If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and comforting breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself, look no further than this Cheesy Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole! Loaded with layers of smoky prosciutto, creamy fontina cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a drizzle of pesto, this dish will elevate your breakfast game in no time. Whether you’re planning a special Mother’s Day brunch or simply craving a cozy weekend morning treat, this casserole is as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.
What I love most about this casserole is how it comes together effortlessly. You can prep it the night before, let it soak up all the rich, flavorful ingredients, and then bake it the next morning for a hot, mouthwatering breakfast. Imagine waking up to the smell of melted cheese and savory goodness wafting through your kitchen—pure bliss! This cheesy delight isn’t just for special occasions; it’s perfect for any lazy Saturday morning, or whenever you need a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
And if you’re hosting family or friends, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser. In fact, I made it recently when my husband’s daughter and her husband came over for a visit, and they both gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up! If you’re planning something bigger, pair it with Sweet Potato Biscuits, Southern Cheese Grits Casserole, or even a refreshing fruit salad for a complete breakfast spread. Add a mimosa to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a brunch fit for royalty.
Let’s dive into why this Cheesy Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole is so irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole is an ideal easy weeknight dinner or quick family meal for any occasion. It’s an uncomplicated yet impressive dish that checks all the boxes: hearty, savory, and full of comforting flavors. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys healthy comfort food with a bit of indulgence mixed in. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can tweak the ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re following a keto meal plan, looking for high-protein meals, or craving a budget-friendly recipe, this casserole can adapt to fit your needs. It’s the best of both worlds: filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What makes this casserole stand out is the combination of high-quality ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable meal. The layers of fontina cheese, prosciutto, and pesto offer depth and richness, while the tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and vibrancy. The best part? You can make this dish ahead of time, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.
The layers of goodness meld together as they bake, with the cheese melting into a gooey, irresistible texture. The savory prosciutto adds a smoky punch, and the pesto gives it a herby, fragrant kick. Every bite is packed with flavor, and the egg and cream mixture ensures the bread slices soak up all the deliciousness. It’s a breakfast that feels fancy but is so easy to make.
Ingredients
- French Bread
- Fontina Cheese
- Prosciutto
- Pesto
- Roma Tomatoes
- Eggs
- Heavy Cream
- Ground Black Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese
How to Make It Step-by-Step
This Cheesy Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole is surprisingly simple to make! Here’s how to bring it all together.
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 1-½ quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Arrange the slices of French bread in the bottom of the baking dish. Don’t worry if the bread is a little snug; it’s supposed to soak up all the egg and cream mixture as it bakes.
- Next, layer half of the fontina cheese slices over the bread, followed by half of the prosciutto slices.
- Now, layer the sliced tomatoes over the prosciutto, and drizzle half of the pesto evenly over the tomatoes. The pesto adds so much flavor to this dish, so be generous with it!
- Top this layer with the remaining fontina cheese and prosciutto, creating the second layer of savory goodness.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and ground black pepper. Pour this mixture over the top of the casserole, making sure it evenly covers everything.
- Use a pancake turner or spatula to gently press down on the casserole so that the bread absorbs the egg mixture. This will help ensure the bread gets soft and flavorful.
- Drizzle the remaining pesto over the top, and sprinkle the parmesan cheese over everything for a perfect finish.
- Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. This step allows all the flavors to marry and makes the casserole even more delicious.
- When you’re ready to bake, uncover the casserole and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is cooked through.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. It’s great hot or even at room temperature, so don’t worry about rushing to serve it!
Tips for Best Results
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the morning prep a breeze.
- For a high-protein meal, consider adding a handful of cooked spinach, mushrooms, or even shredded chicken to the casserole.
- Want to make it a little lighter? Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a lower-fat cheese like mozzarella instead of fontina.
- If you’re planning to serve it at a brunch, a refreshing fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon (or its alternative!) makes the perfect accompaniment.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
One of the great things about this Cheesy Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.
- Cheese: Feel free to use any melty cheese you love—cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella work wonderfully in place of fontina.
- Meat Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of prosciutto, you can substitute cooked bacon, sausage, or even leftover ham.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, leave out the prosciutto and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables instead.
- Bread: While French bread works beautifully, you can also try sourdough or a rustic country loaf for a slightly different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect on its own, but if you’re hosting a brunch or looking for more sides to serve with it, consider the following:
- Fruit Salad: A light and fresh side like a citrusy fruit salad adds a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance out the flavors of the casserole beautifully.
- Coffee or Mimosas: Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or a mimosa for the perfect brunch vibe. The light fizz and citrusy notes of the mimosa complement the savory flavors perfectly!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, don’t worry! This Cheesy Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
To reheat, simply uncover the casserole and add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the dish to keep it from drying out. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. It also makes for a great quick family meal the next day!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
You can make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it for a later meal. Just assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake according to the recipe instructions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not pressing the bread down: Make sure you gently press the bread slices down into the egg mixture so they soak up all the flavors.
- Overcrowding the dish: If you use a larger baking dish, be sure to adjust the amounts to ensure the casserole cooks evenly.
- Skipping the overnight step: While you can technically bake the casserole right away, allowing it to soak overnight will give you a much better result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Sourdough, whole wheat, or even challah would be delicious substitutes.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the prosciutto and add your favorite veggies for a wholesome meatless option.
Can I use a different cheese?
Fontina gives this dish a creamy melt, but mozzarella or cheddar would also work well in this casserole.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- 1-½ quart baking dish
- Whisk
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Pancake turner or spatula
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Cheesy Prosciutto Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 slices French bread, thick
- 1/4 lb Fontina cheese, sliced thin
- 1/4 lb Prosciutto, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup Prepared pesto
- 4 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 1-½ quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer the French bread slices at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place half of the fontina cheese slices on top of the bread, followed by half of the prosciutto slices.
- Layer the sliced tomatoes evenly over the prosciutto and drizzle with half of the pesto.
- Top with the remaining fontina cheese and prosciutto.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and ground black pepper together.
- Pour the egg mixture over the casserole and press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Drizzle the remaining pesto over the casserole and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if desired.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is cooked through.
- Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot or at room temperature.
