Start a new family tradition this Easter morning by serving a healthy, make-ahead Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole!

Holiday traditions that revolve around food are plentiful in my family. From sweet Cinnamon Rolls on Thanksgiving morning to hearty Pork & Sauerkraut on New Year’s Day and Strawberry Shortcakes on the Fourth of July — if there’s a holiday or special event on the calendar, chances are there’s at least one special dish everyone looks forward to.

Easter is no different, and every year the whole family gathers at my parent’s house in the morning to fill up on hot and satisfying breakfast casseroles while the kids hunt for eggs and the adults root ‘em on (with fresh mimosas in hand, naturally!).

This Easter, I’ll be whipping up this Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole for everyone to enjoy. With 1/3 of the fat and half the calories of traditional breakfast casseroles, this lightened-up version uses non-fat milk and a combination of both whole eggs and egg whites to soak into hearty, whole-grain bread. Tangy Dijon mustard, piney rosemary and smoky roasted red peppers provide lots of flavor with little to no calories, while fresh wilted spinach and lean diced ham add a burst of freshness and staying power. A small amount of nutty Gruyere cheese added partway through baking makes for an irresistible and indulgent finish.

When armed with a basic breakfast casserole recipe including milk, eggs, and bread, there’s really no limit to the types of fresh veggies, lean meats and specialty cheeses you can use to fit your family’s tastes. Try using fresh broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus in place of spinach, and low-fat vegetarian sausage, Canadian bacon, or even diced turkey instead of ham. Full-flavored cheeses allow you to use less for the same amount of flavor as milder cheeses, so give sharp cheddar, fontina, or even feta a try if you can’t get your hands on Gruyere!

*** Check out Recipe.com’s free collection of Easter brunch ideas! ***

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Categories: Easter | Tags: Casseroles, Easter, Easter Breakfast and Brunch, Eggs, Ham
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