If you like planning ahead then you will love this Croatian breakfast casserole. Traditionally served on Easter Sunday, this dish combines leftover or fresh bread, ham, and bacon.
They are mixed with eggs and baked to a golden perfection. Best of all, it can be prepared the night before which is perfect for taking the stress out of a holiday morning.
Whenever I was sent to stay with my aunt Jelica in Delnice, she would make this casserole for Sunday breakfast.
I actually ate everything my aunt put in front of me, to my mom's delight, partially because I was a shy little girl that obeyed her aunt and partially because the fresh air from this mountainous region of western Croatia really worked wonders.
When everything else failed in attempts to make me eat, doctors would recommend the change of climate for a couple of months, to my delight.
It really helped my anorexia for the time being (if you're not familiar with my eating disorder, you can read about it on my about page). I pretty much only saw my aunt on those occasions and I always gained a few pounds while I stayed with her.
This bacon and ham breakfast casserole and potatoes with swiss chard are still my favorite dishes from Croatia.
This Easter morning, I'll serve aunt Jelica's breakfast casserole with ham and bacon and reminisce about summers at her log house. That's what I call pure comfort.
Ingredients:
- stale bread
- milk
- bacon
- green onions (scallions)
- ham
- ground thyme
- Salt and pepper
- butter
- eggs
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a small casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, add the bread and milk. Set aside to soak.
- Meanwhile, in a non-stick skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Stir in the white parts of the scallions, ham, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add the butter.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the bread and add the green parts of the scallions. Gently mix in the ham and bacon mixture and put into a prepared casserole dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until eggs are set and the casserole is golden brown in color.
- Garnish with fresh thyme, sliced scallions or chopped parsley. Serve with sour cream.
Breakfast Casserole with Ham and Bacon
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a small casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, add the bread and milk. Set aside to soak.
- Meanwhile, in a non-stick skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Stir in the white parts of the scallions, ham, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add the butter.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the bread and add the green parts of the scallions. Gently mix in the ham and bacon mixture and put into prepared casserole dish.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until eggs are set and the casserole is golden brown in color.
- Garnish with fresh thyme, sliced scallions or chopped parsley. Serve with sour cream.
Keri Brooks-Bird says
Love the recipe and can't wait to try it. I need to double it for a brunch party. Would it bake OK in a 9 x 13 pan? Thanks!!
Jas says
Yes, it would. Enjoy!
Matt says
Fantastic recipe (as always)!!!
Just about to make this for my other half's birthday dinner but I was wondering if I could use turkey bacon instead.
It contains less sodium so is a little healthier (she's on a diet...again!)
Keep up those awesome recipes coz I'm always looking for inspiration in the kitchen:)
Jas says
Thanks, Matt! Since it is your better half's birthday, I'd suggest you serve her this as a breakfast in bed and not dinner 😉 Turkey bacon is fine, of course, but there are plenty healthier and birthday-worthy recipes for dinner you can find here to impress her with if the breakfast in bed is not possible. Happy browsing!
Of Goats and Greens says
Looks like a great and hearty breakfast I certainly can enjoy!!! Thanks!
Jas says
Happy you like it! Thanks for stopping in.
Lynda Hardy says
This looks so pretty and sounds just delicious! I can see why you have such good memories of it! Thanks for sharing with Party in Your PJs!
Jas says
Thank you, Linda! 🙂
April J Harris says
What a wonderful casserole, Jas! I can see why you have such good memories of it. I know my family would love this! I was interested to read of your struggle with anorexia. I had anorexia in my teens, but it was the other kind. It's so ironic, that once you wanted to eat, food was scarce. You really did go through a lot, and I'm so glad that life is so much better for you now! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe - and a little bit about yourself as well - with the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Scheduled to pin and sharing. Happy Easter to you and yours! Hope to see you at the party again this week.
Jas says
Hi, April! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. It's kind of ironic that I spent decades hating the food and now it's my passion. Life was never boring, but it is much better now. 🙂
Wishing you and yours a very happy Easter as well. Blessings! XO
Petra says
What a perfect brunch dish! It sounds delicious. Thank you for bringing this to Fiesta Friday 🙂
Jas says
Thanks so much!
Marilyn Lesniak says
Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #OverTheMoon this week. Each Hostess displays their own features so be sure to visit me on Sunday evening and to see your feature! I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please don’t forget to add your link numbers or post title so we can be sure to visit!
Jas says
You made my day! Thanks, Marilyn! x
Chas says
I'm always on the look out for recipes like these. Great job and thanks for sharing on To Grandma's House We Go!
Jas says
Thank you!
Theresa says
Nice brunch casserole. Thanks for sharing at the inspiration spotlight party @DearCreatives pinned & sharing
Jas says
Thank you, Theresa!
Miz Helen says
What a great breakfast, so tasty! Hope you are having a great weekend and thanks so much for sharing your great post with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
Jas says
Glad you like it. Hope your weekend is going great too!
Mother of 3 says
I love egg dishes like this and the combo of ham and bacon sounds so good. Pinned.
Jas says
Thank you, Joanne! 🙂
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
Jas, I had no idea that you used to suffer from an eating disorder. I think it's so wonderful and important that you share it on your site! This breakfast casserole is so hearty and gorgeous. I'll definitely be serving it for Easter Brunch! #brillblogposts
Jas says
Thank you, Michelle! Your kind words mean a lot. Have a blessed weekend!
Jann Olson says
Sounds yummy! I love a breakfast casserole now and then. Thanks for sharing the recipe with SYC.
hugs.
Jann
Jas says
Thank you!
Kim~madeinaday says
Looks so yummy! Pinned to try for Easter Morning! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Jas says
Thank you, Kim!
Marissa says
This looks FANTASTIC, all of my favorite things in one bowl 🙂 I was sorry to read about your health history, but the way you described the mountains, and especially the pine trees was wonderful. I dearly love the smell of pine trees myself! I will keep an eye out for your recipes!
Jas says
Awe, thank you, Marissa! I'm thrilled that you like it and I welcome you back anytime 😀