Cheesy Bacon and Ham Casserole Recipe
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Description: Indulge in the ultimate breakfast comfort food with this mouthwatering Cheesy Bacon and Ham Casserole. A delightful combination of crispy bacon, savory ham, creamy Velveeta cheese, and hearty grits, this casserole is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weekend brunch dish or a satisfying weeknight dinner option, this recipe is sure to impress.
Recipe Category: Breakfast
Keywords: Ham, Pork, Grains, Meat, High In…, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 547.9
- Fat Content: 40.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 19.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 266.7mg
- Sodium Content: 1284.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 18.7g
- Fiber Content: 0.3g
- Sugar Content: 4.9g
- Protein Content: 26.6g
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon
- 6 ounces cooked ham
- ¾ cup quick-cooking grits
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels, ensuring to reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet for later use.
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Crumble the cooked bacon and set it aside for later.
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In the same skillet with the reserved drippings, cook the ham over medium heat until it is nicely browned.
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While the ham is cooking, prepare the quick-cooking grits according to the package directions. Once cooked, remove the grits from heat and stir in the Velveeta cheese and butter until they are fully melted and incorporated.
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Next, stir in the crumbled bacon, cooked ham, eggs, milk, baking powder, and freshly ground pepper to taste, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
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Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish, then pour the prepared mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), then bake the casserole for approximately 45 minutes or until it is fully set and the top is golden brown.
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Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
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Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Cheesy Bacon and Ham Casserole with your favorite breakfast sides or as a standalone dish.
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
Chef’s Tips:
- For added flavor, consider incorporating diced bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños into the casserole mixture before baking.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist on this classic dish. Sharp cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese would all be delicious alternatives to Velveeta.
- To make this casserole ahead of time, prepare the mixture as instructed, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
