Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Okay, picture this: What is the Is it Christmas morning, everyone’s bleary-eyed but buzzing with excitement? In a hot stove, you pull out this incredible thing.Christmas Breakfast Casserole: What. The aroma alone? Pure holiday bliss. It’s warm, comforting, and honestly, it’ve become more of a tradition than the presents themselves. (okay, maybe not *quite*, but close! If you love a good French Toast bake, but want something savory and satisfying, this recipe is for you. Can you prep everything the night before? How do you cook in the oven and enjoy the magic. I swear, this recipe has saved my Christmas morning sanity more times than I can count.

What is a Christmas breakfast casserole?

Think of a Christmas Breakfast Casserole: WhatAs the ultimate breakfast hug in a dish. What is essentially layers of bread, cheese, sausage (or bacon)? ), and a creamy egg custard, all baked together until golden and bubbly. What is a savory bread pudding recipe? The beauty of it is in its simplicity – it’s incredibly easy to throw together, and you can totally throw it together. How do I customize a t-shirt to my family’s tastes? Some people add veggies, some people like to go heavy on cheese (guilty! ), but the core idea is always the same: “It’s a simple concept.” What is a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast that will fuel everyone’s gift opening frenzy? I even tried a version with leftover cranberry sauce swirled in – don’t knock it ‘Til you try it!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start?Christmas Breakfast Casserole.What is a game changer?

• The Flavor is Insane: Why isWhat is the best combination of savory sausage, melted cheese, and eggy custard? It’s rich, comforting, and satisfying, without being too heavy. I always add a pinch of cinnamon to my custard. It gives it that extra holiday warmth.
• It’s Ridiculously EasyWhat are some of those recipes that you can throw together and it’s delicious? Still turns out amazing. What’s a good morning snack? What I love most about this is how forgiving it is – you can swap out ingredients, adjust the recipe. What are some good ways to eat a chicken breast, and it’ll
• Budget Friendly BrillianceThe ingredients are all pretty common and affordable, which is a huge plus, especially around the world. When you are spending a lot of time on holidays, why don’t you spend ten I often use leftover bread to make it even more budget-friendly.
• Is Versatility the Key toYou can totally customize this app.Christmas Breakfast Casseroles:What are the possibilities for adding different cheeses, meats and veggies to a dish? Last year, I made a vegetarian version with mushrooms and spinach, and it was huge hit. I’ve seen people add apples or pears for a sweeter twist.

Is it just a recipe?Christmas Breakfast Casserole: WhatEvery year, and it wouldn’t be the same without it. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which is always humbling in my book! I find it even more satisfying than quiche and easier than a full-blown Eggs Benedict assembly.

How do I make a Christmas breakfast casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this Christmas Breakfast Casserole: WhatIs it easier than you think? What are some recipes for cubed bread in a baking dish? If you have a large bowl of custard, pour it over everything. Let it sit overnight (this is the key!) and then bake it until golden and bubbly in the morning. The overnight soak allows the bread to soak up the custard, creating a deliciously soft and fluffy bread. What is custard Is it so easy to prep a meal?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of crusty bread, like sourdough or French bread cut into 1-inch cubes. I usually let it sit for a day to get stale – it soaks up the custard better that way.
• What is the best way to use good quality eggs?
• I have used everything from whole milk to almond milk, and they all work great. Almond milk makes it creamier!
• 1 cup heavy cream. This is what gives it that extra richness and decadence.
• Can you skip the salt? It helps balance out the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best.
• What is the secret ingredient in nutmeg?
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. This adds a subtle tang that complements the other flavors.

For the Filling:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled. I like a spicy sausage, but you can use any kind of sausage you like. How do I drain off grease?
• 2 cups shredded cheese. I usually use a mix of cheddar and Gruyere, but you can use any cheese that melts well. What’s a good pepper jack?
• What are some good substitutes for chopped green onions?

How do I follow

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I always line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure to fill in any gaps, so you have a nice, even layer. I like to toast bread cubes in the oven for about 5 minutes before layering – this helps to reduce the browning time. Is there a way to keep them from getting soggy?

Step 3: Sprinkle with Sausage and Cheese

Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread, followed by the shredded cheese. I like to sprinkle a little bit of cheese on top before baking for extra cheesiness.

Step 4: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Set aside. I like to make a mixture until Make sure there are no lumps.

Step 5: Pour Custard Over Bread Mixture

Pour the custard evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese. Gently press down on the bread to make sure it’s fully submerged in the custard. This is crucial for getting that perfect custardy texture.

Step 6: Cover and Refrigerate

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Bake

Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the casserole bake evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the Christmas Breakfast Casserole cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up a bit and makes it easier to cut. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Sometimes I drizzle a little maple syrup over the top for a touch of sweetness.

What to Serve It With

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for rounding out your breakfast or brunch:

For Christmas Morning:

• Fresh fruit salad. It adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• A pot of hot coffee or tea. Essential for waking everyone up!
• Mimosas or Bloody Marys for the adults (it’s Christmas, after all!).

For a Festive Brunch:

• A side of crispy bacon or sausage. Because you can never have too much meat!
• A green salad with a light vinaigrette. It adds a touch of elegance and balances out the richness of the casserole.
• A selection of pastries or muffins. For those with a sweet tooth.

For a Cozy Weekend Breakfast:

• Pancakes or waffles. Because why not?
• A side of yogurt with granola and berries. A healthy and satisfying option.
• Hot chocolate or cider. Perfect for a chilly morning.

My personal favorite is to serve it with a simple Fruit Salad and a strong cup of coffee. That’s all I need to start my Christmas morning off right. We often have this with other breakfast treats, like cinnamon rolls or muffins, but honestly, the casserole is the star of the show!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Okay, so I’ve made this Christmas Breakfast Casserole countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:

• Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: This is the most important step! It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a deliciously soft and custardy texture. If you’re short on time, you can soak it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. I’ve tried skipping it before, and the casserole just wasn’t the same.
• Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread will get too soggy and mushy. Stale bread soaks up the custard better and holds its shape. I usually let my bread sit out for a day or two to dry out, or you can lightly toast it in the oven.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry and rubbery casserole. Bake it just until it’s golden brown and set, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember that it will continue to cook a bit as it cools.
• Customize to Your Liking: This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Add different cheeses, meats, veggies, or spices. I’ve even added a splash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.
• Get Creative with the Bread: You can use different types of bread, like croissants, brioche, or even cinnamon rolls for a sweeter twist. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Cheese is Your Friend: Don’t skimp on the cheese! I find a good sharp cheddar and gruyere mix really brings out the savory elements.

The biggest mistake I made the first time was not pressing down on the bread after pouring the custard. It resulted in a lot of dry bread on top, which wasn’t very appetizing. Now I make sure to really push the bread down, so it’s all submerged in the custard. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Christmas Breakfast Casserole (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: You can leave the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. However, I generally don’t recommend leaving it out for too long, as it contains eggs and dairy.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to let it cool completely before storing it. The glaze, if you added any, might soften a bit in the fridge, but it will still taste delicious.

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For the microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat it, or it will become dry and rubbery.

I prefer to reheat individual slices in the microwave – it’s quick and easy. But if I’m reheating a larger portion, I’ll usually use the oven to ensure it heats evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a holiday tradition that my family looks forward to every year. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a part of your own Christmas morning celebrations. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my overnight French Toast bake or my cinnamon roll casserole – they’re both equally delicious and perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch.

Happy baking, and Merry Christmas! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it and what variations you made. And don’t forget to rate the recipe!