Introduction
The Golden Crusted Ham and Cheese Bake is the perfect dish for any occasion. With a crispy, golden crust and a rich, cheesy interior, it’s a comforting meal that combines savory ham and gooey cheese in every bite. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty dinner, this dish is simple to prepare yet feels indulgent. Whether you’re entertaining guests or feeding your family, this bake will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients:
4 slices of bread (preferably thick-cut, such as sourdough or French bread)
1 cup cooked ham, diced
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter, melted
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or coat it with cooking spray.
Prepare the bread: Cut the bread slices into cubes and arrange them evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Mix the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and melted butter until well combined.
Assemble the bake: Scatter the diced ham and shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the bread cubes in the dish.
Pour the egg mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese layers, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra golden and crispy finish.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serving and Storage Tips:
