Ingredients:

• Bread slices (enough to fill muffin cups)
• Vegetable oil (for greasing)
• Cheese slices (4-6 slices depending on muffin cup size)
• 6 slices of ham
• 100g (3.5 oz) grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 6 eggs
• Salt, to taste

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a muffin tin with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Make sure the muffin tin is thoroughly greased in each cup to ensure that the bread and other ingredients don’t stick during baking.
2. Prepare the Bread Slices:
   Take the bread slices and cut them to fit into the muffin cups. You can trim the bread into smaller squares or even cut off the crust if you prefer a softer texture. Gently press each slice of bread into the muffin cups, creating a sort of “bread cup” that will hold the filling. You may want to toast the bread lightly in a pan for a minute or two to give it a crispy texture, but this step is optional.
3. Layer the Ham and Cheese:
   Next, take your ham slices and cut them into smaller pieces to fit the muffin cups. Place a layer of ham at the bottom of each bread cup, followed by a slice of cheese. If you’re using regular cheese slices, place one slice per muffin cup. If you’re using grated cheese, sprinkle a generous amount on top of the ham.
4. Add Grated Cheese:
   After adding the ham and cheese slices, sprinkle the grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, or a blend of both) on top of the cheese layer. The grated cheese will melt beautifully during baking and create that gooey, cheesy texture everyone loves.
5. Crack the Eggs:
   Now, carefully crack one egg into each muffin cup. You want the egg to sit right on top of the cheese, so take care not to break the yolk. If you prefer scrambled eggs instead of whole eggs, you can scramble the eggs and pour them into the muffin cups, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly for scrambled eggs.
6. Season with Salt:
   Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the eggs, or adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can also add a bit of pepper or any other seasoning of your choice, like garlic powder or dried herbs, to enhance the flavor.
7. Bake in the Oven:
   Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness. If you prefer a soft, runny yolk, start checking the eggs at around 10 minutes. If you want a fully set yolk, bake for the full 15 minutes or slightly longer. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the bread should be lightly toasted.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the muffin cups are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve immediately, drizzling with a bit of honey or hot sauce if desired. These muffin cups are delicious on their own or paired with a fresh fruit salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cooking Time:
12-15 minutes

Total Time:
22-25 minutes

Servings:
Serves 6 (1 muffin cup per person)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Carbs: 12g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Cholesterol: 160mg

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless:
Cheese and Ham Breakfast Muffin Cups are a classic, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. What makes this recipe timeless is its simplicity and versatility. The combination of eggs, cheese, and ham is one that has been beloved for generations, whether in the form of a sandwich, a casserole, or a breakfast bake. By creating individual muffin-sized portions, this recipe offers both convenience and an elevated presentation, making it suitable for everything from casual breakfasts to elegant brunches.

The bread serves as the perfect base, offering a comforting, crispy texture that complements the softness of the melted cheese and the richness of the ham. The eggs add a savory depth of flavor and a soft, creamy element that holds everything together. This dish is also very adaptable. If you want to change things up, you can swap the ham for bacon, sausage, or even add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, simply leave out the ham and add extra cheese and vegetables. The possibilities are endless.

Not only is this recipe simple, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover bread, ham, or cheese. It’s one of those dishes that can be thrown together with pantry staples, yet it feels like a special treat. It’s filling, comforting, and satisfying—perfect for starting your day with energy or for serving at gatherings when you need something easy and delicious.

FAQ:

1. Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
   Yes! You can use any type of bread you like, from white bread to whole wheat, sourdough, or even a hearty multigrain loaf. Just make sure the slices fit into your muffin cups.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the muffin cups the night before and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, just pop them into the oven and bake them for about 15-20 minutes until the eggs are cooked.
3. Can I freeze these muffin cups?
   Absolutely! These breakfast muffin cups freeze very well. Once they are baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes.
4. Can I use scrambled eggs instead of whole eggs?
   Yes, you can scramble the eggs and pour them into the muffin cups instead of using whole eggs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as scrambled eggs may cook faster than whole eggs.

Tips for Making Perfect Cheese and Ham Breakfast Muffin Cups:

1. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients:
   The quality of the bread, ham, and cheese can make a significant difference in the flavor of this dish. Use freshly sliced deli ham, good-quality cheese, and fresh eggs for the best results.
2. Toast the bread lightly for extra crispiness:
   Toasting the bread before baking can add extra crispness to the base and prevent it from becoming soggy during baking.
3. Customize with your favorite ingredients:
   Feel free to add extra ingredients to suit your taste, such as sautéed onions, peppers, or spinach. You can even swap out the cheese for a different variety, such as gouda, provolone, or feta.
4. Make sure the muffin tin is greased well:
   Greasing the muffin tin thoroughly is important to prevent sticking. If you’re worried about it, you can also line the muffin cups with paper liners for easier cleanup.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration:
  Store leftover breakfast muffin cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or heat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.
• Freezing:
  Once the muffin cups have cooled, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion:
Cheese and Ham Breakfast Muffin Cups are a hearty, satisfying dish that’s as delicious as it is versatile. Whether you’re preparing a busy weekday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a special holiday morning, this dish provides a warm, comforting way to start the day. The combination of crispy bread, savory ham, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs makes it an unbeatable comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit different tastes, making it a timeless classic that will never go out of style. So, next time you’re in the mood for something simple but delicious, give these muffin cups a try. They’re sure to become a staple in your breakfast repertoire!