Ah, Christmas Eve brunch! It’s one of my favorite traditions that brings warmth and joy to the holiday season. Picture this: cozying up with family and friends, the aroma of baked eggs filling the air, and laughter echoing around the table. This recipe is special to me because it combines seasonal flavors and a sense of togetherness. I remember making this dish with my grandma, who always added a sprinkle of love (and maybe a dash of mischief!). Trust me, nothing sets the mood for a festive day like this delicious brunch that’s simple to whip up yet feels so special. Let’s dive into the festive flavors and create some memories together!
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to make your Christmas Eve brunch shine:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice of cheddar or Swiss works great!)
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, just make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture if using frozen)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for that perfect sauté!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that perfect bake!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs and 1 cup milk until well combined—think of it as a festive workout for your whisk!
- Next, add in the 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1 cup chopped spinach, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix everything together until it’s all happy and well-blended.
- Now, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully pour your delicious egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You want it to start setting at the edges but don’t worry if it’s still a bit wobbly in the middle!
- Once that’s done, transfer the skillet straight into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up and golden!
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help everything settle and make it easier to slice up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday mornings!
- Festive flavors that capture the spirit of Christmas Eve.
- Serves a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Comforting and hearty, yet light enough to leave room for dessert!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs, vibrant spinach, and good-quality cheese make all the difference in flavor and texture. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the baking time! You want the eggs to be set but still moist. Overbaking can lead to a dry result, and nobody wants that!
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps everything firm up a bit and makes for cleaner slices.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add herbs like basil or chives for an extra flavor kick, or swap in different meats like sausage or bacon for variety!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, there are so many fun ways to customize this Christmas Eve brunch! Here are a few ideas:
- Veggie Delight: Swap in different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture!
- Protein Power: Instead of ham, try using crumbled sausage, cooked bacon, or even diced turkey for a festive twist.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix and match your cheeses! Try feta for a tangy flavor or pepper jack for a little heat.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme to brighten up the flavors and make it feel even more special.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, toss in some jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a delightful zing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! This Christmas Eve brunch dish is super easy to store and reheat, so you can enjoy it for days to come.
- Storing: Allow the baked brunch to cool completely, then cut it into slices. Place the slices in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer!
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Serving Tip: Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of your favorite sauce for an extra festive touch!
Nutritional Information
While I always encourage you to enjoy every bite of this delicious Christmas Eve brunch, it’s good to be mindful of nutrition too! Each serving is hearty and satisfying, but remember that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, consider this as a general guide rather than precise figures!
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Protein: About 20g
- Fat: Roughly 10g
- Sodium: Around 600mg
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8g
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences, and enjoy this festive dish without worry!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Christmas Eve brunch ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pour it into the skillet and bake it fresh in the morning for a lovely, warm brunch!
What if I don’t have a skillet?
No worries! You can use a baking dish instead. Just pour your mixture into a greased 9×9 inch or similar sized dish and bake it as directed. It’ll work perfectly!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even crumbled feta can add a delightful twist to your Christmas Eve brunch.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
While this brunch is relatively low in carbs compared to many holiday dishes, it does contain some. If you’re looking for a low-carb version, consider reducing the amount of milk or adding more veggies instead!
What can I serve alongside this brunch?
Pair it with fresh fruit, a light salad, or some festive pastries for a well-rounded Christmas Eve brunch experience. A warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa also adds to the cozy atmosphere!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious Christmas Eve brunch ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for the ultimate festive feast! Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Fresh Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like berries, oranges, and pomegranates adds a refreshing touch and brightens up your table.
- Holiday Pastries: Consider serving some flaky croissants or sweet cinnamon rolls. They’re perfect for those who want a little something extra on their plate!
- Light Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the eggs and cheese beautifully.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer some creamy yogurt with granola and fruit for a lovely, light option that complements the savory brunch.
- Beverages: Don’t forget about drinks! A festive mimosa or a warm spiced cider can really set the holiday mood. And of course, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea never goes amiss!
Mix and match these ideas to create a delightful spread that your family and friends will remember for years to come. Enjoy the warmth and cheer of the season!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Eve Brunch: 5 Heartwarming Recipes to Cherish
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
A festive brunch for Christmas Eve featuring seasonal flavors.
Składniki
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add ham, cheese, spinach, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with fresh fruit.
- Optionally, add herbs for extra flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Brunch
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 8g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas eve brunch, holiday brunch, festive meal
