Ah, Christmas morning! There’s just something magical about waking up to the smell of a delicious breakfast wafting through the house. I can already hear the laughter and excitement as everyone gathers around the table, eager to dig into a hearty meal. That’s where my *Christmas morning casserole* comes in—it’s the ultimate dish for family gatherings! Packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, this casserole is not only comforting but also super easy to make. It’s a wonderful way to start the day and keep everyone satisfied while you unwrap gifts and enjoy each other’s company. Trust me, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients for Christmas Morning Casserole
To whip up this delightful *Christmas morning casserole*, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together for a hearty feast. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: This adds a savory, meaty flavor that really makes the casserole shine.
- 6 large eggs: Eggs are the backbone of this dish, providing that fluffy texture.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk works best for a creamy consistency, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- 4 cups cubed bread: I love using a nice crusty bread or even leftover French bread for added flavor!
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: This gives it that gooey, cheesy goodness—sharp or mild, you can’t go wrong!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A little sprinkle for that aromatic kick.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: It adds depth without the fuss of chopping onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential for bringing all those flavors together.
How to Prepare Christmas Morning Casserole
Getting this *Christmas morning casserole* ready is a breeze, and it’s all about layering those delicious ingredients! Here’s how to do it:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking your casserole to golden perfection.
- Next, grab a skillet and cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture is going to bind everything beautifully.
- Now, in a greased 9×13 baking dish, start layering! Begin with a layer of cubed bread, followed by the cooked sausage, and then sprinkle on that glorious shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over your layered goodness. Make sure it seeps through all the layers for that perfect bite!
- Finally, pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is set and has that lovely golden hue on top.
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s hard to resist, but trust me, waiting just a bit will make it even better!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Morning Casserole
This *Christmas morning casserole* is an absolute game changer for your holiday breakfast! Here’s why it’ll become a staple in your home:
- Hearty and filling: It’s packed with protein and carbs, perfect for fueling your family’s festive day ahead!
- Easy to make: With simple prep and just one baking dish, cleanup is a breeze—more time for family fun!
- Make-ahead option: You can prep it the night before, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven in the morning.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese to suit everyone’s taste.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s kids or adults, everyone will love this warm, comforting dish—there won’t be any leftovers!
Tips for Success with Your Christmas Morning Casserole
To ensure your *Christmas morning casserole* turns out perfectly, I’ve got a few handy tips to share! First, using day-old bread is a game changer—it absorbs the egg mixture better, giving you that ideal texture. If you want to prep ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.
Also, feel free to mix in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. And don’t skimp on the cheese! A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack can elevate the flavor even more. Lastly, let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking—it makes slicing easier and enhances the flavors. Enjoy your holiday feast!
Variations for Christmas Morning Casserole
The beauty of this *Christmas morning casserole* is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting every year. For starters, try using different cheeses—Swiss, pepper jack, or even a creamy feta can add a unique twist to the flavor. If you’re in the mood for something a bit healthier, toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition. You could even add cooked bacon or ham for a meat lover’s variation!
Feeling adventurous? Consider swapping out the bread for a croissant or bagel base for a flakier texture. And if you want to turn it into a festive dish, add some diced tomatoes and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh finish. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it and create your perfect holiday casserole!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Christmas Morning Casserole
If you end up with leftovers from your *Christmas morning casserole*—which is always a good problem to have—storing them is super simple! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, and if it’s been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off. Cover it with foil to prevent over-browning and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option—just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it’s warmed evenly. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Morning Casserole
This *Christmas morning casserole* is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep you going through the festivities! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy every hearty bite guilt-free!
FAQ About Christmas Morning Casserole
I know you might have a few questions about this *Christmas morning casserole*, so let me help clear things up! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it! Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you can bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of bread works best?
I love using day-old crusty bread or French bread for this recipe. It holds up well and absorbs the egg mixture beautifully, giving you that perfect texture!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Feel free to toss in sautéed veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. They add great flavor and nutrition, plus a pop of color!
How do I know when it’s done?
You’ll know your casserole is done when it’s set in the center and has a lovely golden top. A quick knife test in the middle should come out clean.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just let the casserole cool and wrap it tightly. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as directed.
Hopefully, these FAQs help you feel more confident in making your *Christmas morning casserole*! Enjoy the festive cooking!
Imprimer
Christmas Morning Casserole: 5 Steps to Holiday Joy
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A hearty and delicious casserole perfect for Christmas morning.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers in the baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden.
Notes
- Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate.
- Top with fresh herbs before serving for added flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Breakfast
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 18g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 18g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 180mg
Mots-clés: christmas morning casserole
