Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe: A Festive Feast to Remember
The holidays are a time for togetherness, and what better way to start your Christmas morning than with a delicious and easy-to-prepare breakfast casserole? This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it can be made ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities. Let's dive into creating a Christmas breakfast casserole that's as heartwarming as it is flavorful!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand!
- Bread: 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed (challah, brioche, or Texas toast all work wonderfully!)
- Sausage: 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (or substitute with bacon or ham for a different flavor profile)
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mix in some Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick!)
- Eggs: 8 large eggs
- Milk: 1 cup milk (whole milk is recommended for richness, but you can use 2% or skim)
- Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder
- Optional additions: 1 cup chopped bell peppers, ½ cup chopped onions, ½ cup chopped mushrooms, ½ cup shredded cheese of your choice (cheddar, mozzarella)
Instructions: How to Make Your Festive Breakfast Casserole:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish generously. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
Prepare the bread: Cube your bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't worry about making them perfectly uniform; rustic is charming! Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Add the savory components: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage evenly over the bread. If you’re adding vegetables, now’s the time to incorporate them. Evenly distribute the chopped bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Cheese please!: Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese (1 cup) over the sausage and vegetables.
The egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Combine and bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, vegetables, and cheese. Make sure all the bread is moistened. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips and Variations for Your Christmas Breakfast Casserole:
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little heat.
- Sweet and savory: Include some crumbled bacon, chopped pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup before baking for a unique twist.
- Holiday flair: Use festive cookie cutters to create fun shapes from the bread before assembling the casserole.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Christmas breakfast casserole alongside fresh fruit, mimosa, or coffee for a complete and delightful Christmas morning breakfast.
This Christmas breakfast casserole recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. It's a delicious and impressive dish that's surprisingly simple to make. Happy Holidays and happy cooking!
