This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a heartwarming dish filled with eggs, cheese, and your choice of tasty add-ins like ham or veggies. Perfect for sharing with family!
It’s an easy way to bring everyone together for breakfast when the morning is busy. I love how you can make it the night before and just pop it in the oven. Saves me time for my coffee! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: The base of this casserole, fresh large eggs work best for a fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute some eggs with egg whites or use a plant-based egg alternative.
Milk: Whole milk keeps it rich, but you can use any milk type—whole, skim, almond, or soy milk work well too. Just keep in mind that non-dairy options might change the flavor slightly.
Cubed Bread: Day-old bread brings great texture. If you don’t have any, fresh bread works, but I recommend lightly toasting it first. You can also use bagels or croissants for a fun twist!
Bacon: Chop up cooked bacon for that salty flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon or even mushrooms can be great substitutes.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites can add variety to the dish.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Well Mixed?
Mixing well is key to a great texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- When whisking the eggs, make sure to mix them thoroughly with the milk and spices until they’re fluffy.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the bread into the egg mixture gently, ensuring every piece is soaked without breaking them.
- As you add the bacon, cheese, and veggies, continue folding to keep the mixture light and distribute ingredients evenly.
Careful mixing prevents clumps and creates a smoother casserole. If it feels too dense, don’t be afraid to add a splash more milk!
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 4 cups cubed bread (day-old or slightly toasted works best)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced green onions (scallions)
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (if you want a mix of meats)
- Butter or non-stick spray, for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and about 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly an hour for everything! It’s a great dish to make ahead, allowing you to enjoy some quiet time before the festivities kick off.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
First things first, make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up with butter or non-stick spray to prevent any sticking.
2. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the 8 eggs and pour in 1 cup of milk. Add the ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and frothy. This will add volume and make it fluffy!
3. Mix in the Bread:
Take your cubed bread (4 cups) and add it to the egg mixture. With a gentle hand, stir it all together, making sure each bread cube is coated with the egg mix. It should soak up all that deliciousness!
4. Add the Yummy Stuff:
Next, fold in the cooked bacon (1 cup), shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup), diced green onions (½ cup), and diced red bell pepper (½ cup). If you’re using the optional sausage, now’s the time to add it as well. Mix carefully until everything is distributed evenly!
5. Pour into the Baking Dish:
Your mixture is looking good! Pour it into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. This helps it cook through uniformly.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Pop it in the oven and let it bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you want it to puff up and be golden at the edges. To check for doneness, you can insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean when it’s ready!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice. When you’re ready to serve, you can add a sprinkle of extra green onions or diced red bell pepper on top for a fresh touch!
Enjoy this festive, colorful, and hearty dish that brings the holiday spirit to your breakfast table! 🍳🎄
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, you can bake it straight from the fridge, but add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks through.
Can I Use Different Meats?
Yes! Feel free to mix it up! You can easily use cooked sausage, ham, or even turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Just make sure whatever meat you choose is cooked before adding it to the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to cover it with foil to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Omit the meat and consider adding more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor. You can also use plant-based sausage to keep it hearty if desired!
