Baked Egg and Cheese Sandwiches with Ham
A savory baked casserole combining beaten eggs, mozzarella, and Brazilian cream cheese layered with ham and white bread, then topped with buttered bread slices and baked until golden. Rich and comforting, perfect for brunch, lunch, or casual family dinners. This version uses a simple assembly method without pre-cooking components, making it approachable for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 6 eggs, whole
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper, ground
- 1 pinch sweet paprika, ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 ¾ cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- ¾ cups Brazilian cream cheesePhiladelphia cream cheese or mascarpone1:1dairy
texture slightly thicker
- 4 slices ham
- 6 slices white bread, crustless
- unsalted butter, for greasing and topping
Instructions
- 1
Grease a baking tin with unsalted butter.
- 2
Crack eggs into the tin and season with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and oregano.
- 3
Mix eggs and seasonings thoroughly until combined.
- 4
Add grated mozzarella and Brazilian cream cheese, mixing until fully incorporated.
- 5
Chop ham into squares and scatter over the egg mixture along with bread slices.
- 6
Brush bread slices with butter and sprinkle with oregano.
- 7
Bake in preheated oven until set and golden.
- 8
Serve warm.
Tips
Mix eggs and cheese thoroughly before adding bread to ensure even distribution and prevent dry spots in the baked casserole.
Brush bread generously with butter so it toasts and browns during baking rather than drying out.
Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother integration into the egg mixture.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat gently in 160C oven for 10-15 minutes.
Assemble unbaked casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 8 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Serve warm from the oven. Pairs well with fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread on the side.
Common Mistakes
Skip thorough mixing of eggs and cheese to avoid pockets of unmixed ingredients and uneven texture.
Do not skip buttering bread slices to avoid dry, tough bread in the finished dish.
Do not overcrowd the tin to avoid uneven cooking and soggy bread.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
texture slightly thicker
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 8 hours. Bake from cold, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time until the center is set and bread is golden.
What if I use fresh mozzarella instead of grated?
Fresh mozzarella will break down differently and may become stringy. Use low-moisture mozzarella or shred fresh mozzarella and pat dry first. Grated mozzarella is recommended for even melting and texture.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 160C oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Do not freeze, as the egg-based custard becomes watery upon thawing.