Ah, the holidays! A time filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious food! One of my absolute favorites is this Christmas Breakfast Casserole. Every year, it’s a tradition in my family to gather around the breakfast table with a warm, hearty meal before we dive into the chaos of Christmas festivities. This casserole has become synonymous with our holiday celebrations, holding the power to fill our bellies while our hearts are full of cheer.
What I love most about this recipe is not just its delightful blend of cheesy goodness and fresh ingredients, but also how effortless it is to whip up ahead of time. You can savor those precious Christmas morning moments without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine a wonderful aroma emanating from the oven while you sip on your coffee, all while knowing that a show-stopping breakfast is about to be served. Let me share my joy and experiences making this fabulous breakfast delight with you!
What’s in Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
- Crusty bread: I use a 16 oz loaf of French or sourdough bread. The sturdiness of the bread gives the casserole its hearty base, soaking up all the tasty egg mixture.
- Large eggs: Eight large eggs is the magic number for binding everything together and creating that fluffy texture we crave in casseroles.
- Milk: We’re using 2 cups of milk to add creaminess and richness to the dish. Feel free to use whole milk or a lighter option if preferred!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: I can’t resist a cup of sharp cheddar! It melts beautifully and adds that iconic cheesy flavor that pairs so well with the rest of the ingredients.
- Cooked breakfast sausage: One cup, crumbled, gives a savory punch! You can easily swap this for diced ham or crispy bacon if sausage isn’t your thing.
- Chopped onion and bell pepper: Half a cup each of finely chopped onion and optional bell pepper adds sweetness and a pop of color—who doesn’t love a bit of green and yellow on their plate?
- Fresh spinach or kale: One cup of chopped spinach or kale is purely optional, but I love tossing in greens for a nutritional boost. Plus, it makes my dish look pretty!
- Dried oregano, salt, and pepper: These seasonings are how we elevate the flavors. Just the right amount to bring everything to life!
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish—it’s the icing on the cake!
Is Christmas Breakfast Casserole Good for You?
Now let’s chat health! This casserole is a nice balance of protein from the eggs and sausage, along with the added vitamins from the spinach or kale (if you decide to include it). Although it’s hardest to think about healthy options during the holidays, you can still enjoy this dish with fewer guilty feelings.
That said, it is a bit rich. The cheddar cheese and milk definitely contribute to its deliciousness, but if you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using a lower-fat cheese or substituting half of the milk with a plant-based option. Go ahead and serve it with some fresh fruit or yogurt on the side for a well-rounded breakfast that’ll give you the energy to tackle the day ahead!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf (16 oz) crusty bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (or diced ham or bacon)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How to Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and oregano until it’s homogeneous and lovely.
- Layer the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled sausage, onion, optional bell pepper, optional spinach, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread layer.
- Pour the egg mixture over the entire layered concoction, making sure everything gets its fair share of the liquid love!
- Finish off by topping it all with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for that dreamy flavor infusion!).
- Once you’re ready to indulge, remove the foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
- Let it cool for a few moments before slicing into delightful squares, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley or chives!
Tips for the Best Christmas Breakfast Casserole
- Prep this casserole the night before! It’s a massive time-saver and the flavors develop beautifully while it chills in the fridge.
- Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a gourmet twist!
- Want a kick? Throw in a bit of diced jalapeños or hot sauce for some heat.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, tangy yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup—get creative!
If you find yourself with leftovers (if that’s even possible!), don’t worry! This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for those lazy days after Christmas. I hope you give this Christmas Breakfast Casserole a whirl. May your mornings be filled with warmth, laughter, and delightful aromas. Do come back and share your experiences—I’d love to hear how your family enjoyed it!
