Wake-Up Casserole
Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of a freshly baked casserole, warm and inviting. Our Wake-Up Casserole is the perfect dish to start your day on a high note or to enjoy at any meal. This delightful recipe combines the heartiness of hash browns, the savory goodness of ham, and the cheesy indulgence of Cheddar, all topped with a fluffy egg mixture. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Wake-Up Casserole is a versatile dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. The combination of crispy hash browns, savory ham, and melted cheese is simply irresistible, and the added egg mixture ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Large bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Ingredients
- 8 frozen hash brown patties
- 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 pound cooked ham, cut into cubes
- 7 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the frozen hash brown patties in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the Cheddar cheese and cubed ham evenly over the hash brown patties.
- In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, salt, and mustard using a whisk.
- Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips for Success
- For a firmer casserole, you can add a tablespoon of biscuit mix to the egg mixture, a trick borrowed from quiche recipes.
- Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, bake it covered, then uncover and finish baking to achieve the perfect texture.
Additional Tips or Variations
- Add diced onions or green peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Try using hash-browned potatoes instead of frozen patties for a different texture.
- Mix all ingredients together for a more homogeneous casserole.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss.
- How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the ham or replace it with vegetarian-friendly alternatives like mushrooms or spinach.
This Wake-Up Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that will quickly become a staple in your home. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and feel free to share your own creative twists on this recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!