Name: Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake: A Tropical Morning Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 cups diced ham (or cooked sausage/bacon); 4 cups baby spinach, chopped and wilted; ½ tsp minced garlic; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; ½ tsp ground cumin; 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns; 16 cups cubed sweet Hawaiian bread (about 1½ loaves); ½ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish); 24 large eggs; 4 cups low-fat milk; 2 cups heavy cream; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella blend works great)

Jump to Recipe

Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake is a mouthwatering blend of flavors that brings the spirit of the tropics right to your breakfast table. Imagine smoky ham, crispy hash browns, melty cheese, and tender spinach mingling with soft, sweet cubes of Hawaiian bread. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms your morning routine into a delightful feast. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of savory and sweet, making it a standout option for any brunch or special gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake

This dish is a fantastic way to start your day, offering a variety of benefits that will keep you coming back for more. First, it combines both savory and sweet flavors, making it a versatile option for any palate. Second, it is packed with protein from the eggs, ham, and cheese, ensuring you stay full and energized throughout the morning. Third, the use of Hawaiian bread adds a unique twist that elevates this dish above traditional breakfast casseroles. Fourth, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy mornings or family gatherings. Fifth, with its gluten-free option, it caters to various dietary needs. Lastly, it’s a dish that can be made ahead of time, allowing for quick and convenient serving. Enjoy this delightful Hawaiian-inspired breakfast that is sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients for Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake

Gather these items:

2 cups diced ham (or cooked sausage/bacon)
4 cups baby spinach, chopped and wilted
½ tsp minced garlic
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp ground cumin
4 cups frozen shredded hash browns
16 cups cubed sweet Hawaiian bread (about 1½ loaves)
½ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
24 large eggs
4 cups low-fat milk
2 cups heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella blend works great)

How to Make Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Wilt the Spinach: Sauté spinach and garlic over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Drain or pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Mix the Filling: Add diced ham, frozen hash browns, most of the green onions, spinach, and 3 cups of cheese to the custard. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Fold in the Bread: Gently stir in the cubed Hawaiian bread until fully coated. Let sit for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
Step 6: Assemble: Pour mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Step 7: Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until golden and set with a slight jiggle.
Step 8: Rest & Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares or wedges. Garnish with reserved green onions.

Pro Tips for the Best Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Let the mixture sit for a while before baking to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
Consider adding pineapple for a tropical twist—this makes a great savory cake with pineapple.
This dish can be a Hawaiian breakfast casserole that you can prepare the night before!

Best Ways to Serve Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake

There are several delightful ways to present this dish:

Serve it warm with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Top with additional green onions or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some extra zing.
Pair with tropical juices for a complete Hawaiian-style breakfast dish.

How to Store and Reheat Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake

To store leftovers, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This makes meal prep a breeze!

Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake

What is a Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake?

A Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake is a delightful breakfast dish that combines sweet Hawaiian bread with savory ingredients like ham, cheese, and spinach. It’s a unique alternative to traditional breakfast options.

Can I make Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast that’s perfect for gatherings or busy days.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your bread is adequately soaked in the custard mixture and don’t rush the baking time. This will help achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful cake.

Variations of Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake You Can Try

Here are some fun twists to consider:

Incorporate different meats like bacon or sausage for varied flavors.
Add diced bell peppers or other vegetables for extra nutrition.
Try using a different type of cheese for a unique taste.
For a sweeter version, mix in some coconut or tropical fruits like mango.

Savory Hawaiian Breakfast Cake: A Tropical Morning Delight

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A Cheesy, Golden Brunch Delight with smoky ham, crispy hash browns, melty cheese, tender spinach, and sweet cubes of Hawaiian bread.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Wilt the Spinach: Sauté spinach and garlic over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Drain or pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly frothy.
Mix the Filling: Add diced ham, frozen hash browns, most of the green onions, spinach, and 3 cups of cheese to the custard. Stir well to combine.
Fold in the Bread: Gently stir in the cubed Hawaiian bread until fully coated. Let sit for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
Assemble: Pour mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until golden and set with a slight jiggle.
Rest & Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares or wedges. Garnish with reserved green onions.