This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a warm and cozy delight, packed with eggs, cheese, and tasty bits of sausage or bacon. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd during the holidays!
What I love best is how you can prepare it the night before, so on Christmas morning, all you do is bake it. Less stress, more time for family fun! 🎄🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are essential for this dish. If you’re looking for a lower-cholesterol option, consider using egg whites or a commercial egg substitute. However, nothing beats the richness of whole eggs, especially for a festive breakfast.
Milk: I prefer whole milk for a creamier texture, but you can use 2% or even almond milk for a dairy-free option. Just be mindful that dairy alternatives may alter the flavor slightly.
Bread: Day-old bread is best as it soaks up the egg mixture without becoming mushy. If you don’t have it, use fresh bread a few hours old or even croissants for a richer taste.
Breakfast Sausage & Ham: I love mixing sausage and ham for added flavor, but any cooked meat works here. Feel free to swap them out for turkey sausage or even cooked veggies for a vegetarian version!
Peppers: The colorful bell peppers add freshness and crunch. If you’re not a fan, try using spinach or mushrooms. They’ll add a lovely flavor without detracting from the casserole.
How Do You Ensure Your Casserole is Fluffy and Not Soggy?
A common challenge with casseroles is striking the right balance between moisture and fluffiness. Here’s how to avoid a soggy casserole:
- Use day-old bread as it’s drier and absorbs the egg mixture better.
- Whisk the eggs and milk thoroughly to incorporate air, which helps fluff the casserole.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before baking, allowing the bread to absorb moisture.
- Don’t overload with too much liquid; stick to the recipe’s proportions for best results.
- Bake until set in the center; this ensures it’s cooked through and not wet.
Letting it rest after baking is just as important. This helps it firm up, making serving easier!
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 4 cups cubed bread (day-old, preferably a rustic or country loaf)
Meats & Veggies:
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning & Greasing:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole takes about 15-20 minutes for prep time and around 45-55 minutes to bake. All in all, you’ll need about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish, plus a few minutes for cooling before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Mixing the Eggs and Milk:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure everything is well combined and set aside.
3. Adding Bread and Mix-Ins:
Next, stir in the cubed bread, crumbled sausage, diced ham, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix it gently, so the bread cubes are well-coated in the egg mixture and soak up all that deliciousness!
4. Assembling the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure portions bake nicely. Top it off with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese to create a cheesy crust.
5. Baking to Perfection:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top is golden brown.
6. Cooling and Serving:
Once done, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time makes it easier to slice and serve. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy your festive Christmas breakfast with family and friends. This hearty casserole is sure to be a hit!
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole combines savory breakfast meats, colorful peppers, and melty cheese to create a visually festive and delicious morning meal that’s perfect for Christmas Day!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. On Christmas morning, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What Bread Works Best for This Recipe?
Day-old bread is ideal for this casserole as it holds up better when soaked in the egg mixture. However, if you don’t have day-old bread, you can use fresh bread, just let it sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit before using it.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can skip the sausage and ham and replace them with additional veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You might also consider adding some beans for extra protein!
