Sweet Potato Morning Bake

Why This Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Will Become Your Favorite

Searching for a recipe that effortlessly feeds a crowd? Look no further. Planning a special holiday breakfast that impresses without the fuss? This is your go-to. Need a savory dish for a baby shower or bridal brunch? You’ve found it! This sweet potato breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for nearly any occasion. Its greatest asset, beyond its incredible taste, is the ability to prepare it ahead of time, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable morning, whether you’re hosting or simply craving a delicious breakfast.

Beyond its convenience, this casserole offers a healthy breakfast option, rich in protein, essential vitamins, and naturally gluten-free (when made with gluten-free ham). For those who enjoy portion control or a different presentation, the mixture can even be baked into adorable mini quiches or egg bake cups. If you’re a fan of breakfast casseroles and eager to explore more savory morning delights, be sure to try our Baked Denver Omelet, the comforting Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, or our viral sensation, the Baked French Toast Casserole.

The Unbeatable Appeal of Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole

It’s rare to find a breakfast that’s simultaneously healthy, perfect for make-ahead convenience, and deeply satisfying. This sweet potato breakfast bake effortlessly checks all these boxes. Its magic lies in the harmonious combination of simple, wholesome ingredients, elevated by “flavor bombs” like tangy Dijon mustard, creamy and spicy pepper jack cheese, and fresh green onions. These elements work in concert to create a truly extraordinary dish that stands out from typical breakfast fare.

The foundation of this casserole is a robust egg-based filling, generously loaded with naturally sweet shredded sweet potatoes, savory diced ham, crisp red bell peppers, and fragrant green onions. This vibrant mix not only provides a fantastic texture and visual appeal but also packs a nutritional punch, offering plenty of protein, a spectrum of vitamins, and the benefit of being gluten-free. To truly enhance this savory delight, consider serving it alongside a fresh and vibrant Easy Homemade Salsa and creamy sliced avocado. This combination adds another layer of freshness and richness, turning a great breakfast into an unforgettable meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole

Crafting the perfect sweet potato breakfast casserole begins with selecting fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible:

• Eggs: The foundational binder of our casserole, providing rich protein and a fluffy texture. Any large eggs will work beautifully to create the custard-like base.
• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! For optimal cooking and integration, finely shred your sweet potatoes using the small holes of a cheese grater. While it might take a few extra minutes, this ensures the potatoes cook thoroughly and blend seamlessly into the casserole, avoiding any raw or crunchy bits.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create that perfectly custardy texture for the egg mixture. Feel free to use any type of milk you have on hand, from whole milk to a non-dairy alternative.
• Ham: Contributes a delicious savory and slightly sweet note. We particularly enjoy using honey ham for its tender texture and subtle sweetness, but any favorite variety of cooked ham, diced or minced, will be excellent. For a smokier flavor, consider ham steaks or leftover holiday ham.
• Green Onions: These provide a fresh, mild oniony bite that brightens the entire dish. The flavor actually intensifies and becomes even more robust if the casserole is allowed to sit in the fridge overnight before baking. Aim to use mostly the white and light green parts of the onions, but a little bit of the darker green won’t hurt.
• Red Bell Pepper: Not only do red bell peppers add a beautiful pop of color to the casserole, but they also introduce a subtle sweetness and a pleasant crispness. If red isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute with green, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: This secret ingredient is key to adding a wonderful depth and a slight tang that rounds out all the savory flavors, preventing the dish from being overly rich. Don’t be shy; if you’re a mustard enthusiast, a slightly larger squeeze can elevate the flavor even further.
• Cheese: We recommend a dynamic duo of shredded cheddar for its classic, comforting flavor and pepper jack for a delightful spicy kick. If your family prefers less heat, using all cheddar or substituting with mozzarella, smoked gouda, or Swiss cheese will yield equally delicious results. Goat cheese could also add a unique tangy twist.

