There’s something truly magical about Christmas brunch food. It’s that perfect blend of comfort and festivity that fills the air with warmth and joy as family and friends gather around the table. I can still remember those glorious mornings spent in the kitchen, the smell of baked goods wafting through the house while we all excitedly unwrap gifts. This festive brunch dish is inspired by those cherished memories and is sure to become a staple at your holiday celebrations. With its delightful mix of eggs, cheese, and vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this Christmas brunch food is the highlight of any holiday feast!
Ingredients List
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers and onions
- 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into cubes
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
How to Prepare Christmas Brunch Food
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—preparing this delightful Christmas brunch food! It’s super easy and flows like a festive melody.
Preheat and Whisk
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want everything to cook evenly and perfectly! While that’s heating up, grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Whisking is key here; it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your dish a lovely fluffy texture when baked. Trust me, you want that!
Mix Ingredients
Once your egg mixture is nice and frothy, it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the diced bell peppers and onions, and the 1 cup of cooked ham. Mix it all together gently, and then fold in those bread cubes. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every bite is packed with flavor. No one wants a slice without a bit of that cheesy goodness, right?
Bake the Dish
Pour your delicious mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, pop it in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and no longer jiggly. Seriously, the smells wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating this festive treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday mornings.
- Festive flavors that capture the essence of Christmas, bringing warmth to your gatherings.
- Customizable ingredients—swap in your favorite veggies or add spices to cater to your family’s tastes.
- Perfect for gatherings, serving 6 people, so it’s great for sharing with loved ones.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more holiday fun without the stress!
- Comforting and satisfying, this dish will have everyone going back for seconds.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas brunch food turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips that’ll make cooking a breeze!
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can easily swap out the diced ham for cooked sausage or even go meatless with mushrooms or spinach. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, try using egg whites instead of whole eggs or low-fat milk.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix and match your veggies! Zucchini, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes can add a unique twist. Just remember to chop them small so they blend well with the egg mixture.
- Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your dish as it bakes. You’re looking for a golden top and a firm center. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: To elevate your brunch, consider serving this dish alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad. A splash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can also add a delicious kick!
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this dish the night before! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it come to room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. Easy peasy!
With these tips in hand, you’re all set to make a delicious Christmas brunch that everyone will love. Enjoy the cooking—and the eating!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying delicious Christmas brunch food, being mindful of nutritional information can be super helpful, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your dietary needs. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (1 slice) of this festive dish:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to adjust according to your preferences, especially if you’re making substitutions. Enjoy your festive brunch while keeping it delicious and balanced!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this delightful Christmas brunch food? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that come up, along with my handy answers:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is that you can prepare it the night before. Just assemble everything in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit out for a bit while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. It’s a real time-saver!
What vegetables work best?
You can really get creative with the vegetables! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and spinach are all fantastic choices. I love using a mix of colorful veggies for both flavor and visual appeal. Just make sure to chop them small so they blend well into the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Christmas brunch food vegetarian, simply omit the cooked ham and replace it with additional vegetables or even some hearty ingredients like mushrooms or artichokes. You can also add in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for an extra flavor boost!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then cut into slices and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best texture!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! While I love cheddar, you can substitute with any cheese you prefer, like mozzarella, Swiss, or even a spicy pepper jack for a bit of kick. Just make sure it melts well!
What can I serve with this dish?
This brunch dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or even a light green salad. You could also offer a festive drink like mimosas or a warm spiced cider to complete the meal!
I hope this FAQ helps clear up any questions you have about making this festive Christmas brunch food. Enjoy every bite and the joyous moments it brings to your table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover Christmas brunch food is a delightful treat for those busy days after the holiday! To keep it fresh and tasty, follow these simple storage and reheating tips.
First, once your dish has cooled completely, slice it into individual portions. This makes it easier to reheat just what you need later on. Use airtight containers to store each slice, or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to keep them in the refrigerator if you plan to enjoy them within the next few days. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to save them for a longer time, you can freeze the slices. Just wrap them securely and pop them in the freezer, where they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For reheating, the best method is to pop your slice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the edges are slightly crispy. You can also microwave it for a quicker option, just be careful not to overcook it—about 1-2 minutes should do the trick, depending on your microwave’s power. You want that cheesy goodness to be warm and delicious, so keep an eye on it!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor the flavors of your Christmas brunch food long after the holiday festivities are over!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve created this scrumptious Christmas brunch food, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to elevate your festive gathering! Here are some delightful ideas that pair perfectly:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like berries, oranges, and pomegranate adds a refreshing contrast.
- Croissants or Pastries: Flaky, buttery pastries are always a hit and are perfect for that brunch vibe.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy addition to your table.
- Coffee and Tea: A selection of warm beverages will keep everyone cozy and happy. Consider festive options like spiced tea or peppermint-flavored coffee!
- Mimosas or Bellinis: Add a little sparkle to your brunch with these bubbly drinks! They’re fun, festive, and a wonderful way to toast the occasion.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: A drizzle of syrup or honey on the Christmas brunch dish can enhance the flavors beautifully!
With these serving suggestions, your brunch will be a delightful feast that everyone will remember. Enjoy the festivities and the delicious food!
Imprimer
Christmas Brunch Food: 6 Festive Recipes to Delight You
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive brunch menu perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced vegetables
- 1 loaf of bread
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add cheese, vegetables, and ham to the egg mixture.
- Cut bread into cubes and fold into the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use any vegetables you prefer.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Top with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Brunch
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 450mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 9g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 12g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: christmas brunch food
