Slow Cooker Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
A savory, cheesy breakfast casserole with diced ham, eggs, and two kinds of cheese, slow-cooked for effortless mornings. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 165 minutes combines diced ham, large eggs, milk into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz diced ham
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 8 slices day-old bread
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika until well combined.
- Step 2: Place 4 cups cubed day-old bread (from 8 slices) and 8 oz diced ham in the slow cooker; pour the egg mixture over the top and stir gently to ensure the bread is soaked.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then cover and cook on LOW for 2.5-3 hours until set and golden around the edges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Ham and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this slow are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
