Christmas morning is a magical time, filled with the joy of giving, receiving, and spending quality time with loved ones. But amidst the present unwrapping and festive cheer, one thing remains a cornerstone of the holiday: a delicious and satisfying Christmas breakfast. This year, ditch the early morning scramble and embrace the ease and deliciousness of a Christmas breakfast casserole. These make-ahead wonders allow you to prepare everything the night before, leaving you free to enjoy the holiday spirit on Christmas morning. This article will explore ten delectable Christmas breakfast casserole recipes, complete with detailed instructions and tips to ensure a memorable and stress-free holiday breakfast.
**Why Choose a Christmas Breakfast Casserole?**
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s consider why a Christmas breakfast casserole is the perfect choice for your holiday morning:
* **Convenience:** The biggest advantage is the make-ahead nature. Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and simply bake it in the morning. This frees up valuable time to focus on other holiday activities.
* **Feeds a Crowd:** Casseroles are ideal for feeding a large family or a group of friends. They’re easily scalable, making it simple to adjust the recipe to accommodate your guest list.
* **Customizable:** Breakfast casseroles are incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences and taste preferences. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, there’s a casserole recipe for you.
* **Delicious and Comforting:** There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm and hearty breakfast casserole on a cold Christmas morning. The combination of eggs, cheese, bread, and your favorite fillings creates a satisfying and flavorful meal.
* **Minimal Clean-up:** With everything baked in one dish, clean-up is a breeze. This allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
**Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Breakfast Casserole:**
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your casserole. Opt for fresh eggs, high-quality cheeses, and flavorful meats.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked eggs can become rubbery and dry. Keep a close eye on the casserole while it’s baking and remove it from the oven when the eggs are set but still slightly moist.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set properly.
* **Grease the Dish:** Thoroughly grease the baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking. You can use butter, cooking spray, or even line the dish with parchment paper.
* **Day-Old Bread:** Using day-old bread will help the casserole absorb the egg mixture better. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast fresh bread lightly to dry it out.
* **Customize the Fillings:** Feel free to experiment with different fillings to create your own unique casserole. Some popular additions include sausage, bacon, ham, vegetables, and different types of cheese.
* **Prep the Night Before:** The key to a stress-free Christmas morning is to prepare the casserole the night before. Assemble all the ingredients, layer them in the dish, and refrigerate it overnight.
* **Baking Time Adjustments:** Depending on your oven and the depth of the casserole dish, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Use a toothpick to check for doneness – it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the casserole.
**10 Delicious Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipes:**
Now, let’s get to the recipes! Here are ten delicious Christmas breakfast casseroles that are sure to impress your family and friends:
**1. Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole:**
This classic breakfast casserole is a crowd-pleaser, featuring savory sausage, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
* 6 eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 6 slices bread, cubed
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
8. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
**2. Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole:**
This elegant casserole uses buttery croissants instead of bread, adding a touch of indulgence to your Christmas breakfast.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 croissants, cubed
* 1 cup diced ham
* 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
* 6 eggs
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cubed croissants, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
8. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**3. Spinach and Feta Breakfast Casserole:**
For a lighter and healthier option, try this spinach and feta breakfast casserole. It’s packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 6 eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
* 6 slices whole wheat bread, cubed
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cubed bread, spinach, feta cheese, and red onion to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
8. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**4. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole:**
Indulge your sweet tooth with this decadent cinnamon roll French toast casserole. It’s like dessert for breakfast!
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (12.4 ounce) can refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 6 eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Icing from cinnamon roll can
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
3. Add the cinnamon roll pieces to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
8. Drizzle with the icing from the cinnamon roll can before serving.
**5. Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole:**
A berry-filled delight, this casserole combines the comforting flavors of French toast with the sweetness of blueberries.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed
* 1 pint fresh blueberries
* 8 eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
* Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the blueberries over the bread.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and blueberries.
6. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is soaked in the egg mixture.
7. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
10. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, if desired.
**6. Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole with Roasted Vegetables:**
This colorful and flavorful casserole is packed with roasted vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious option for vegetarians.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
* 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
* 1 cup chopped mushrooms
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 6 eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 6 slices bread, cubed
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cubed bread, roasted vegetables, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
11. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**7. Southwestern Breakfast Casserole:**
Add a little spice to your Christmas morning with this Southwestern-inspired breakfast casserole. It features chorizo, black beans, and corn for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 pound chorizo sausage, cooked and crumbled
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 6 eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 6 flour tortillas, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* Salsa, for serving (optional)
* Sour cream, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the tortilla pieces, chorizo, black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
8. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with salsa and sour cream, if desired.
**8. Gruyere and Asparagus Breakfast Casserole:**
This sophisticated casserole features the nutty flavor of Gruyere cheese and the delicate taste of asparagus.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 6 eggs
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
* 6 slices sourdough bread, cubed
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cubed bread, roasted asparagus, and shredded Gruyere cheese to the egg mixture. Stir to combine.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
11. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**9. Cranberry Orange Breakfast Casserole:**
Embrace the festive flavors of the season with this cranberry orange breakfast casserole. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cubed
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1/4 cup orange zest
* 6 eggs
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup orange juice
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, orange juice, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest and salt.
3. Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the cranberries over the bread.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cranberries.
6. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is soaked in the egg mixture.
7. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
10. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
**10. Make-Ahead Bacon and Gruyere Breakfast Casserole:**
A rich and decadent choice, this casserole features crispy bacon and the smooth, nutty flavor of Gruyere cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 6 slices of bread, cut into cubes
* 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded Gruyere cheese over the bread.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, bacon, and cheese.
6. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s soaked in the mixture.
7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.
9. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set.
10. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh chives, if desired.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Yogurt Parfaits:** Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a healthy and satisfying side.
* **Orange Juice or Mimosas:** Add a festive touch with a glass of orange juice or a celebratory mimosa.
* **Coffee or Tea:** A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect complement to your Christmas breakfast.
**Storing Leftovers:**
Leftover breakfast casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
**Conclusion:**
Christmas breakfast casseroles are a delicious, convenient, and customizable way to start your holiday morning. With these ten recipes and helpful tips, you’re sure to find the perfect casserole to delight your family and friends. So, this year, embrace the ease and joy of a make-ahead breakfast and spend more time celebrating the magic of Christmas. Happy cooking, and Merry Christmas!