**Introduction**
Celebrate the warmth of the holidays by bringing a festive dish to the breakfast table: the Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole. This delightful treat is a blend of delicious breakfast staples like eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon, baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect dish to wake up to, guaranteeing a memorable Christmas morning with family and friends.
**Why Make this Recipe**
Christmas mornings are filled with excitement and joy, and nothing complements this better than a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth, breakfast casserole. It is easy to prepare and bakes in less than an hour, giving you more time to soak up the holiday spirit. It’s hearty, savory and ideal for sharing – truly the perfect way to kick start the festivities.
**How To Make Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole**
Making this Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole can be divided into simple steps: preparing your basic ingredients, layering them in a baking dish, and baking until ready. Ready to give it a go? Let’s dive into this!
**Ingredients**
For this recipe, you’ll need the following:
– 6 slices of bread, cubed
– 1 pound breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard (optional)
**Directions**
Follow these easy steps to assemble your casserole:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Evenly arrange the cubed bread at the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Layer the cooked sausage or bacon on top of the bread cubes, followed by the shredded cheese.
4. Whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and mustard in a mixing bowl and then pour this mixture over the bread and sausage layers.
5. Bake everything in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the top has turned golden brown and the eggs are fully cooked.
6. Allow your casserole to cool down a little bit before serving.
**How to serve Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole**
Serve your Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits or light salads, making it a well-rounded, nutritious and filling start to Christmas morning.
**How to store Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole**
This casserole is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Simply reheat them in the oven when ready to serve.
**Tips to Make Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole**
Consider these tips to enhance your breakfast casserole:
– For a softer texture, opt for a bread with a soft crumb like brioche or challah.
– Use a sharp cheddar for a deeper flavor.
– Want a meatier casserole? Add in more sausage or bacon. Not a meat lover? Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms and spinach also work well.
**Variations**
This breakfast casserole is easily customizable. You could switch cheddar with Swiss cheese for a creamier texture or add diced tomatoes and bell peppers for added freshness and color.
**FAQs**
**Can I prepare this casserole the night before?**
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it in the morning so it’s fresh and ready for breakfast.
**What type of milk should I use?**
Most milk varieties will work in this recipe. However, full-fat milk will give a creamier texture.
**Can I use other cheeses?**
Yes, other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese would work great in this recipe.
Enjoy a Christmas morning filled with cheer, laughter and the inviting aroma of this irresistible Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole! It’s guaranteed to make your celebration extra special.