One-Pan Leftover Ham Egg Bake

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You know how holiday dinners always leave you with way more ham than you know what to do with? That was me after every Christmas at my house. I’d send people home with containers, make sandwiches for days, and still have plenty left.

That’s when this egg bake became my go-to solution. It’s basically breakfast magic – turning those leftover ham chunks into something my family actually looks forward to. And unlike some complicated breakfast dishes, this one’s pretty much impossible to mess up. Perfect for those mornings when you’re still recovering from all that holiday excitement.

What Kind of Ham Should I Use?

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover holiday ham, whether it’s from Easter, Christmas, or any special occasion. Any type of cooked ham works great here – you can use leftover spiral ham, honey-baked ham, or even regular deli ham if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re buying ham specifically for this recipe, look for a ham steak from the meat department, which is pre-cooked and easy to dice into the perfect-sized chunks. Just make sure your ham isn’t too salty, as you’ll be adding additional seasonings to the egg bake. If you’re using a heavily glazed ham, you might want to trim off any very sweet outer portions to keep the flavors balanced.

Options for Substitutions

This egg bake is super adaptable and a great way to use what you have on hand:

• Ham: No leftover ham? You can use cooked bacon, breakfast sausage, or even diced turkey. For a vegetarian version, try using sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Hash brown potatoes: Fresh or frozen hash browns work equally well. You can also use diced cooked potatoes, or swap them out for sweet potatoes for a different flavor. Just make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
• Bell peppers: Any color bell pepper works fine here. You can also use other vegetables like diced zucchini, spinach, or broccoli – just make sure to cook watery vegetables first and drain them well.
• Cheddar cheese: While cheddar is great, feel free to use any melting cheese you like – mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a mixture all work well.
• Milk: Any type of milk works here – whole, 2%, almond, or even half-and-half for extra richness. Just keep the amount the same.
• Onion: You can swap regular onion with green onions, shallots, or even 1 teaspoon of onion powder if you’re in a pinch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when making an egg bake is preventing a watery final product – make sure to thoroughly thaw and pat dry your frozen hash browns before adding them to avoid excess moisture that can make your casserole soupy. A common error is overcooking the eggs, which can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep a close eye on the bake and remove it from the oven when the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. To get the most flavor from your vegetables, try sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic before adding them to the egg mixture – this simple step releases their natural sweetness and prevents raw, crunchy bits in your finished dish. For the best results, let the egg bake rest for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven, which allows it to set properly and makes it much easier to slice and serve.

What to Serve With Ham and Egg Bake?

This hearty breakfast casserole pairs really well with some simple sides that balance out the richness of the eggs and ham. A fresh fruit salad with berries, melon, and citrus adds a nice bright contrast to the savory bake. I like to serve it with some warm biscuits or toast on the side – perfect for soaking up any bits of egg left on the plate. For a complete brunch spread, add a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus, which goes great with eggs and ham. If you’re serving this for dinner instead of breakfast, consider adding some simple roasted potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread on the side.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This ham egg bake is perfect for meal prep! Pop your leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to portion it out into individual servings – it makes grabbing breakfast on busy mornings super easy.

Freeze: Want to save some for later? Let the egg bake cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer bag and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. This is such a time-saver for those hectic weeks!

Reheat: To warm up your egg bake, pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes if refrigerated, or 2-3 minutes if frozen. You can also heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t dry out. A sprinkle of cheese on top while reheating makes it extra good!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	50-60 minutes
Total Time	60-75 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1500-1700
• Protein: 100-110 g
• Fat: 90-100 g
• Carbohydrates: 60-70 g

Ingredients

• 12 eggs
• 2 cups grated hash brown potatoes
• 3 cups diced ham
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• (optional) 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Casserole Dish

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

While the oven is preheating, take a casserole dish and spread an even layer of hash browns at the bottom.

This will create a delicious base for your casserole.

Step 2: Mix Eggs and Milk

In a large bowl, crack your eggs and add milk.

Whisk the eggs and milk together until they are well combined, ensuring that the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Add the rest of your desired ingredients to the bowl with the eggs and milk.

Stir everything thoroughly to make sure all components are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the hash browns in the casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Make sure that the liquid mixture covers all the hash browns, allowing them to absorb the flavors as they bake.

Step 5: Bake and Add Cheese (Optional)

Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake at 375 degrees F for a total of 50 minutes.

If you wish to add cheese on top, sprinkle it over the casserole when 20 minutes of cooking time remain, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly by the time the casserole is finished baking.