Penzey's Ham and Asparagus Bake

Elevate your brunch game with Penzey's Ham and Asparagus Bake, a comforting casserole that's both hearty and elegant. This savory dish combines tender, blanched asparagus, flavorful diced ham, and a medley of creamy cheeses—all layered atop cubes of day-old bread and bathed in a rich, seasoned custard. The golden, cheesy crust and buttery finish make every bite irresistible. Perfect for entertaining or a family breakfast, this bake is easy to prepare and can be served straight from the oven, feeding six hungry guests in under an hour. Whether you're looking to impress at brunch or savor leftovers the next day, this casserole is a crowd-pleasing winner.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 5 pieces large eggs
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 cups day-old bread, cubed

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and cut the stalks into 2-inch pieces. Steam or blanch the asparagus for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, dry mustard powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 4

In the prepared baking dish, layer the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.

Step 5

Spread the steamed asparagus and diced ham evenly over the bread cubes.

Step 6

Pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring the bread is fully soaked. Gently press down on the mixture with the back of a spoon to help the liquid absorb.

Step 7

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan.

Step 8

Drizzle the melted butter over the cheese layer for added richness.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2592.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5051.1

Total Fat 267.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 141.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 1740.2mg	0%
Sodium 12436.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 406.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.4g	0%
Total Sugars 48.1g
Protein 244.1g	0%

Vitamin D 345.4IU	0%
Calcium 2313.7mg	0%
Iron 42.2mg	0%
Potassium 3715.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.1%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 32.4%