casserole is a fantastic way to transform holiday ham. You can also use deli ham or a ham steak as both will work well, too.
- You can use finely chopped green onions in place of chives.
- Can you use a different variety of cheese? Sure, Gruyere, monterey jack, colby jack or mozzarella could work if that’s what you have readily available.
- When entertaining guests or for special Holiday breakfasts, this casserole is simply perfect cut into squares and served with a fresh fruit compote or fresh fruit salad to round out the meal.
- Here’s a bit of a twist: Serve this casserole drizzled with warm maple syrup just before eating. It’s become an absolute must alongside this dish at our breakfast table. I think the maple syrup gives this dish the sweet and salty combination of flavor that makes it so appealing.
- Store baked Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in single servings in the microwave or air fryer or in a preheated 350°F oven with foil on top just until heated through.
More Breakfast and Brunch Casserole Recipes to Make
- Easy Sausage Breakfast Casserole is bound to become a family favorite.
- Try my Chorizo Bubble Bake to kick start your day.
- Tater Tot Italian Sausage Breakfast Casserole is delicious and flavorful.
- This Giddy Up and Go Breakfast Cobbler is a sure hit for your next family gathering.
- Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Brunch Bake is a special dish for a special occasion.
- Sweet Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole is rich and decadent.
- Gluten Free Bisquick Breakfast Casserole from Cupcakes and Kale Chips.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz french bread loaf
- 1 lb fully cooked ham cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss or white cheddar cheese divided
- Custard:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half & half
- 1-2 Tbsp chopped chives
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4-1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup plus additional for serving
- 4 Tbsp butter softened
Instructions
- Butter the bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
- Slice the french bread into 3/4 inch slices and lightly butter each piece on one side. Cut each slice through the middle then into bite size cubes.
- Layer half of the buttered bread cubes in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the cubed ham over the bread.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the cubed ham layer, and arrange the top layer of buttered bread cubes over the cheese.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of low fat half and half, 6 large eggs, 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp onion powder and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped chives.
- Pour the custard evenly over the layers of bread cubes, ham and cheese.
- Using a spoon, gently press the bread cubes into the custard, then cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Place the dish into the refrigerator to chill overnight to allow the bread to soak in all of the luscious custard.
- To Bake: Allow 15-20 minutes on the counter. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Remove plastic wrap. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Swiss cheese on top and dot the top with small, thin pats of butter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and the egg custard has set and cooked through.
- Allow the casserole to sit on the counter for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Serve drizzled with pure maple syrup.
I am thinking about using Garlic French Bread in place of regular. Sounds like a wonderful casserole. Thank you!
I made this for a brunch at my house. Everyone LOVED it. The bread turns into this toasty, crunchy topping and the body of the casserole is not runny or liquid at all. It almost has the consistency of a well made quiche. Definitely a keeper!!
Thanks so much, Susan!
I made this for my daughter- in – laws’ baby shower and it was delicious ! Many compliments and requests for the recipe. It looks delicious too.
How wonderful, congrats on the coming baby, too!
Never able to get to the ham and Swiss brunch casserole
How do you mean? I think you scrolled right past it to make this comment.
What if you substitute rye bread for the french bread, like a ham and swiss on rye
If that’s your preference,sure. I’m not sure about rye bread with maple syrup but, if you like it, go for it.
sounds like lots of liquid is this too runny?
Hi Jane, welcome! Here’s the link to the casserole I mentioned in the narrative. If you like, the sausage can be left out. Thanks for visiting, Melissa
https://www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com/2012/02/sausage-egg-cheese-breakfast-casserole.html
This looks out of this world! I am a new follower and I’m looking forward to more of your outstanding recipes! How can I find the Egg and Cheese Casserole?
XO,
Jane
Hi Ashley, since chives are so mild a good substitute would be green onion tops. Just for color fresh parsley would work, too.
If I don’t have chives, what would be a good substitute? Spice of any kind? – Ashley Bailey
Hi Jen, a white sharp cheddar will work beautifully! Enjoy!! 🙂
Could I sub out the swiss cheese for a cheddar? My husband doesn’t like swiss cheese ;( Looks yummy and I think I’ll be tryin’ it this weekend for my holiday guests!
Jen
Didi, you are the greatest, most lovng cheerleader I know!! Thanks, sweetie! xoxo
How beautiful and scrumptious is that?? So loving this Melissa!!