How to Make This Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole: Step-by-Step

Creating this delicious breakfast casserole is straightforward and requires minimal effort, especially if you plan ahead. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your casserole is ready to bake, leading to even cooking.
2. Assemble the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them thoroughly until they are well broken up and slightly frothy. Then, add the finely shredded sweet potato, milk, minced ham, thinly sliced green onions, diced red bell pepper, Dijon mustard, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the shredded pepper jack cheese. Using a spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix; just enough to distribute the ingredients.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9″x 9″ baking dish. You can use cooking oil, a non-stick cooking spray, or a knob of butter to prevent sticking. Once greased, pour the entire sweet potato and egg mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining half of the pepper jack cheese over the top of the casserole. This cheese will melt and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes. The casserole is fully cooked when the center is completely set (no jiggle) and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
5. Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This brief cooling period helps the casserole set further, making it easier to cut into neat portions.
6. Enjoy with Toppings: Serve your delicious sweet potato breakfast casserole with your favorite accompaniments! Some excellent options include fresh salsa, a dollop of sour cream, a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick, or creamy sliced avocado. Each addition complements the casserole’s flavors beautifully. Enjoy your hearty and wholesome creation!

Easy Recipe Variations to Customize Your Casserole

This Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to different tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Sweet Potato Egg Bake Cups: For a fantastic meal prep option or individual servings, transform this casserole into muffin-sized egg cups. Simply spray muffin tins with baking spray, then fill each cup almost to the top with your egg mixture. Sprinkle a little extra cheese over each, and bake at 350 degrees F for about 15-18 minutes (the exact time may vary based on your muffin tin size), or until the eggs are fully set and the cheese is golden brown. These are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts and can be stored in the fridge for easy reheating.
• To Make Vegetarian: Easily adapt this recipe for vegetarian diets by omitting the ham. Instead, you can substitute it with a vegetarian “ham” or “sausage” crumble. Alternatively, simply increase the amount of red bell pepper, perhaps using a full pepper, or add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to maintain a hearty texture.
• Different Cheese Options: If the spicy kick of pepper jack cheese isn’t quite to your liking, don’t worry! There are many delicious alternatives. Consider substituting with mild mozzarella for a classic, melty texture, smoked gouda for a rich, smoky flavor, Swiss cheese for its nutty notes, or even a creamy goat cheese for a tangy and sophisticated twist. Experiment to find your family’s favorite!
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by incorporating more vegetables. Sautéed spinach, diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even a handful of kale can be excellent additions. Just ensure any high-moisture vegetables are sautéed lightly first to remove excess water.
• Spice It Up (or Down): For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture, or serve with extra hot sauce. To tone down the spice, as mentioned, simply use all cheddar or another mild cheese instead of pepper jack.

Absolutely! This casserole is an ideal make-ahead dish, perfect for busy mornings or when entertaining. To prepare it the night before, simply mix together the eggs, finely shredded sweet potatoes, milk, ham, green onions, red bell pepper, Dijon mustard, and both cheddar and half of the pepper jack cheeses as directed in the recipe. However, at this stage, hold off on sprinkling the remaining half of the pepper jack cheese on top. Once mixed, cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The next morning, remove the baking dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while your oven preheats. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top and bake as instructed. The flavors will have beautifully melded overnight, making it even more delicious!

Yes, this breakfast casserole adapts wonderfully to a slow cooker for a hands-off approach! Start by lightly spraying the bottom and sides of your slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Layer the shredded sweet potato, diced ham, green onions, and bell pepper evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and half of the pepper jack over these ingredients. Next, pour the whisked egg mixture over everything, using a spoon or spatula to gently combine and ensure the egg mixture seeps throughout the ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Secure the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 2.5-3 hours, until the egg mixture is completely set and the edges are golden brown. This method is perfect for overnight cooking, ensuring a hot breakfast is ready when you wake up.

While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen shredded sweet potatoes in a pinch. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed completely and thoroughly drained of any excess moisture before adding them to the egg mixture. This step is crucial to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

We love using honey ham for a touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the sweet potatoes. However, any cooked, diced ham works well. Leftover holiday ham, pre-cooked ham steaks, or even deli ham can be used. Just make sure it’s finely minced or diced to integrate well into the casserole.

Storing and Reheating Your Breakfast Casserole

One of the many advantages of this sweet potato breakfast casserole is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

• Refrigerate: To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you only have a small portion remaining, it’s best to transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freeze: While this casserole is best enjoyed fresh or after a short refrigeration, freezing is possible for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled casserole tightly first with plastic wrap, then with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: If reheating from frozen, transfer the casserole to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. For reheating, you have a couple of options:
  • Microwave: For individual slices, reheat in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds, or until warmed through. Cover loosely to prevent drying.
  • Oven: For larger portions or to restore a crispier texture, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you desire a crisper top.

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