Festive Breakfast Bake

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the irresistible aroma of a savory, cheesy breakfast baking in the oven, with minimal effort required. Our Easy Christmas Morning Casserole makes this dream a reality! Simply assemble this delightful dish the night before, tuck it into the fridge, and then slide it into the oven as soon as the household begins to stir. Before you know it, a warm, golden, and incredibly satisfying morning meal will be ready to fuel your festive day.

This layered Christmas Morning Casserole stands out as one of the most delicious and convenient breakfast or brunch dishes you’ll ever encounter. It’s a harmonious blend of gooey cheese, a delightful crunchy topping, and tender layers of ham or peameal bacon (a Canadian favorite from Ontario, easily substituted). Bursting with flavor, the true magic lies in its make-ahead nature: you prepare this cheesy strata the night before, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully overnight in the refrigerator. Come morning, simply bake it, and your holiday breakfast is served, leaving you more time to create cherished memories with family.

Known by various affectionate names such as Christmas Morning Wife Saver, Ham and Cheese Strata, or simply a Holiday Brunch Casserole, this dish is universally adored. Rich in protein from eggs, ham, and cheese, it offers a complete and hearty meal on its own. It pairs wonderfully with a vibrant fruit salad, a steaming cup of coffee for the adults, and fresh orange juice for the little ones. Designed to feed the entire family, this recipe, prepared in a standard 9×13-inch baking pan, ensures there’s enough to go around—and trust us, you’ll want every last bite!

What Exactly Is a Christmas Morning Casserole (or Strata)?

At its heart, a Christmas Morning Casserole is a rich, layered, savory breakfast bake, often referred to as a “strata.” The term “strata” comes from the Latin word for “layer,” perfectly describing this dish’s construction. It typically involves layers of bread (which soaks up a creamy egg custard), savory meat like ham or bacon, and plenty of cheese. The genius of a strata is that it’s assembled the night before, allowing the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in an incredibly tender, custardy interior when baked.

Our version features a hearty bread base, an indulgent egg custard (a blend of milk and eggs), generous amounts of shredded cheese, and your choice of peameal bacon or classic ham. For those unfamiliar, peameal bacon is a beloved specialty in Ontario, Canada, known for its lean, cured pork loin rolled in cornmeal. If peameal bacon isn’t readily available, it can be easily substituted with back bacon or thinly sliced, good-quality ham. The overnight soak ensures the bread transforms into a wonderfully fluffy, soft, cheesy, and utterly delicious creation after baking. This particular Christmas strata recipe draws inspiration from the cherished Best of Bridge cookbook series, a tradition we’ve happily continued for many years during the holiday season. Its simplicity, combined with its comforting flavors, makes it an undeniable festive favorite.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Holiday Strata

Crafting this delectable Christmas Morning Casserole requires a few key ingredients that come together to create its signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few notes for best results:

