Bobby Flay Ham and Cheese Casserole Recipe: A Mediterranean-Inspired Comfort Classic
If you’re searching for a foolproof brunch dish or weeknight dinner solution, this Bobby Flay ham and cheese casserole delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Cooked ham diced – 2 cups
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – 2 cups
- Eggs – 4 large
- Milk whole or 2% – 2 cups
- Day-old bread cubes or cooked pasta elbow/mac – 4 cups
- Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Butter for greasing dish – 1 tablespoon
- Chopped green onions or chives optional – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients. Generously grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter, ensuring all corners and sides are coated to prevent sticking.
- Spread the 4 cups of day-old bread cubes or cooked pasta evenly across the bottom of your greased casserole dish. Using stale or day-old bread is key—it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy, creating the perfect texture.
- Distribute the 2 cups of diced cooked ham evenly over the bread or pasta base. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the ham layer, reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping. This layering technique ensures every forkful contains balanced flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until thoroughly combined. The Dijon mustard is Bobby Flay’s signature touch, adding sophisticated depth to this Mediterranean-inspired casserole.
- Slowly pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring it seeps into all the bread cubes or pasta. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, along with optional chopped green onions or chives for a fresh finishing touch.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the custard has set completely. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
- Remove the Bobby Flay ham and cheese casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the custard to firm up, making serving and portioning much easier while keeping the layers intact.
Video
Notes
Store leftover Bobby Flay ham and cheese casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.