Oh, I absolutely adore Christmas mornings! There’s just something magical about gathering with family, sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying a warm, hearty breakfast together. And let me tell you, my *Christmas breakfast casserole* has become a beloved tradition in my home. It’s the perfect way to start the day, filled with delicious layers of bread, sausage, and ooey-gooey cheese. I love how easy it is to prepare ahead of time, so I can spend more time with my loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Trust me, this casserole will warm your heart and fill your belly, making it a true highlight of the holiday season!
Ingredients List
Getting your ingredients ready is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for my delightful Christmas breakfast casserole:
- 6 cups of cubed bread (I love using a hearty sourdough or French bread for extra flavor!)
- 1 pound of sausage, cooked and crumbled (feel free to use your favorite kind—pork, turkey, or even a plant-based option works great!)
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar brings a lovely tang, but use what you love!)
- 8 large eggs (the magic ingredient that ties everything together)
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk makes it creamy, but you can swap for your preferred milk)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (to bring out all those wonderful flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (for a little kick!)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder (adds a subtle sweetness)
And there you have it! Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season!
How to Prepare Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this Christmas breakfast casserole! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro once you’re done. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the magic number for baking your casserole to perfection!
- While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You want everything to be well combined for that flavorful base.
- Next, take your greased baking dish and start layering the cubed bread evenly across the bottom. Don’t worry about it being perfect—rustic is the name of the game!
- Now, spread the cooked and crumbled sausage over the bread. This is where the heartiness comes in, and it smells incredible!
- Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the sausage. Seriously, the more cheese, the better, right?
- Pour your egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole, making sure to cover all the bread. It’ll soak up all that delicious flavor!
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or if you’re feeling ahead of the game, overnight. This helps all those flavors meld together beautifully.
- When you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and pop the casserole in the oven for about 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the egg is set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and then dig in! You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to prepare, making your Christmas morning stress-free!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd—this casserole serves 8, so everyone gets a hearty slice.
- Festive flavors of sausage, cheese, and spices will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
- Can be made ahead of time, giving you more moments to enjoy with family.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Christmas breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or even some sun-dried tomatoes to the sausage layer.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Letting the casserole sit for at least an hour (or overnight) allows the bread to soak up all those delicious eggy flavors.
- If you prefer a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or swap in a spicy sausage for a kick!
- For an even creamier texture, consider mixing in a splash of heavy cream with your milk.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or feta for a unique twist!
Nutritional Information Section
As with any recipe, the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, keep that in mind as you whip up this delicious Christmas breakfast casserole! Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
Remember, these values are approximate, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredient choices and dietary needs! Enjoy every bite, knowing it’s not just delicious, but also packed with goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this Christmas breakfast casserole is that it can be made ahead of time. Just prepare it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This not only saves you time on Christmas morning but also allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully. You can bake it straight from the fridge in the morning—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through!
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! You can really amp up the flavor by adding diced bell peppers, fresh spinach, or even some sautéed mushrooms. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. A little bit of hot sauce can also add a nice kick if you like some heat!
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat your leftover Christmas breakfast casserole, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. Enjoy those cozy leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
To make your Christmas breakfast even more delightful, consider pairing this casserole with some fresh fruit. A colorful fruit salad or sliced oranges adds a refreshing touch! You can also serve it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for that extra savory kick. Don’t forget about a warm, buttery croissant or a slice of holiday bread on the side—so indulgent! And for those who love a little sweetness, drizzling maple syrup over the casserole is a festive treat that everyone will adore. Enjoy the flavors of the season!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your Christmas breakfast casserole is a breeze! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy the deliciousness even after the holiday rush!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and placing the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to retain moisture and heat for about 20–25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual slices, just be sure to cover them to keep them from drying out. Enjoy those comforting leftovers!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Breakfast Casserole: 8 Ways to Delight Everyone
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A hearty and festive breakfast casserole perfect for Christmas morning.
Składniki
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Layer the cubed bread in a greased baking dish.
- Spread the cooked sausage over the bread.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top of the sausage.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 50 minutes
- Kategoria: Breakfast
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 22g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 9g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 18g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas breakfast casserole
