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Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole

This Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole is a deliciously hearty breakfast casserole dish that’s perfect for special breakfasts, whether it’s the holidays, a church or office potluck, or a relaxed weekend brunch with family. Just before serving, a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup adds the perfect touch of indulgence.

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Ingredients to Make Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole Recipe

Brunch dishes like this Ham and Swiss Cheese Brunch Casserole are always a crowd favorite, especially on Christmas morning or during laid-back weekend get-togethers. A drizzle of maple syrup on top gives it that sweet and salty combo everyone loves. It all starts with chunks of French bread, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese, all baked together in a creamy, seasoned egg custard. Ingredients you’ll need to make Ham and Swiss Breakfast Casserole: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

  • Bread – One loaf of french bread forms the base of the casserole.
  • Ham – One pound cubed fully cooked smoked ham for a smoky flavor.
  • Cheese – Shredded Swiss cheese or white cheddar cheese glues everything together.
  • Whole Eggs – Large eggs form the base of the egg custard.
  • Liquid – A combination of whole milk and half and half for moisture.
  • Herbs – Fresh chives for a mild onion flavor.
  • Dijon – Dijon mustard adds depth of flavor.
  • Maple Syrup – Maple syrup complements the ham, You’ll also need more for drizzling on top for serving.
  • Seasonings – Salt, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper.
  • Butter – Salted or unsalted butter to dot the top prior to baking.
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How to Make the BEST Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole Recipe

  • Prep the Bread – Slice the french bread into slices and lightly butter each piece on one side. Cut the slices into cubes.
  • Transfer Bread to Prepared Dish – Layer half of the buttered bread cubes in the bottom of a prepared baking dish.
  • Ham – Arrange cubed ham over the bread.
  • Swiss Cheese – Sprinkle the top with half of the shredded Swiss cheese, then top with reserved bread cubes.
  • Make the Egg Filling – Whisk together milk, half and half, eggs, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper with fresh chives.
  • Egg Mixture – Pour the egg mixture over the bread, pushing the bread into the egg custard.
  • Chill – Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight to allow the egg custard to soak into the bread.
  • Oven – Uncover and bake in a preheated oven per the cook time in the recipe until golden brown and puffy.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole

  • One large bowl for making the egg mixture.
  • A large whisk.
  • Sharp knife and chopping board for cubing the ham.
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater for prepping the cheese.
  • 13×9-inch baking pan or baking dish.
ham-swiss-cheese-breakfast-casserole-recipe

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Ham – This brunch casserole is a fantastic way to transform holiday ham. You can also use deli ham or a ham steak year-round.
  • Alternate Protein – You could also adapt this recipe using cooked pork breakfast sausage, turkey sausage or bacon.
  • Onion – You can use finely chopped green onions in place of chives.
  • Herbs – You could add fresh herbs like parsley or fresh thyme.
  • Cheese – You can use another variety of cheese in this casserole dish. Gruyere, monterey jack, gouda, colby jack, mozzarella cheese or pepper-jack cheese for spice. You can use what you have readily available.
  • Half and Half – You can use heavy cream in place of half and half.
  • Serving Options – 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, a side of hash browns or fried potatoes to round out the meal.
  • Drizzle with Maple Syrup – Here’s a bit of a twist. Serve this casserole drizzled with warm maple syrup just before serving. 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.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Make-Ahead Tip – 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.
  • Leftovers – You can store leftover ham and swiss breakfast casserole in an airtight container, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave, in an air fryer or in a preheated 350°F oven with a piece of aluminum foil on top, just until heated through, around 20 minutes.
  • Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Breakfast and Brunch Casserole Recipes to Make

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4.67 from 3 votes

Ham and Swiss Brunch Casserole

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Chill time8 hours
Total Time9 hours 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: ham-and-swiss-breakfast-casserole, ham-and-swiss-brunch-casserole
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 337kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp salted or unsalted butter softened, divided use
  • 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 and half
  • 1-2 Tbsp chopped chives
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder or granulated garlic
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup plus additional for serving

Instructions

  • Spray the bottom and sides of a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Slice the french bread into 3/4-inch thick slices and lightly butter each piece on one side using 2 Tbsp of softened butter. Cut each slice into bite size cubes. (About 1/2-3/4 inch)
  • 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. Top with reserved bread cubes.
  • In a medium mixing bowl whisk together whole milk, half and half, large eggs, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped chives. Stir to combine.
  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of bread, ham and cheese.
  • Using the back of a spoon, gently press the bread cubes into the egg custard, then cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  • Place the dish into the refrigerator to chill for 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak in all of the luscious custard.
  • 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. (There's 2 Tbsp left, but you can use more to your taste).
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set when the dish is gently shaken. The egg custard should be set and cooked through.
  • Allow the casserole to stand on the counter for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving drizzled with pure maple syrup.

Notes

    • Ham – This brunch casserole is a fantastic way to transform holiday ham. You can also use deli ham or a ham steak year-round.
    • Alternate Protein – You could also adapt this recipe using cooked pork breakfast sausage, turkey sausage or bacon.
    • Onion – You can use finely chopped green onions in place of chives.
    • Herbs – You could add fresh herbs like parsley or fresh thyme.
    • Cheese – You can use another variety of cheese in this casserole dish. Gruyere, monterey jack, gouda, colby jack, mozzarella cheese or pepper-jack cheese for spice. You can use what you have readily available.
    • Half and Half – You can use heavy cream in place of half and half.
    • Serving Options – 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, a side of hash browns or fried potatoes to round out the meal.
    • Drizzle with Maple Syrup – Here’s a bit of a twist. Serve this casserole drizzled with warm maple syrup just before serving. 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 337kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 1106mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 544IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 245mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

20 Comments

  1. I’m going to make ahead of time and freeze. Can you please tell me at what temperature and how long to reheat. Thank you.

  2. 4 stars
    I am thinking about using Garlic French Bread in place of regular. Sounds like a wonderful casserole. Thank you!

  3. 5 stars
    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!!

  4. 5 stars
    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.

  5. 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

4.67 from 3 votes

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