Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary sandwich ingredients into a mouthwatering, cheesy masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This Cheesy Ham and Garlic Sandwich Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines the classic flavors of ham, cheese, and bread into a single, irresistible casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend brunches, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal that's both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Arrange the bread slices in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping if needed to cover the entire surface.
- Evenly distribute the diced ham across the bread slices, creating a uniform layer of meat.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the ham, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread, ham, and cheese, making sure it seeps between the layers and covers the entire dish.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid mixture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into portions and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- • For the best results, use day-old bread that's slightly dried out - it will absorb the egg mixture more effectively without becoming soggy. • Choose a good melting cheese like cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for maximum flavor and gooey texture. • Make sure to let the dish rest after baking - this helps the custard set and makes cutting and serving much easier. • For extra flavor, consider adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the egg mixture. • If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning. • Don't skip letting the bread soak in the egg mixture for 5 minutes - this is crucial for creating a custardy, rich texture. • Feel free to customize with additional mix-ins like diced bell peppers, green onions, or even swap the ham for bacon or turkey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 130mg
