Looking for a quick and delicious dish that combines the best breakfast ingredients in a simple way? This baked ham and cheese toast casserole is a fantastic option. With layers of crispy toast, savory ham, melted cheddar, and tomatoes topped with perfectly baked eggs and Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to put together and requires minimal prep time. Whether you’re cooking for family or just for yourself, this dish will surely become a go-to in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of toast bread
• 6 slices of cheddar cheese
• 6 slices of ham
• 60g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 small tomatoes, sliced
• 6 eggs
• Dill for garnish
• Vegetable oil for greasing the pan

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (374°F). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and give you the best texture.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease your baking dish or tray with vegetable oil. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes cleanup easier afterward.
3. Layer the Bread: Lay 6 slices of toast bread at the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring the entire surface is covered. If needed, you can trim the edges of the bread to fit the dish perfectly.
4. Add Cheese and Ham: Place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of each slice of bread. Next, add one slice of ham on top of the cheese layer.
5. Tomato Layer: Arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly on top of the ham slices. This will give a nice burst of freshness to the dish.
6. Crack the Eggs: Carefully crack 6 eggs directly onto the tomato layer, spacing them evenly across the dish. Try to keep the yolks intact for a visually appealing presentation.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan: Grate 60g of Parmesan cheese and generously sprinkle it over the entire dish, especially on top of the eggs and tomatoes.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your liking and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped dill for added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips:

• Adjusting Egg Doneness: If you prefer soft, runny eggs, check the casserole after 12 minutes. For fully cooked eggs, leave it in for the full 15 minutes or a little longer.
• Extra Seasoning: Before baking, you can sprinkle black pepper, paprika, or a dash of garlic powder on the eggs and tomatoes to enhance the flavors.
• Customizing the Recipe: Feel free to substitute ham with turkey or bacon, and swap cheddar for mozzarella or Gouda depending on your preference. This dish is highly customizable!

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approximately 1/6th of the casserole):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fats: 19g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Sugar: 4g

This dish is a great source of protein due to the eggs, ham, and cheese. It also provides calcium and a modest amount of fiber from the bread and tomatoes. It’s satisfying without being too heavy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Can I make this casserole in advance? Yes! You can prepare the layers of bread, ham, cheese, and tomatoes in advance, then store it in the fridge. Add the eggs just before baking to ensure they stay fresh.
• Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread? Absolutely! Using whole wheat bread will add more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
• What’s a good substitute for Parmesan cheese? If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or even grated cheddar as a substitute. Each will bring a different flavor to the dish.
• How do I keep the bread from getting too soggy? If you’re worried about sogginess, you can lightly toast the bread before assembling the casserole. This will give it a little more structure during baking.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: You can also freeze individual portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion:

This baked ham and cheese toast casserole is the ultimate quick-fix meal that combines delicious layers of ham, cheese, and eggs on top of crunchy toast. With its easy preparation and flavorful results, it’s a perfect solution for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or even light dinners. Versatile, customizable, and full of protein, this dish will quickly become a household favorite. Plus, it’s easy to store and reheat, making it a great choice for meal prep. So why wait? Give it a try today and enjoy this scrumptious, cheesy delight!