Ah, Christmas morning! There’s nothing quite like it, is there? The aroma of pine from the tree, the excitement of opening gifts, and of course, the delicious food that brings everyone together. One of my favorite traditions is making this *christmas casserole breakfast*. It’s a total lifesaver on those busy mornings when you want to enjoy a cozy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it—my family was so excited to dig in, and the look on their faces when they took that first bite was absolutely priceless! This casserole is not only super easy to whip up, but it also feeds a crowd, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a staple in your Christmas festivities!
Ingredients List
- 8 slices of bread, cubed (any type you like—white, whole wheat, or even sourdough works great!)
- 1 cup of cooked sausage, crumbled (feel free to use breakfast sausage or your favorite kind)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar is classic, but mix it up with pepper jack or mozzarella if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- 6 large eggs (the heart of the casserole, binding everything together)
- 2 cups of milk (whole or 2% will give it that creamy goodness)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (to enhance all those lovely flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper (for just a hint of warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, so don’t skip it!
- Grab a greased baking dish (a 9×13 inch works great) and start layering. Begin with the cubed bread; just sprinkle it evenly across the bottom.
- Next, add your crumbled cooked sausage on top of the bread. You want to make sure it’s spread out so every bite has a little sausage goodness.
- Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the sausage. The cheese is like a cozy blanket for the casserole!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until it’s nice and smooth. The eggs are going to hold everything together, so mix it well!
- Pour that delicious egg mixture evenly over your layered bread, sausage, and cheese. Make sure everything gets a good soak!
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour (or even overnight if you’re prepping ahead!). This resting time allows the bread to soak up the flavors.
- When you’re ready to bake, uncover the dish and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and golden on top. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd—no one goes home hungry!
- Deliciously comforting flavors that everyone will love.
- Can be prepped ahead of time, freeing you up for holiday fun!
- Versatile and customizable—switch up the meats or add veggies!
- This casserole brings the family together, making memories over a hearty breakfast.
Tips for Success
To really nail this *christmas casserole breakfast*, I’ve got a few pro tips up my sleeve! First, don’t rush the soaking time. If you can, let it sit overnight in the fridge—this allows the bread to absorb all that yummy egg mixture, making each bite extra flavorful and fluffy.
If you’re looking to mix things up, try swapping the sausage for crispy bacon or diced ham for a different twist. You can also add in veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté them first to reduce excess moisture!
When it comes to baking, keep an eye on it in the last few minutes. Ovens can vary, and you want that golden top without overcooking. Finally, if you have leftovers (which might be unlikely because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven for the best texture!
Variations
One of the best things about this *christmas casserole breakfast* is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a different protein, try using diced ham or crumbled bacon instead of sausage—both add a wonderful savory touch!
If you want to boost the veggie factor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted red peppers—these will not only add flavor but also a splash of color to your dish. And let’s not forget about the cheese! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with feta for a tangy twist, or pepper jack for a little heat!
Don’t hesitate to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect breakfast casserole. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this dish so fun to make!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to the nutritional info for this *christmas casserole breakfast*, keep in mind that values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a typical breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 160mg
This casserole is hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a festive breakfast! Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *christmas casserole breakfast* is perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and let it soak in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake the next morning!
What can I use instead of sausage?
If sausage isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with bacon or diced ham. Both options add a delightful savory flavor to the casserole!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just cut the casserole into individual portions, wrap them tightly, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know your casserole is ready when the center is set and the top is golden brown. A quick test with a knife in the middle should come out clean!
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even onions can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them first to reduce moisture, and then mix them into the layers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this *christmas casserole breakfast* is super easy! Once the casserole has cooled down, cut it into individual portions for convenient storage. Just place them in airtight containers and pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to three days.
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the portions as well. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place the portion in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain that lovely texture and flavor—just like the first day!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Casserole Breakfast: 7 Joyful Memories Await
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A delicious casserole perfect for Christmas morning.
Składniki
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 cup of cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased baking dish, layer the cubed bread, sausage, and cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until set and golden.
Uwagi
- Can substitute sausage with bacon or ham.
- Use any type of bread for variety.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 45 minutes
- Kategoria: Breakfast
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 300
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas casserole breakfast
