The Ultimate Christmas Morning Egg Casserole: A Festive Breakfast Tradition
Christmas morning is a time for family, joy, and, of course, delicious food! While presents are exciting, the aroma of a warm, comforting breakfast filling the house sets the perfect tone for a magical day. And what better way to kick off the festivities than with a Christmas Morning Egg Casserole? This make-ahead dish is a lifesaver for busy hosts, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones and less time slaving away in the kitchen. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and utterly delicious – the perfect centerpiece for your holiday breakfast spread.
Why Choose an Egg Casserole for Christmas Morning?
Let’s be honest, Christmas morning can be chaotic. Between opening presents, wrangling excited children, and catching up with family, the last thing you want to worry about is cooking a complicated breakfast. An egg casserole solves this problem beautifully. Here’s why it’s the perfect choice:
* **Make-Ahead Convenience:** The beauty of an egg casserole lies in its make-ahead nature. You can assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh on Christmas morning. This allows you to sleep in a little longer and enjoy a stress-free start to the day.
* **Feeds a Crowd:** Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a smaller, more intimate celebration, an egg casserole easily feeds a crowd. You can adjust the recipe to suit the number of guests you’re expecting.
* **Customizable Flavors:** The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your egg casserole. You can add your favorite meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spices to create a flavor profile that everyone will love. We’ll explore some delicious variations later in this article.
* **Warm and Comforting:** There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, cheesy egg casserole on a cold winter morning. It’s the perfect way to nourish your loved ones and create a sense of togetherness.
* **Relatively Inexpensive:** Compared to some elaborate Christmas breakfast options, an egg casserole is relatively inexpensive to make. This is especially helpful if you’re on a budget but still want to create a special meal.
The Basic Christmas Morning Egg Casserole Recipe
This recipe provides a foundation for a delicious and versatile egg casserole. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chilling time)
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (or bacon, ham, or vegetarian sausage alternative)
* 1 loaf (1 pound) bread, cubed (day-old bread works best)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
* 12 large eggs
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon dry mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Non-stick cooking spray
**Equipment:**
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease and set aside to cool slightly. If using bacon, cook until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble. If using ham, dice it into small pieces.
* Cube the bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture better. You can leave the crusts on or remove them, depending on your preference.
* Shred the cheeses. I recommend using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a good balance of flavor and meltability, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack.
* Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. You can use any color bell pepper you like – red, green, yellow, or orange. If you’re not a fan of onions or peppers, you can omit them or substitute them with other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
* If using, chop the fresh parsley.
**Step 2: Assemble the Casserole**
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
* Spread half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. If using particularly crusty bread, you might consider toasting it lightly before adding it to the casserole, this ensures a better texture.
* Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage (or other meat) over the bread.
* Sprinkle half of the chopped onion and bell pepper over the sausage.
* Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
* Repeat layers with the remaining bread, sausage, vegetables, and cheese. This ensures that each bite of the casserole is packed with flavor and texture. Distribute the parsley evenly at this point if using it.
**Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. The dry mustard adds a subtle tang to the casserole that complements the other flavors. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the milk mixture for a smooth and even texture.
* Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, vegetables, and cheese in the baking dish. Make sure the egg mixture saturates the bread thoroughly. You may need to gently press down on the bread with a spoon or spatula to ensure that it is fully submerged. This will help the casserole hold its shape and prevent the bread from drying out.
**Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight**
* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a moist and flavorful casserole. The chilling time also allows the flavors to meld together.
**Step 5: Bake the Casserole**
* Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly. This will help it bake more evenly.
* Uncover the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the egg mixture is set. A knife inserted into the center of the casserole should come out clean. If the top of the casserole is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
* Let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow it to set up a little more and make it easier to slice.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Slice the casserole into squares or rectangles and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Egg Casserole
* **Use Day-Old Bread:** Day-old bread is drier and more absorbent than fresh bread, which will prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the casserole will result in a dry and rubbery texture. Bake it just until the egg mixture is set and the top is golden brown.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving will help it set up and make it easier to slice.
* **Customize the Ingredients:** Feel free to experiment with different meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Grease the Baking Dish Thoroughly:** This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to clean up.
Delicious Egg Casserole Variations
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Ham and Swiss:** Substitute the sausage with diced ham and the cheddar cheese with Swiss cheese. Add a touch of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
* **Spinach and Feta:** Omit the sausage and add 1 cup of chopped spinach and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Season with garlic powder and oregano.
* **Mexican Fiesta:** Substitute the sausage with chorizo and the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack cheese. Add 1/2 cup of salsa and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro.
* **Vegetarian Delight:** Omit the sausage and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms, 1/2 cup of chopped zucchini, and 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper. Season with Italian herbs.
* **Bacon and Gruyere:** Replace sausage with crispy bacon and cheddar with Gruyere. A sprinkle of nutmeg adds a warm, festive touch.
* **Everything Bagel Casserole:** Mix in a generous amount of Everything Bagel seasoning with the egg mixture and sprinkle some on top before baking for that classic bagel flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions for Stress-Free Christmas Morning
The real magic of this egg casserole lies in its ability to be prepared ahead of time. Follow these steps for a seamless Christmas morning:
1. **Assemble the Casserole:** Complete steps 1-3 of the recipe.
2. **Refrigerate:** Cover the prepared casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for up to 24 hours.
3. **Bake:** On Christmas morning, preheat your oven as directed. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to warm slightly.
4. **Bake and Serve:** Bake according to the recipe instructions until golden brown and set. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
**Important Note:** If baking a casserole that has been refrigerated, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions for Your Christmas Morning Egg Casserole
While the egg casserole is delicious on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your Christmas breakfast:
* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** A colorful and refreshing fruit salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Toast or Muffins:** Serve with a side of toast or muffins for a complete breakfast.
* **Yogurt Parfaits:** Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a light and healthy option.
* **Coffee or Hot Chocolate:** No Christmas breakfast is complete without a warm beverage. Offer a selection of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
* **Orange Juice or Mimosas:** For a festive touch, serve orange juice or mimosas.
* **Spiced Applesauce:** The warmth of spiced applesauce pairs beautifully with the savory casserole.
Storing Leftover Egg Casserole
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Conclusion
A Christmas Morning Egg Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish – it’s a tradition in the making. It’s a way to bring your family together, create lasting memories, and enjoy a delicious and stress-free start to the holiday season. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a Christmas breakfast masterpiece that everyone will love! Happy holidays and happy cooking!