If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Ham & Cheese Sheet Pan Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines crispy hash brown patties, savory diced ham, and gooey melted colby jack cheese all bound together by a fluffy, flavorful egg custard. It’s effortlessly baked on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze and mornings a whole lot easier. Perfect for family gatherings or lazy weekend brunches, this casserole truly hits all the right notes—comforting, satisfying, and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is key to making this casserole both doable and delicious. Each element plays its part, from the crispy hash browns that offer a golden base, to the creamy cheese adding richness, and the seasoned egg mixture that brings everything together with a pop of flavor.
- Frozen hash brown patties: These provide the crispy foundation that contrasts beautifully with the soft egg layer.
- Diced ham: Adds that salty, meaty bite that makes this casserole a savory delight.
- Shredded colby jack cheese: Melts into a gooey topping that brings creaminess and a slight tang.
- Large eggs: The key binder that sets into a fluffy, rich custard.
- Milk: Lightens the eggs and keeps the casserole moist and tender.
- Sour cream: Gives tanginess and extra creaminess to the egg mixture.
- Honey mustard: A little surprise note of sweetness and zing that elevates the flavor.
- Onion powder: Provides a subtle savory kick to the eggs.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Ham & Cheese Sheet Pan Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Hash Browns
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF and spraying a quarter sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the frozen hash brown patties evenly on the pan and bake them for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial because partially cooking the hash browns first ensures they’ll develop a nice crispness, creating that irresistible texture contrast later.
Step 2: Lower Oven Temperature and Add Ham and Cheese
Once your hash browns have a bit of color, take the pan out and reduce your oven temperature to 350ºF. Then, sprinkle the diced ham and shredded colby jack cheese evenly over the top of the hash browns. This layering step brings together savory bites and melty goodness you’ll love in every forkful.
Step 3: Mix the Egg Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, honey mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. The combination of honey mustard with sour cream adds subtle tang and sweetness that complements the ham beautifully. Give it a good whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Gently pour the egg mixture over the casserole layer in the sheet pan, making sure it seeps through those crispy hash browns and cheese. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and slightly golden around the edges, with the cheese melted into delicious pockets of flavor.
How to Serve Ham & Cheese Sheet Pan Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can brighten this dish and add an extra touch of color. I love sprinkling chopped fresh chives or parsley on top once it’s out of the oven. A dollop of sour cream or a scatter of sliced green onions also adds a fresh, cool contrast to the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is quite filling on its own, pair it with lighter sides to create a balanced breakfast spread. Fresh fruit salad, mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette, or even some crisp toast with butter can complement the bold flavors without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual brunches or special occasions, slice the casserole into neat squares and serve on a colorful platter. For a fun twist, offer a topping bar with salsa, hot sauce, or avocado slices so everyone can personalize their slice. You could even add a drizzle of maple syrup for a subtle sweet-salty combo that’s surprisingly good.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover the sheet pan tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making leftovers just as tasty—if not more so—than fresh.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this casserole freezes nicely for up to 2 months. After baking, let it cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350ºF for about 15 minutes, or use a microwave for quicker bites, though the oven keeps that crispiness intact best. You’ll still get the creamy cheese and savory ham flavors singing beautifully with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash brown patties?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, grate them and squeeze out excess moisture before spreading evenly in the pan. Bake longer at 400ºF to ensure the potatoes get crispy before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and swap out sour cream for a plant-based version like vegan yogurt. Just be sure to choose appropriate milk substitutes like almond or oat milk to maintain texture.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Try mixing in diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. Just sauté firmer veggies beforehand to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The eggs should be set and no longer jiggly in the center. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean. The edges will also be lightly golden and the cheese bubbling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as your hash browns and other ingredients don’t contain added gluten. Always double-check labels to be safe if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
The Ham & Cheese Sheet Pan Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a fuss-free, satisfying breakfast that feels special without the extra work. Its layers of crispy, cheesy, and fluffy goodness make it a star at any brunch table or family morning. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see just how much love this simple sheet pan dish can bring to your kitchen!
Print
Ham & Cheese Sheet Pan Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ham & Cheese Sheet Pan Breakfast Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make breakfast dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Featuring crispy hash brown patties as a base, topped with diced ham, melted Colby Jack cheese, and a savory egg mixture enriched with honey mustard and sour cream, this casserole delivers comforting morning flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Base
- 10 frozen hash brown patties
Protein & Cheese
- ¾ lb diced ham
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Egg Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp honey mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400ºF. Lightly spray a quarter sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Bake the hash browns: Arrange the frozen hash brown patties evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for about 15 minutes until they start to crisp up. Then, remove from the oven.
- Lower oven temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 350ºF to prepare for baking the casserole once assembled.
- Add ham and cheese: Evenly distribute the diced ham over the partially baked hash browns, then sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream, honey mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the hash browns, ham, and cheese in the baking pan, allowing it to seep through the layers.
- Bake until set: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the eggs have set firmly and the casserole is cooked through. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Notes
- You can substitute the diced ham with cooked sausage or bacon for a different flavor.
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the egg mixture for added nutrition and taste.
- Make sure not to overbake the casserole to avoid a dry texture; eggs should be just set and moist.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use a quarter sheet pan for best fit and even cooking. If using a different sized pan, adjust bake times accordingly.
