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Easy Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole | Cook With Me

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. As Christmas approaches, many of us are busy planning festive gatherings. One of the best ways to simplify your Christmas morning is to prepare a make-ahead breakfast casserole. It’s hearty, delightful, and perfect for feeding hungry family and friends without the morning rush. Let’s dive into an easy recipe that you can prepare in advance!

Why a Breakfast Casserole?

A breakfast casserole is versatile and forgiving. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, and it allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones instead of being tied to the kitchen. Preparing it the night before saves time, and all you need to do on Christmas morning is pop it in the oven!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious breakfast casserole:

• Base Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of breakfast sausage (or bacon)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 8 slices of bread (white, wheat, or brioche work well)
• Cheese and Veggies:
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1 cup of diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup of diced onions
  • Optional: Spinach, mushrooms, or any other favorite vegetables

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage (or bacon) until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set it aside to cool.

2. Whisk Eggs and Milk

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

3. Prepare the Bread

Cut the bread into cubes and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You can use leftover bread, which adds great texture and flavor!

4. Layer the Ingredients

Evenly distribute the cooked sausage or bacon over the bread cubes. Next, sprinkle the diced bell peppers and onions. Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked.

5. Add Cheese

Top the casserole with shredded cheese. Feel free to mix different cheeses for added flavor!

6. Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a deliciously fluffy casserole.

7. Bake

On Christmas morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven heats up. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or your favorite breakfast sides. Your guests will love the warm, comforting flavors!

Tips for Success

• Customize It: Feel free to get creative! Add sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, or swap out the meats. The possibilities are endless.
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with extra veggies or a plant-based sausage.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

This easy make-ahead Christmas morning breakfast casserole is sure to become a family favorite. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations. So grab your ingredients, gather your family in the kitchen, and start a delightful holiday tradition with this delicious dish!

Happy cooking and Merry Christmas from all of us at Cook With Me! Enjoy the festivities!