Start your Christmas morning off right with a delicious breakfast casserole that combines all the flavors of the season into one hearty dish. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a festive and convenient option for holiday gatherings. With layers of rich eggs, savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a comforting delight that brings warmth and cheer to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups milk
– 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup diced bell peppers
– 1 cup chopped spinach
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 cups cubed bread (preferably stale)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and the cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/8 of the casserole) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 18g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
3. Season the egg mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cubed bread evenly.
5. Layer the cooked sausage over the bread.
6. Add the diced bell peppers and chopped spinach on top of the sausage.
7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and vegetables.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to customize this casserole by using different proteins like ham or bacon, or switch out the vegetables for your favorites, such as mushrooms or zucchini. Gluten-free bread can be used for a gluten-free version.
Serving and Pairings
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, holiday pastries, or a warm cup of spiced coffee. Consider serving it with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the casserole can make it dry; monitor the baking time closely.
- Using fresh bread instead of stale may result in a soggy texture.
- Not seasoning the egg mixture properly can lead to bland flavors.
- Skipping the foil during the first half of baking may cause the top to burn.
- Forgetting to grease the baking dish can make cleanup difficult.
Helpful Tips
- Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight for easy baking in the morning.
- Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Experiment with different herbs for added freshness.
FAQs
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning!
What can I serve with the casserole?
This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, coffee, or holiday pastries.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes.
Conclusion
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a delightful way to start your holiday celebrations. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this dish brings warmth and joy to your festive gatherings.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 lb breakfast sausage cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Season the egg mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the cubed bread evenly.
- Layer the cooked sausage over the bread.
- Add the diced bell peppers and chopped spinach on top of the sausage.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and vegetables.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
