Ham Egg Cheese Bread Bowls: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Ham egg cheese bread bowls are the ultimate breakfast indulgence, and I’m thrilled to share my foolproof recipe with you! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crusty bread bowl, overflowing with savory ham, fluffy scrambled eggs, and gooey, melted cheese. It’s a breakfast (or brunch, or even dinner!) that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

While the exact origins of stuffing bread with delicious fillings are a bit hazy, the concept has been around for centuries in various cultures. Think of the hollowed-out loaves filled with stews in medieval times, or the modern-day “bunny chow” from South Africa. This particular iteration, the ham egg cheese bread bowls, feels like a natural evolution – a perfect marriage of classic breakfast flavors in a convenient and utterly delightful package.

What’s not to love? The combination of salty ham, creamy eggs, and sharp cheese is a flavor explosion in every bite. The bread bowl itself adds a wonderful textural element, providing a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft, pillowy interior. Plus, these are incredibly easy to customize! Add your favorite veggies, spices, or sauces to create your own signature version. Whether you’re looking for a weekend brunch centerpiece or a quick and easy weeknight meal, these ham egg cheese bread bowls are sure to become a new family favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 6 slices cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 round bread rolls (about 4-5 inches in diameter)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing
• Optional: Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish

Preparing the Bread Bowls:

1. First, we need to hollow out our bread rolls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help crisp up the bread bowls later.
2. Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a circle into the top of each bread roll, about 1 inch from the edge. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom of the roll.
3. Gently pull out the circle of bread you just cut. Now, using your fingers, carefully scoop out the soft bread from the inside of each roll, leaving about a ½-inch thick shell. You want to create a nice, deep bowl to hold the egg mixture. Don’t throw away the bread you scoop out! You can use it for breadcrumbs, croutons, or even just toast it for a snack.
4. Brush the inside and outside of each bread bowl with melted butter. This will help them get nice and golden brown and prevent them from getting soggy when we add the egg mixture.
5. Place the buttered bread bowls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly toasted and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn! Remove from the oven and set aside.

Preparing the Egg Mixture:

1. While the bread bowls are toasting, let’s get started on the egg mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk left.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese. This will be our filling for the egg bowls. You can use any kind of cheese you like – Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would work well.

Assembling and Baking the Ham and Cheese Egg Bread Bowls:

1. Now comes the fun part – assembling our egg bread bowls! Divide the ham and cheese mixture evenly among the toasted bread bowls, filling them about halfway.
2. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese in each bread bowl, filling them almost to the top. Be careful not to overfill them, or the egg mixture will spill over during baking.
3. Place the filled bread bowls back on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and the bread bowls are golden brown. The egg mixture should be firm to the touch and no longer jiggly.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the egg mixture set up a bit more and make the bread bowls easier to handle.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions, if desired. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, savory flavor.
2. Serve immediately. These ham and cheese egg bread bowls are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is melted and gooey and the bread is still crispy.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would all be delicious.
• Meat Variations: Instead of ham, you could use cooked bacon, sausage, or even leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add some chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the bread bowls.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little heat.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the bread bowls and the ham and cheese mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake. You can also whisk the egg mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to whisk it again before pouring it into the bread bowls.
• Egg Doneness: If you prefer your eggs a little more runny, you can reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Just keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the egg mixture is set to your liking.
• Bread Choice: While round rolls work best, you can also use other types of bread, such as croissants or even hollowed-out bagels. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Serving Size: This recipe makes 6 servings, but you can easily adjust the quantities to make more or fewer bread bowls.
• Leftovers: Leftover ham and cheese egg bread bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Enjoy your delicious Ham and Cheese Egg Bread Bowls!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Ham Egg Cheese Bread Bowls are truly a breakfast game-changer. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be adding them to your regular brunch rotation. They’re the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness, all nestled inside a warm, crusty bread bowl. What’s not to love?

But why are these bread bowls a must-try? First and foremost, they’re incredibly easy to make. We’re talking minimal prep time and straightforward instructions. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can absolutely nail this recipe. Secondly, they’re incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences. Don’t like ham? Swap it out for bacon, sausage, or even some leftover roasted vegetables. Not a fan of cheddar? Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of feta would be delicious. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond the ease and versatility, these bread bowls are just plain delicious. The combination of the salty ham, creamy eggs, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. And the bread bowl itself adds a wonderful textural element, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. They are also incredibly filling, making them a perfect choice for a hearty breakfast or brunch that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Looking for serving suggestions? These Ham Egg Cheese Bread Bowls are fantastic on their own, but you can also pair them with a side of fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or even some crispy hash browns. For a truly decadent brunch, serve them with a side of hollandaise sauce. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Here are a few variations to get you started:

Variations to Try:

* Vegetarian Bread Bowls: Replace the ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
* Spicy Bread Bowls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
* Italian Bread Bowls: Use prosciutto instead of ham and add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the egg mixture.
* Deluxe Bread Bowls: Add a layer of caramelized onions to the bottom of the bread bowl before adding the other ingredients.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe. I encourage you to give these Ham Egg Cheese Bread Bowls a try. They are perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or even a special weekday breakfast. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications to the recipe? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know what you think!

---