Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

How fast does time fly?  It is already Easter this Sunday :)

My family always has a barbeque and we grill hamburgers. My mom makes my favorite Macaroni Salad and Grammy's White Sheet Cake.  We color a TON of Easter Eggs and the neighbor kids usually come join in the fun.       

For those of you that eat Ham on Easter, this is the perfect casserole to enjoy the next morning with all your leftover ham.  Of course, you can eat this at any time and use deli ham, which is what I did.  

You can make this casserole the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning and breakfast is served.  

It is so simple and tastes so GOOD!

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner
(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

3 c. hash browns, partially thawed
5 eggs
3/4 c. milk
4 oz. chive and onion cream cheese (I used 1/3 less-fat)
1/2 tsp. dry mustard powder
salt and pepper
3/4 c. diced ham
1/3 c. diced red bell pepper
1 c. shredded Cheddar or Monterey cheese

For Topping:
3/4 c. panko bread crumbs
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. Johnny's Garlic Seasoning (or garlic powder)
1 Tbl. melted butter 

Place hash browns in a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and season with a little salt and pepper.  In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.  Whisk in the cream cheese.  It doesn't have to be completely smooth.  Add the mustard powder, salt and pepper.  Last, add the ham, red pepper and shredded cheese.  Pour over hash browns and stir to combine.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.  

Remove plastic wrap and place casserole in a cold oven.  Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 45 minutes.  Meanwhile, combine all topping ingredients.  Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle with topping.  Return to oven and bake for 15 more minutes.  If you want the topping to brown more, broil for a few minutes at the end.  Remove from oven, cut into squares and serve.    Serves: 4-6.              

Jenn's Notes: I used square O'Brien hash browns (with onions and peppers).  I served with additional chopped bell peppers and hot sauce.  

Linked up at Strut Your Stuff Saturday! and Saturday Night Fever