Gather the whole family around the table for a Christmas breakfast casserole – a warm, comforting tradition that's easy to prepare and perfect for holiday mornings! This hearty dish features a blend of eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats that'll have everyone's mouths watering. You can even make it the night before to save time. Once it's baked to a golden brown, serve it up with a sprinkle of herbs or extra cheese for a truly festive touch. It's the ultimate way to kick off a day of Christmas cheer and create lasting memories. And if you're curious to learn more…
Key Takeaways
- A hearty and comforting dish featuring eggs, cheese, and breakfast meats, often prepared the night before for convenience.
- Provides a warm and satisfying meal suitable for holiday gatherings, fostering togetherness and holiday spirit.
- Includes a variety of ingredients like eggs, bread, cheese, milk, and seasonings, with optional additions like sausage or vegetables.
- Bakes for 45-55 minutes at 350°F, resulting in a golden-brown casserole that can be easily cut into squares for serving.
- Offers a range of variations, including meat-free, gluten-free, and sweet options, to cater to different dietary preferences.
History
Christmas breakfast casserole has a long and storied history, tracing its origins back to the early 20th century. This savory and delightful dish first gained popularity as a practical way to feed large families during the holiday season. Busy hosts would prepare the casserole the night before, then simply pop it in the oven while opening presents on Christmas morning.
Over the decades, the recipe has evolved, with creative cooks adding their own unique twists. Some prefer a heartier version with sausage or bacon, while others opt for a vegetarian blend of cheeses and vegetables.
No matter the ingredients, the end result is always a crowd-pleasing masterpiece – a warm, comforting meal that brings loved ones together to share in the magic of the holiday.
Today, Christmas breakfast casserole remains a beloved tradition, a tasty way to start the day and create lasting memories. Whether it's a family heirloom or a new discovery, this dish is sure to delight all who gather around the table.
Recipe
Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for holiday gatherings. This hearty casserole is loaded with eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
Preparing the casserole the night before and baking it in the morning is a great way to save time and hassle during the busy holiday season. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that's sure to impress your guests.
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound cooked breakfast sausage or bacon, crumbled
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cheese and cooked sausage or bacon.
Add the cubed bread and gently mix until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
If making the casserole ahead of time, cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Christmas Breakfast Casserole!
Cooking Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F, then grab a skillet and cook the sausage until it's nice and browned.
For a delicious twist, consider adding some fresh herbs or vegetables similar to the Tomato Basil Farro Egg Bowl, which can enhance the flavors of your casserole.
Next, whisk up the eggs, milk, and a few tasty seasonings in a bowl.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 375°F
To begin, you'll want to ensure your oven is preheated to the recommended temperature of 375°F. This is a crucial first step in preparing your delicious Christmas breakfast casserole.
The oven needs to be nice and toasty, ready to bake your casserole to perfection.
Once you've double-checked that your oven is set to 375°F, you can go ahead and start gathering the rest of your ingredients.
The preheating process typically takes around 10-15 minutes, so you'll have just enough time to prepare everything else while the oven heats up.
Step 2. In a Skillet, Cook Sausage
With the oven now preheated, it's time to turn your attention to the sausage.
Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat on the stovetop. As the skillet starts to warm up, take your breakfast sausage and add it to the pan.
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, start breaking up the sausage into smaller crumbles. You'll want to cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, until it's nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
The sizzling sound and savory aroma will have your mouth watering in no time!
Once the sausage is ready, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. We'll be adding the sausage to our casserole dish in the next step.
Remember to keep a close eye on the sausage as it cooks to ensure it doesn't burn.
With the sausage now prepped, we can move on to the next part of our delicious Christmas breakfast casserole!
Step 3. Whisk Eggs, Milk, and Seasonings
Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings until well combined.
You'll want to make sure there are no lumps – just a smooth, creamy mixture. The eggs and milk will come together to create a delicious custard-like base for your casserole.
Feel free to add a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of hot sauce if you're feeling spicy.
Get creative with your seasonings! Just be sure not to overpower the other flavors. You want a nice balance of tastes that'll have everyone's mouths watering.
Once your egg mixture is ready, it's time to pour it over the sausage in your baking dish.
Use a spoon to gently distribute the eggs so they cover the entire surface. Now you're one step closer to an amazing Christmas morning breakfast!
Step 4. Arrange Bread and Sausage Mixture
Layer the bread cubes over the sausage mixture in the prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread them out evenly, creating a nice, even layer. You'll want to get those tasty bread pieces in every bite!
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Mmm, can you just imagine that melty, gooey cheese getting all melted and delicious?
Now, crack those eggs into a big bowl and give them a good whisking. Add in the milk and seasonings, and whisk it all together until it's nice and smooth.
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage. Make sure to get it all the way to the edges so everything gets coated.
Time to pop this baby in the oven! Bake it up until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Your kitchen is gonna smell amazing – the perfect way to wake up on Christmas morning.
Can't wait to dive in!
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once your oven is nice and toasty, it's time to pop that casserole in!
Carefully transfer the dish filled with the delicious bread and sausage mixture into the oven. As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of savory sausage and warm, buttery bread.
Keep a close eye on it, because you want the top to turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about 45 minutes to an hour.
When the timer goes off, use oven mitts to gently remove the casserole from the oven. Mmm, just look at that perfectly baked top!
It'll be crispy and crusty on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside. Now all that's left to do is let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This Christmas breakfast casserole is going to be the hit of your holiday brunch – your family and friends will gobble it up in no time! It’s the perfect combination of savory flavors with the added warmth of holiday spices. And if you’re looking for some extra holiday cheer, try serving it alongside a traditional green bean casserole recipe for a complete Christmas feast. The best part is that you can make it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven on Christmas morning for a stress-free and delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas breakfast casserole is a delightful way to start your holiday morning. Imagine the enticing aroma wafting through your home, the golden-brown top glistening, and the savory flavors melding together in perfect harmony. Your family will be eager to dive in and savor every bite.
The best part? This dish isn't only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a heartwarming and satisfying meal that will leave everyone feeling nourished and content.
As you gather around the table, sipping your coffee and enjoying the warmth of the casserole, take a moment to appreciate the cozy and festive atmosphere.
This Christmas breakfast casserole is a tradition worth cherishing, a way to bring your loved ones together and create memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy this special moment and let the flavors and the spirit of the season fill your heart with joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make the Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time. Simply prepare it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a quick and easy breakfast on the day.
Is the Casserole Suitable for Vegetarians?
The casserole may not be suitable for vegetarians as it typically contains meat ingredients. You'll need to check the recipe and adjust it to use vegetarian-friendly alternatives if you want to make it suitable for a vegetarian diet.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Certainly! You can use different types of cheese in your dish. Feel free to experiment with cheddar, mozzarla, or even a blend to suit your personal taste preferences. The versatility of cheese allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.
How Long Will the Leftovers Stay Fresh?
The leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to store the casserole in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Enjoy the leftovers for a quick and easy meal later in the week!
Can I Substitute the Bread With Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bread with various ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Try using shredded hashbrowns, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. The key is to ensure the texture and consistency remain similar.
Rachel is all about nostalgic comfort food with a modern twist. She brings the flavors of classic American diners to Cook if Ya, with her takes on burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Rachel’s love for simple, hearty meals brings a bit of retro flair to the table, reminding us all of the joys of classic diner dishes.
