Description
This easy baked omelet is packed with smoked ham, colorful bell peppers, green onions, and plenty of melted Colby Jack cheese. Baked until fluffy and golden, it’s a hearty breakfast casserole that’s perfect for family brunches, holidays, or make-ahead mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp salted or unsalted butter
- 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced or thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced or thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 1 lb cubed smoked ham
- 2 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, divided
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups half and half or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley, plus additional for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a small skillet, melt the butter. Cook the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the cubed ham and cook just until the liquid evaporates. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, garlic salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, and ground mustard until fully combined.
- Layer the ham-vegetable mixture onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese. Sprinkle the top with chopped parsley and the reserved 1 cup of cheese.
- Transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden brown and the center is set when gently shaken.
- Let stand for 5 minutes to settle, then slice and serve garnished with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Cheese: You can use any variety of shredded cheese you enjoy, such as sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a hint of spice.
- Eggs: You can adapt this recipe using the equivalent amount of egg whites or combine whole eggs and egg whites. Changing the eggs will change the volume.
- Ham: Swap out the ham for cooked bacon or breakfast sausage.
- Heavy Cream: You can use half and half or whole milk in place of heavy cream.
- Peppers: You can use yellow bell peppers, poblano peppers, or jalapeño peppers.
- Vegetables: Add fresh baby spinach, zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms along with the bell peppers.
- Fresh Herbs: You can use fresh chives or fresh basil.
- Toppings: Serve this omelet on bread or a buttermilk biscuit as a breakfast sandwich. You can also serve it topped with sour cream, salsa, or diced avocado.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Fully assemble the omelet mixture one day in advance and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, then allow 15–20 minutes on the counter before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American, Southern