There is something truly magical about waking up on Christmas morning to a warm, hearty dish that’s already waiting for you. The Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is my ultimate go-to for holiday mornings when I want to savor the moment, not fuss over breakfast. Layers of crustless bread, Canadian bacon, sharp cheddar, and a flavorful egg mixture come together overnight to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that bakes to golden perfection. It’s a festive, easy way to kick off your holiday with all the flavors and none of the rush.

Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, reliable ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver rich flavor and satisfying texture. Each component plays an essential role: the bread forms a soft yet sturdy base, Canadian bacon adds savory depth, sharp cheddar brings irresistible cheesiness, and the vibrant bell peppers along with a dash of Worcestershire and hot sauce give a subtle punch of festive flair.

16 slices bread, crusts removed: Provides a tender, soakable base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
16 slices Canadian bacon: Adds a smoky, meaty layer that complements the cheese perfectly.
16 slices sharp Cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of gooey, tangy goodness throughout the casserole.
6 large eggs: The main binder that holds everything together with a fluffy, custardy texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors without overwhelming the dish.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Brings a mild warmth and slight bite to balance the richness.
1 teaspoon dry mustard: Adds subtle depth and a hint of tang that brightens the egg mixture.
¼ cup minced onion: For a gentle sweetness and aromatic base note.
2 tablespoons diced green bell pepper: Adds color and a crisp, fresh bite.
2 tablespoons diced red bell pepper: Offers a touch of sweetness and festive red hue.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Imparts umami richness that ties all the flavors together.
1 dash hot sauce: Delivers a subtle hint of heat for balance.
3 cups whole milk: Creates a creamy egg custard base for the casserole.
½ cup butter, melted: Poured on top before baking to add richness and help crisp the topping.
1 cup crushed corn flakes cereal: Sprinkled over the casserole for a satisfying, crunchy finish.

How to Make Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly. A well-greased dish ensures your breakfast casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Remove the crusts from the bread slices for a perfect, soft texture. Cut and arrange 8 slices carefully to cover the bottom of the baking dish completely. This base supports the layers to come, soaking up all the delicious custard.

Step 3: Add Canadian Bacon and Cheese Layers

Next, layer the Canadian bacon evenly on top of the bread, followed by slices of sharp cheddar cheese. These layers provide a savory, melty center that makes this Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole so irresistible.

Step 4: Top with Remaining Bread

Cover the bacon and cheese with the remaining 8 bread slices, pressing gently to create a neat, layered casserole that will hold the egg mixture well.

Step 5: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, pepper, and dry mustard until smooth. Then stir in the minced onion, diced green and red bell peppers, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Finally, whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is perfectly blended and ready to soak into the bread layers.

Step 6: Pour Egg Mixture and Refrigerate Overnight

Pour the savory egg custard evenly over the layered casserole, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight. This step is what makes this dish a true time-saver and stress-buster for Christmas morning.

Step 7: Add Butter and Corn Flake Topping

The next morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and pour melted butter evenly over the top. Sprinkle crushed corn flakes on as a crunchy topping that will bake golden and crisp, creating an irresistible texture contrast.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the center is set and the topping is beautifully browned. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for 10 minutes – this helps the casserole firm up just right before slicing.

How to Serve Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the casserole by adding bursts of flavor and color. Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a vibrant, fresh touch that pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines on its own but pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides. A crisp mixed green salad or a bowl of fresh fruit can balance the richness perfectly, while warm cinnamon rolls or soft dinner rolls add a cozy, indulgent touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive holiday vibe, serve this casserole right out of a decorative ceramic dish or cast iron skillet to keep it warm. Add holiday-themed toothpicks or place servings on colorful plates with sprigs of rosemary or cranberries to brighten the breakfast table ambiance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions individually to retain texture and enjoy a quick breakfast or brunch later in the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, bake fully, cool completely, and then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or store in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy mornings.

Reheating

To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping re-crisped. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat on medium power in short intervals to avoid drying out the casserole.

FAQs

Can I make the Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole without Canadian bacon?

Absolutely! You can swap Canadian bacon for cooked sausage, ham, or even a vegetarian alternative like sautéed mushrooms or spinach, depending on your preference. The key is having a savory, protein-rich layer to complement the cheese and egg custard.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole without crustless bread slices?

Yes, you can certainly use bread with crusts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that crusts may create a slightly firmer texture and a more rustic look. Removing crusts leads to a more uniform, tender bite in each piece.

How far in advance can I assemble the casserole?

This casserole is perfect for preparing the night before, ideally letting it chill overnight for at least 6 to 8 hours. You can also assemble it up to 24 hours early to deepen the flavors and make your holiday morning delightfully stress-free.

Can I add other vegetables or spices to the casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to customize by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary. Just be mindful to keep the balance in the egg custard so it doesn’t become too wet.

What if I don’t have corn flakes for the topping?

If you don’t have corn flakes on hand, crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed tortilla chips can make a wonderful crunchy topping. Butter your topping well for that golden, crisp finish that makes the casserole stand out.

Final Thoughts

If you want a Christmas morning breakfast that feels special but saves you time and fuss, the Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s comforting, satisfying, and makes waking up on a holiday something to truly look forward to. Trust me, once you try this cozy, layered delight, it’ll become a beloved tradition in your holiday celebration too!