Breakfast Ham Casserole

Start your morning right with this Easy Breakfast Ham Casserole! Loaded with cheesy, gooey eggs, savory ham, and crispy tater tots, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy mornings, brunch with friends, or a hearty family breakfast. Bonus? Minimal prep time and maximum flavor—your family will be scraping their plates and asking for seconds!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cooked ham, chopped
• 16 ounces frozen tater tots
• 8 eggs, lightly beaten
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup milk
• Green onion for garnish
• Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Spread tater tots evenly in the casserole dish.
3. Sprinkle chopped ham over the tater tots, ensuring an even distribution.
4. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, cheddar cheese, garlic, onion, and milk. Mix well.
5. Gently pour the egg mixture over the tater tots and ham.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until eggs are fully cooked and lightly golden.
7. Garnish with chopped green onion, if desired.
8. Cut into 8 portions and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Best served hot with ketchup, salsa, or hot sauce on the side. Pair with fresh fruit or a side salad for a complete breakfast.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: Bake the casserole, then cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

1. Sausage Swap: Replace ham with cooked breakfast sausage crumbles.
2. Veggie Packed: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the egg mixture.
3. Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper.
4. Cheese Explosion: Use a blend of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar.
5. Potato Upgrade: Use hash browns instead of tater tots for a softer texture.
6. Bacon Lover’s: Add crispy bacon bits with the ham for extra flavor.
7. Herb Infused: Mix in fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary with eggs.
8. Italian Style: Use diced pepperoni and mozzarella, sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
9. Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, corn, and diced green chiles. Top with salsa after baking.
10. Low Carb: Swap tater tots for cauliflower florets.
11. Mushroom & Swiss: Sauté mushrooms and use Swiss cheese for a creamy twist.
12. Broccoli & Cheddar: Add steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.
13. Cream Cheese Layer: Swirl in softened cream cheese for a richer casserole.
14. Breakfast Casserole Muffins: Portion into muffin tins for individual servings.
15. Holiday Version: Add diced turkey instead of ham and season with sage for festive mornings.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
   • Yes! Dice and parboil them first for even cooking.
2. Can this be made ahead?
   • Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
3. Can I use leftover ham?
   • Yes! This is a perfect way to use leftover ham.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
   • Yes, just ensure the tater tots are gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze before baking?
   • Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen with extra 10-15 minutes.
6. What’s the best cheese for this?
   • Cheddar is classic, but a blend of cheddar and mozzarella works beautifully.
7. Can I add other veggies?
   • Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli all work well.
8. How do I reheat leftovers?
   • Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
9. Can I use egg substitute or egg whites?
   • Yes, adjust liquid slightly as egg substitutes may have different moisture content.
10. Can I make it spicy?
    • Absolutely! Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to taste.

This Breakfast Ham Casserole is the ultimate combination of cheesy, gooey, and crispy goodness that will make any morning special. With minimal prep and endless variation options, it’s perfect for busy weekdays, weekend brunches, or holiday breakfasts. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with veggies, sausage, or a spicy twist, this casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve it warm, enjoy the smiles, and watch it disappear from the plate!

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