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Christmas Brunch Golden Ham

The aroma of Christmas morning still lingers in my memory, not just the piney scent of the tree, but the savory perfume of ham baking slowly in the oven. My grandmother, a culinary wizard in her own right, always knew how to turn simple leftovers into something truly special. This recipe, a twist on her traditional brunch bake, is a testament to that resourceful and delicious spirit – a way to extend the Christmas joy, one golden, cheesy bite at a time. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly winter morning, shared with loved ones around a festive table.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Yield: 1 baking dish
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

8 slices of bread
2 cups of cooked ham, diced
½ lb (8 oz) of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3 eggs
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon dried mustard
2 cups milk

Equipment Needed

Greased baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
Large bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Begin by buttering the bread slices, then cube them into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure even distribution and prevent the bake from becoming soggy.
In a greased baking dish, arrange half of the cubed bread as a base. Evenly distribute the diced ham over the bread. Sprinkle ½ cup of the grated cheddar cheese over the ham.
Cover the ham and cheese layer with the remaining cubed bread.
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy. This incorporates air, which will help create a lighter texture in the final bake.
Add the milk, salt, pepper, and dried mustard to the beaten eggs. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. The dried mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the richness of the ham and cheese.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Make sure all the bread is moistened. Gently press down on the bread with the back of a spoon if needed to ensure even saturation.
Top the bake with the remaining grated cheddar cheese. This will create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.
Bake in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 minutes, or until the bake is set. The center should be firm to the touch, and the cheese should be melted and lightly browned. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set up further, making it easier to slice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of onion powder or garlic powder to the egg mixture.
To prevent the bottom of the bake from becoming soggy, use slightly stale bread. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture without becoming overly saturated.
If you prefer a crispier top, broil the bake for the last few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Prepare the entire dish the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
If you don’t have dried mustard, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of prepared yellow mustard.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Christmas Brunch Golden Ham warm, sliced into squares or wedges. It pairs perfectly with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or re-bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the bread and cheese may change.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	304.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	143 g	47%
Total Fat	15.9 g	24%
Saturated Fat	8.7 g	43%
Cholesterol	141.3 mg	47%
Sodium	764 mg	31%
Total Carbohydrate	24.1 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	1.6 g	6%
Protein	15.9 g	31%

Variations & Substitutions

Meat Alternatives: Replace the ham with cooked sausage, turkey, or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or pepper jack, to customize the flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I assemble this the night before and bake it in the morning?
A: Yes, you can! Assemble the bake completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.

Q: What can I do if the top is browning too quickly?
A: If the top is browning too rapidly, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! Any type of bread will work, but slightly stale bread is best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the bread and cheese can change upon thawing.

Q: What can I substitute for the dried mustard?
A: If you don’t have dried mustard, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of prepared yellow mustard.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Brunch Golden Ham is a simple yet satisfying way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes and preferences, making it a perfect addition to any Christmas morning brunch spread. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! And consider pairing this savory bake with a refreshing mimosa or a warm cup of coffee for the ultimate Christmas brunch experience. Happy cooking and happy holidays!

Christmas Brunch Golden Ham Recipe