• Sourdough Bread: You’ll need a full loaf of regular sandwich-sized slices. Sourdough adds a wonderful tangy depth and sturdy structure that holds up well to the egg custard. If sourdough isn’t an option, a good quality white or whole wheat sandwich bread works too, just ensure it’s not too dense. Day-old bread is ideal for soaking up the liquid.
• Ham or Peameal Bacon: About 12 ounces of thinly sliced ham is perfect. For a unique Canadian twist, try peameal bacon, or back bacon. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s thinly sliced for even distribution and flavor in every bite.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Two cups of shredded sharp cheddar are essential for that classic, robust cheesy flavor. Shredding your own cheese from a block often melts smoother and has better flavor than pre-shredded varieties, which sometimes contain anti-caking agents.
• Eggs: Six large eggs form the rich base of our custard, binding the casserole together and creating its fluffy texture.
• Milk: Three cups of milk are needed for the egg custard. Whole milk provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but feel free to use whatever milk you have on hand – 2%, 1%, or even a non-dairy alternative will work, though the richness may vary slightly.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Two teaspoons add a savory, umami depth that really elevates the overall flavor profile of the casserole. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it adds a subtle complexity.
• Pepper: Half a teaspoon of ground white pepper is recommended. White pepper blends seamlessly into the dish without visible black flecks, maintaining a clean appearance, but black pepper works just as well for taste.
• Dry Mustard Powder: One teaspoon of dry mustard powder contributes a zesty, sharp note that complements the cheese and ham beautifully. It enhances the savory elements without overpowering them.
• Onion: Half a cup of finely chopped onion adds aromatic flavor and a slight sweetness to the casserole. Fine chopping ensures it softens and integrates well during baking.
• Green Bell Pepper: Half a cup of finely diced green bell pepper provides a fresh, slightly crisp texture and a pop of color. Other bell pepper colors can be used for variety.
• Chipotle Powder: A quarter teaspoon of chipotle powder introduces a subtle smoky heat, adding an exciting dimension to the savory flavors. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Butter: Half a cup of melted salted butter is used for drizzling over the cereal topping, creating a golden, crispy crust. Using salted butter enhances the overall flavor.
• Special K Cereal: Two cups of coarsely crushed Special K cereal create the signature crispy, buttery topping that adds a fantastic textural contrast to the soft interior.

Crafting the Best Christmas Morning Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to prepare your overnight breakfast casserole for a stress-free holiday morning. The beauty of this dish is in its preparation, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities.

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and helps create a delicious crispy edge.
2. Layer the Bread: Cut the crusts off your sourdough bread slices. You can save these crusts to dry and make homemade breadcrumbs later! Arrange half of the bread slices in a single layer at the bottom of the buttered casserole dish, ensuring they cover the base completely. Fill in any small gaps with torn pieces of bread.
3. Add Meat and Cheese: Evenly lay your chosen meat—whether it’s peameal bacon, back bacon, or thinly sliced ham—over the bread layer. Follow with an even sprinkle of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Finally, top with the remaining bread slices, ensuring full coverage.
4. Whisk the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and chipotle powder until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
5. Soak Overnight: Carefully pour the milk-egg custard mixture evenly over the top layer of bread in the casserole dish. Gently press down on the bread if needed to ensure it begins to absorb the liquid and settles into the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for a minimum of 6 hours, to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard. This critical step creates the tender, custardy texture.
6. Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Add Topping & Bake (Covered): Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole. Evenly sprinkle the coarsely crushed Special K cereal over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the cereal topping. Cover the entire dish securely with aluminum foil.
8. Final Baking & Browning: Bake the covered casserole at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 60 minutes. After an hour, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is beautifully puffy, golden brown, bubbly around the edges, and set in the middle.
9. Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious, stress-free Christmas morning meal!

How to Tell When Your Christmas Morning Casserole is Perfectly Cooked

Knowing when your Christmas Morning Casserole is fully cooked ensures a perfect, custardy texture every time. During baking, the casserole will become beautifully puffy and golden brown on top. To confirm it’s done, pay close attention to the center:

• Puffiness: The entire casserole, especially the middle, should be noticeably puffed up. This indicates that the egg mixture has set.
• Internal Temperature: For the most accurate reading, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the casserole. It should register 160°F (71°C) or higher.
• Knife Test: A classic method is to insert a thin knife or a wooden skewer into the center. When pulled out, it should come out mostly clean. If there’s still liquid or very soggy, unset egg mixture clinging to the knife, the casserole needs more time in the oven. Return it for 5-10 minute increments until it passes the test.
• Bubbly Edges: The edges of the casserole should be bubbling vigorously, showing that the mixture is thoroughly cooked through.

Don’t be afraid to give it a little extra time if needed. An undercooked strata can be unappetizingly soggy, while a perfectly cooked one is a delightful treat!

