The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and of course, delicious food. A Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish to start off a festive day. This hearty and comforting casserole is filled with all the savory breakfast favorites, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends gathering around the holiday table. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this casserole embodies the warmth and joy of Christmas morning.
The Essence of Holiday Comfort
A Christmas Breakfast Casserole combines classic breakfast ingredients in one dish. It’s a versatile recipe, allowing for various ingredients like meats, cheeses, and vegetables to be included based on personal preference. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings a sense of holiday spirit to the breakfast table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions: diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or cooked beef
Instructions:
Preparing the Ingredients:
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain the excess grease and set aside.
- Cube the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it to remove some moisture.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Grease a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Bread and Sausage: Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the cooked sausage (and any optional veggies or additional meats) over the bread.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sausage layer.
Preparing the Egg Mixture:
- Whisk Eggs and Milk: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour Over Casserole: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese layers in the baking dish.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
Baking the Casserole:
- Preheat Oven: In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Serving:
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
The Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the perfect start to a festive day. It’s a dish that’s as convenient as it is delicious, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating with loved ones. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist with different ingredients, this casserole is sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday table. So gather your family around, serve up this delightful casserole, and enjoy a merry and flavorful Christmas morning!