Okay, confession time: I first made a version of this bake purely out of necessity – I had leftover holiday ham and a ton of broccoli threatening to take over my fridge! But oh my goodness, the result was pure magic. Tender broccoli, savory ham, gooey cheese, all baked together with just enough egg to hold it perfectly. It’s become my absolute go-to for lazy weekend brunches, easy dinners, and especially for meal prepping!

If you’re looking for something satisfying, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to throw together, this Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Brunch Bake is calling your name. It’s hearty, comforting, and bonus – it’s low-carb and high-protein! What’s not to love?

Why This Bake is a Winner

So Easy, So Cheesy: Seriously, you mostly just layer things in a dish and bake! The combination of savory ham and melty mozzarella is just chef’s kiss.
Flavor Bomb: Despite the simple ingredients, the flavors really pop – the salty ham, fresh broccoli, sharp Dijon kick, and yummy cheese make every bite delicious.
Keeps You Full & Happy: Packed with protein from the eggs, ham, and cheese, this bake is super satisfying and keeps you fueled without weighing you down. Perfect for starting your day or ending it right!

Gather Your Goodies

Here’s what you’ll need to grab:

Broccoli Florets: 7 ½ cups, chopped into nice bite-sized pieces (about 1.5 lbs). Fresh is great, frozen works too (thaw first!).
Cooked Ham: 2 ½ cups diced. This is perfect for using up leftovers!
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ¼ cups shredded. Look for low-moisture, part-skim – it melts beautifully!
Large Eggs: 12 of them! They’re the binder that holds this goodness together.
Green Onions (Scallions): ½ cup thinly sliced. These are optional, but add a nice fresh bite.
All-Purpose Seasoning Blend: 1 ¼ tsp. Use your favorite! Something like Mrs. Dash or Lawry’s works well.
Garlic Powder: ½ tsp. For that extra layer of savory flavor.
Black Pepper: ¼ tsp fresh-ground, or more if you like!
Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp. Don’t skip this! It adds a little tang that complements the ham perfectly.
A 9×13 inch Baking Dish: The standard size works great here.

Let’s Bake Some Magic!

Oven On, Dish Ready: Get that oven preheating to 370°F (185°C) with the rack in the middle. Give your 9×13 dish a quick spray with non-stick spray.
Quick Blanch for Broccoli: Bring a big pot of water to a boil. Drop in your broccoli florets and cook them for just 2 minutes – no more! This quick blanch makes them perfectly tender-crisp.
Drain Like You Mean It: Immediately pour the broccoli into a colander. Shake it really well to get rid of as much water as possible. Let it sit and cool off a bit. Soggy broccoli = sad bake!
Prep the Rest: While the broccoli drains, make sure your ham is diced, green onions are sliced (if you’re using them!), and cheese is ready to go.
Whisk Up the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk those 12 eggs until they’re well beaten. Then, whisk in the Dijon mustard, all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Layer it Up: Spread the well-drained broccoli evenly in the bottom of your prepared dish. Sprinkle the diced ham over the broccoli, then top with the shredded mozzarella. If using green onions, scatter them over the cheese.
Pour & Nudge: Pour the seasoned egg mixture evenly all over the layers. Now, take a fork and gently nudge the ingredients around just a bit, letting the egg seep down everywhere. Don’t stir like crazy – just help the egg distribute. It might look like not enough egg, but trust the process!
Bake Time! Slide that dish into the hot oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. It’s done when the center is fully set (a knife inserted should come out clean) and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Patience Pays Off: Carefully pull the bake out and let it rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. This helps it set up nicely so you can cut clean squares. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Tricks

Water is the Enemy: I know I keep saying it, but drain that broccoli thoroughly! You can even gently pat it with paper towels after draining if you want to be extra sure.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to swap the mozzarella for shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Swiss blend if you prefer!
Seasoning Savvy: Taste your all-purpose seasoning first – some are saltier than others. Adjust the amount accordingly.
Got Leftover Veggies? You could probably toss in some sautéed mushrooms or cooked spinach (well-drained!) along with the broccoli.

Your Go-To Meal Prep Bake

This recipe is a meal prep DREAM!

Make Ahead: Bake the whole thing on Sunday, let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge.
Portion Power: Slice it into 10 servings and store them in individual airtight containers.
Grab & Go: Enjoy servings cold straight from the fridge (it’s surprisingly good!) or reheat gently in the microwave (start with 60-90 seconds) or toaster oven until just warmed through. Breakfast or lunch for days!

How to Serve It

This Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Bake is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas:

Brunch Star: Serve alongside fresh fruit salad and maybe some toast.
Easy Dinner: Pair it with a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
Comfort Food: Enjoy a warm square just as it is!

Cheesy Ham & Broccoli Brunch Bake

A satisfying and flavorful bake perfect for brunch or a simple weeknight meal. This dish features tender broccoli, savory ham, and melted mozzarella, all held together with just the right amount of seasoned egg. It's wonderfully low in carbs and packed with protein.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings 10

Calories 205 kcal

Equipment

9x13 inch baking dish (approx. 3-quart capacity)
Large pot (for blanching)
Colander
Large mixing bowl

Ingredients

7 ½ cups chopped broccoli florets about 1.5 lbs or 680g, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 ½ cups diced cooked ham about 12 oz or 340g
1 ¼ cups shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 5 oz or 140g)
12 large eggs
½ cup thinly sliced green onions scallions (optional)
1 ¼ tsp all-purpose seasoning blend e.g., Mrs. Dash, Lawry's, or similar
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp fresh-ground black pepper or to taste
1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 370°F (185°C). Lightly coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Blanch Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the chopped broccoli florets and cook for exactly 2 minutes (this brief cook, called blanching, tenderizes it slightly). Immediately drain the broccoli thoroughly in a colander, shaking well to remove excess water. Let it cool slightly.
Prepare Other Components: While the broccoli drains, ensure your ham is diced, green onions (if using) are sliced, and mozzarella is measured out.
Combine Eggs and Seasoning: In a large bowl, whisk the 12 large eggs together thoroughly. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, all-purpose seasoning blend, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully combined.
Layer Ingredients: Spread the well-drained broccoli evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Scatter the diced ham over the broccoli, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. If using green onions, sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
Add Egg Mixture: Pour the seasoned egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.
Gently Combine: Using a fork, gently nudge and lift the ingredients throughout the dish, allowing the egg mixture to seep down and lightly coat everything. Avoid vigorous stirring; just ensure the egg is distributed. It might seem like there isn't much egg, but it's sufficient to bind the bake.
Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the egg mixture is completely set in the center and the top is lightly golden brown. Check for doneness by inserting a knife near the center; it should come out clean.
Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the bake to set fully. Serve warm. Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for several days and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.

Notes

Yield: 10 servings

Tips:

Draining the blanched broccoli very well is crucial to prevent a watery final dish. Patting it gently with paper towels after draining can help remove extra moisture.
Feel free to use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend; adjust the amount based on its saltiness.

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 205 kcal
Protein: 19.8 g
Fat: 11.6 g
Carbohydrates: 6.1 g
Fiber: 2.0 g
Net Carbohydrates: 4.1 g
(Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using standard databases and assumes optional ingredients are included. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods.)

You Have to Try This!

Seriously, this bake is so simple, so flavorful, and so versatile. Whether you need an easy brunch idea, a quick dinner, or some solid meal prep, I really think you’ll love this one. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Happy Baking!