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Casserole Success

Here are a few additional tips and tricks to ensure your Christmas Morning Casserole turns out perfectly every time, from prep to serving:

• Plan for Baking Time: This casserole requires a significant amount of baking time, typically around 75 minutes. Don’t underestimate this! Start baking early on Christmas morning to ensure it’s ready when hunger strikes. If you’re truly in a pinch and the center isn’t quite set, a brief stint in the microwave for individual servings can help finish it, though oven baking is always preferred for texture.
• Bring to Room Temperature: To slightly reduce baking time and ensure more even cooking, let the casserole warm up on the counter for 30-60 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven. This takes the chill off and allows it to cook more uniformly.
• Cheese Swaps: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to get creative with your cheese choice! Swiss cheese adds a nutty flavor, Monterey Jack offers a milder, meltier texture, and Gouda provides a slightly sweet and creamy element. A blend of cheeses can also be fantastic. Use whatever melty cheese you have on hand or what your family loves most.
• Bread Choice Matters: Stick to regular sandwich slices or thinly sliced bread for this recipe. Thick slices of bread can make the casserole too dense and overly puffy, potentially interfering with the custard’s ability to soak in properly. Day-old bread is often preferred as it absorbs the liquid better without becoming mushy.
• Prevent Spills: Baking this casserole on a baking sheet is a smart precaution. If the casserole bubbles over, the baking sheet will catch any spillover, saving you from a messy oven cleanup.
• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables to the egg mixture, such as red bell pepper, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach (wilted and squeezed dry). This can add extra flavor and nutrition.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, individual slices can be microwaved or warmed in the oven until heated through.

Recommended Dishes to Explore Next

If you loved this easy and delicious casserole, you might enjoy these other fantastic recipes:

Make It a Complete Holiday Meal

While Christmas Morning Casserole is wonderfully satisfying on its own, you might be wondering what else to serve alongside this magnificent dish. We love pairing it with fresh berries or a colorful fruit salad to add a touch of sweetness and freshness. For a heartier spread, consider serving it with extra breakfast proteins like perfectly cooked bacon or savory sausage. Flaky pastries, warm muffins, or homemade cinnamon rolls can also complement the meal beautifully. Don’t forget the beverages: chilled orange juice, rich coffee, and perhaps a celebratory mimosa can elevate your holiday brunch. Ultimately, this casserole is versatile enough to stand alone or anchor a lavish breakfast feast, depending on what delights your family!

Visual Guide: Step-By-Step Process

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Christmas Morning Casserole

Loaded with cheese, ham, and oodles of flavor, this Christmas Morning Casserole will save your bacon on a busy morning! Prep it the night before and bake it in the morning to spend time with your family instead of cooking!

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: breakfast casserole, brunch, christmas morning casserole, eggs, strata

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 610 kcal

Author: Chef Jenn

Equipment

• 1 9 x 13 inch baking dish

Ingredients

• 1 loaf sourdough bread (crusts removed)
• 12 ounces ham (or peameal bacon or back bacon)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 eggs
• 3 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 2 cups Special K cereal (crushed into coarse crumbs)
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
2. Cut the crusts off the slices of bread (dry the crusts to make bread crumbs) and layer half of them into the bottom of the casserole dish. Fill in any gaps with pieces of bread.
3. Lay the peameal bacon, back bacon or ham over the top of the bread slices, add the shredded cheese, and top with the remaining bread.
4. Whisk the milk, Worcestershire Sauce, mustard powder, onion, green pepper, and chipotle powder in a bowl until combined.
5. Pour the milk-egg mixture over the top of the bread evenly, letting it soak down to the bottom of the dish.
6. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
7. Preheat your oven to 375-F.
8. Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and top it with the crushed cereal. Drizzle with butter and cover with foil.
9. Bake at 375-F for about an hour, then uncover it and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until puffy, bubbly, and set in the middle.
10. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 610kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 219mg | Sodium: 1276mg | Potassium: 454mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1144IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 373mg | Iron: 5mg

A Note on Nutritional Information: Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

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