Herby Ham & Gruyère Breakfast Casserole

If you enjoy ham, cheese, and bread while also seeking to incorporate vegetables—this dish contains plenty broccoli—this breakfast casserole is one you will desire to prepare over the Christmas season and thereafter.

Photograph by Rocky Luten. Prop Stylist: Megan Hedgpeth. Food Stylist: Lauren Lapenna

Ingredients

• 1 St Pierre Sliced Brioche Loaf (about 1 pound), cut into large cubes

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 medium shallots (about 6 ounces), thinly sliced

• 8 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves only

• 10 ounces smoked boneless ham, diced

• 12 ounces broccoli, cut into small florets

• 2 cups whole milk

• 10 eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 medium tomato (about 7 ounces), diced

• 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

• 5 ounces creamy Gouda, grated and divided

• 5 ounces Gruyère, grated and divided

Instructions

1. Position the oven racks in the upper third and middle third of the oven, then preheat to 300°F. Distribute the brioche cubes on two baking sheets and toast for 10 minutes.

2. After removing the bread, reposition the upper oven rack to the center and elevate the oven temperature to 350°F.

3. In a substantial nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Incorporate the shallots and thyme, and sauté until the edges become brown, approximately 2 minutes. Incorporate the ham and sauté for a further 2 minutes. Add the broccoli and simmer for an extra 2 minutes. Allow this mixture to rest and cool for approximately 5 minutes.

4. In a sizable bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and spices with a whisk. Reserve 1/2 cup of Gouda and 1/2 cup of Gruyère to garnish the dish prior to baking. After combining the egg-milk mixture, incorporate the tomato, parsley, cheeses, sautéed veggies, and toasted brioche pieces into the large bowl. Gently combine all ingredients.

5. Apply non-stick oil to the casserole dish and transfer the mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top of the dish and bake in the oven for approximately 40 minutes. Allow to cool for a minimum of 10 minutes before to serving.