Ham, Broccoli and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
This Ham, Broccoli and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole is a warm, cheesy, satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for Christmas morning, weekend brunch, or an easy meal you can enjoy throughout the week. Tender eggs, savory ham, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar come together in a delicious crustless casserole that’s hearty enough to serve as a complete breakfast.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is the addition of cottage cheese. It blends into the egg mixture as the casserole bakes, adding protein and helping create a tender texture without making the finished dish taste like cottage cheese. Sharp cheddar brings plenty of cheesy flavor, while Dijon mustard and garlic provide a savory finishing touch.
This is also a wonderful way to use leftover holiday ham. With approximately 25 grams of protein per serving, it’s a convenient make-ahead breakfast that can help you start the morning with a substantial amount of protein and a serving of vegetables.
Ingredients
Yield: 8 servings · Baking dish: 9-by-13-inch
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
- ½ cup 2% milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces cooked ham, diced
- 3 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Prepare the broccoli. If using fresh broccoli, microwave or steam it for 2–3 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely. Drain either version thoroughly and chop any large florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the egg mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Add the filling. Stir the diced cooked ham, prepared broccoli, and ¾ cup of the shredded sharp cheddar into the egg mixture. Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the casserole. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar evenly over the top.
- Bake until set. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should reach 160°F on a food thermometer. Let the casserole rest for approximately 10 minutes before cutting into eight portions and serving.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
Estimated nutrition per serving, based on eight servings using 2% cottage cheese, 2% milk, lean cooked ham, and regular sharp cheddar. Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and serving sizes. The recipe contains no added sweetener, although some ham products contain small amounts of added sugar.
Why This Recipe Is a Healthy Choice
Eggs, ham, and cottage cheese provide substantial amounts of complete protein, which helps support muscle maintenance and repair. Getting enough protein becomes particularly important as we age because maintaining muscle helps support strength, mobility, and healthy metabolism. With approximately 25 grams of protein per serving, this casserole provides a satisfying protein-rich breakfast without requiring protein powders or specialty ingredients.
Broccoli adds valuable nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and dietary fiber. Including vegetables at breakfast is an easy way to increase your daily vegetable intake, especially when they are incorporated into a familiar, comforting meal. Eggs also provide choline, an essential nutrient that supports normal brain and nervous system function.
Cottage cheese contributes additional protein and helps keep the casserole tender, while sharp cheddar provides calcium and rich flavor. Using a strongly flavored cheese means you can enjoy a satisfying cheesy taste without needing an excessive amount. The combination of protein, vegetables, and fat makes this a substantial breakfast that can help keep you satisfied throughout the morning.
Because ham and cheese already contribute sodium, there’s no need to add salt to the recipe. Choosing a lower-sodium cooked ham when available can help reduce the overall sodium content while keeping the same delicious flavor.
Mary’s Opinion – Taste Test
This Ham, Broccoli and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole was yummy! I love a recipe where you can practically dump everything into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and have a delicious, satisfying meal ready about 30 minutes later. No complicated preparation, no standing over the stove, and very little cleanup. That’s my kind of cooking!
One of my favorite things about this casserole is how well the leftovers reheat. Just pop a serving in the microwave, warm it up, and breakfast is ready to go. It’s such an easy way to have a healthy, homemade breakfast waiting in the refrigerator for those busy mornings later in the week.
And the nutrition is excellent! With approximately 25 grams of protein per serving, it’s a great way to start the day with a substantial amount of protein. It is a little light on fiber, with only about 1 gram per serving, but that’s easy to fix. A nice bowl of fresh berries pairs beautifully with this casserole and adds some much-needed fiber, along with vitamins and antioxidants.
I think this would be an especially good choice for Christmas morning. You can prepare it ahead of time, bake it in the morning, and enjoy a delicious, protein-rich breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. That leaves plenty of time for what really matters—enjoying Christmas morning with family and spending time around the tree!
Easy to make, delicious to eat, and wonderful for leftovers. This is definitely another recipe I’d be happy to make again!
Cooking Notes
Drain the broccoli thoroughly: This is one of the most important steps for achieving the right texture. Broccoli can release considerable moisture during baking, especially when using frozen florets. Remove excess water before adding it to the egg mixture to prevent a watery casserole.
Fresh or frozen broccoli: Both work well. Lightly steam or microwave fresh broccoli before adding it to the eggs so it becomes tender during baking. Frozen broccoli should be completely thawed and thoroughly drained. Chop larger florets into smaller pieces for more even distribution.
Using leftover holiday ham: This casserole is an excellent way to use fully cooked Christmas or Easter ham. Dice the ham into small, evenly sized pieces so every serving contains a good mixture of ham, broccoli, eggs, and cheese.
No need to blend the cottage cheese: The cottage cheese can be added directly to the egg mixture. Its curds soften as the casserole bakes, contributing a tender texture without a strong cottage cheese flavor. There’s no need for a blender or food processor.
Choose sharp cheddar: Sharp cheddar delivers more pronounced cheesy flavor than mild cheddar, so one cup is enough to make the casserole satisfying. Reserve ¼ cup for the top to create a lightly golden finish.
Skip additional salt: Ham, cheddar, and cottage cheese all contain sodium. The Dijon mustard and garlic powder provide plenty of additional flavor without requiring extra salt.
Make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, uncover and bake according to the instructions, allowing approximately 5 additional minutes if needed. Check that the center reaches 160°F before serving.
Storage and reheating: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until the center reaches 165°F. This makes the casserole convenient for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Serving suggestions: Serve with fresh berries, sliced fruit, or a side of whole-grain toast. Since the casserole is naturally low in fiber, pairing it with fruit or a fiber-rich whole grain creates a more balanced breakfast.
