Who says breakfast can’t steal the show? This Bundt Cake Breakfast combines all of your favorite morning flavors into one beautiful, layered dish that looks as good as it tastes. Think of the salty combination of ham, spinach, and hash browns mixed together with soft bread cubes, all moistened by a custard of eggs, milk, and cheese.
And the best part? It’s baked in a bundt pan, which means not only does it look gorgeous when served, but it’s also simple to slice into perfect pieces. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to treat your family to something special on the weekend, this recipe is sure to wow them.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Bundt Cake
- Visually Stunning: Baking this breakfast casserole in a bundt pan elevates a simple morning meal into an eye-catching table centerpiece.
- Versatile & Customizable: Swap out ingredients such as ham or cheese for your favorites, making this dish adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
- Great to Feed a Crowd: This recipe has 12 eggs and a generous array of ingredients, so you can feed a whole family or a brunch group.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make it the night before, let it soak overnight, and just throw it in the oven the next morning.
- Comforting and Filling: With layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and savory add-ins, it’s a hearty way to begin your day.
Ingredients Notes
- Ham: Cut into ¾-inch cubes, ham provides a smoky, savory flavor. You could replace it with cooked sausage or crispy bacon if you want to switch it up.
- Spinach: Finely chopped and lightly fried until wilted, spinach lends a bit of color and a nutritional boost. Frozen spinach (thawed and drained) will also work if you don’t have fresh spinach.
- Shredded Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns provide convenience, and they’ll crisp nicely when fried before layering.
- Bread: Use a crusty loaf—something like French bread or sourdough—cut into ¾-inch cubes. The bread acts like a sponge, absorbing the rich egg mixture.
- Cheese: Cheddar or Swiss shredded cheese adds melty, savory depth to the dish. Add your favorite cheese combinations at will.
- Egg Custard: A custard of eggs mixed with milk and cream is what makes the custard rich and creamy. The dry mustard gives it a little tingle that balances the richness.
Full ingredient quantities and directions are listed in the recipe card below.
Breakfast Bundt Cake Recipe Walkthrough
This Bundt Cake Breakfast Casserole is a fun and tasty way to serve a crowd. With strata of ham, spinach, crispy hash browns, and cheese all held together by a custard of eggs and cream and baked until golden and puffed, it’s a worthy way to warm things up in the morning.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease your bundt pan really well with some butter or cooking spray—this step will make it easier to flip out the casserole later.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach and Hash Browns
- Sauté the spinach in a skillet until wilted; set aside.
- In the same pan, add the hash browns. Fry them until golden and crispy—season with salt and pepper for flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Pour half of your bread cubes into the bottom of the greased bundt pan.
- Add a layer of diced ham, then spinach, then chopped green onions.
- Top with crispy hash browns.
- Sprinkle on half of the shredded cheese, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
Step 4: Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk and heavy cream
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, and dry mustard
- Pour this mixture evenly over the bread layers in the bundt pan.
- Lightly press down on the top with a spatula, so the bread absorbs the custard.
- Let it soak for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the inside is set.
- To check doneness, insert a knife in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Step 6: Cool and Flip
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes.
- Set a plate on top of the bundt pan, take a deep breath, and gently flip it over.
- Cut into wedges and serve it warm and gooey.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- To Reheat: For best texture and hash brown crispness, reheat in the oven at 350°F.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms can add a burst of flavor and color.
- Go Meatless: Leave off the ham for a vegetarian version, and pile on more veggies like broccoli or zucchini.
- Cheese Swap: Use Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Pepper Jack for a different twist.
- Spicy Kick: For mild heat, mix in chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Conclusion
This Bundt Cake Breakfast combines comfort food with an elegant presentation. It’s a recipe that transforms a lazy morning into an occasion, whether you’re gathering around the table with family or just indulging yourself.
The ricotta, eggs, herbs, and other savory fillings bake into a golden, satisfying bundt that’s sure to become a favorite. It’s worth trying, and you’ll discover how this simple dish can add some cheer to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Happy cooking!
Bundt Cake Breakfast
Ingredients
- 1 heaping cup ham diced into 3/4-inch cubes
- 2 cups spinach chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt divided
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic
- 1 large pinch cayenne
- 2 cups shredded hash browns frozen
- 8 cups bread diced into 3/4-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 12 large eggs or 8 jumbo eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt for custard
- 1/2 tsp black pepper for custard
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheese divided
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add 2 cups of chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the spinach from the pan.
- In the same pan, add 2 cups of frozen shredded hash browns and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray. Layer half of the diced bread cubes (about 4 cups) into the bottom of the pan. Evenly distribute the diced ham, sautéed spinach, and 1/4 cup chopped green onions over the bread. Spread the hash browns on top, followed by half of the shredded cheese (1 cup). Finish with the remaining bread cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together 12 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, and a large pinch of cayenne pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the bundt pan, pressing lightly to help the custard soak into the bread. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the bundt cool for about 10 minutes. Place a large, flat plate over the top of the pan and carefully flip it over to release the breakfast bundt. Slice into portions and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition