Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole
This Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is a classic, hearty dish perfect for holiday mornings. Layers of bread, Canadian bacon, and sharp Cheddar cheese are soaked overnight in a seasoned egg and milk mixture, then baked to a golden, bubbly perfection. Ideal for preparing the night before, it frees up your Christmas morning so you can relax with family and enjoy festive celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Total Time: 9 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 8 servings (1 9x13-inch casserole) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Meat
- 16 slices bread, crusts removed – divided
- 16 slices Canadian bacon
- 16 slices sharp Cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ¼ cup minced onion
- 2 tablespoons diced green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons diced red bell pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash hot sauce
- 3 cups whole milk
Topping
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup crushed corn flakes cereal
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to add richness.
- Layer Bread Base: Cut and arrange 8 slices of bread to fit snugly over the entire bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Add Canadian Bacon and Cheese: Cover the bread layer with 16 slices of Canadian bacon followed by 16 slices of sharp Cheddar cheese, distributing them evenly.
- Top with Remaining Bread: Cut and fit the remaining 8 slices of bread to completely cover the bacon and cheese layers, creating a sandwich-like strata.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Incorporate 1 teaspoon dry mustard, ¼ cup minced onion, 2 tablespoons diced green bell pepper, 2 tablespoons diced red bell pepper, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk until mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Casserole: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight (approximately 8 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the custard flavors.
- Add Topping: Before baking, pour ½ cup melted butter evenly over the soaked casserole. Then sprinkle 1 cup crushed corn flakes over the top to add a delightful crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the casserole is set and the top is lightly browned and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to firm up, making slicing easier.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the casserole the night before to let flavors meld and bread fully absorb the custard.
- Crustless bread is recommended to ensure even soaking and texture.
- Customize by using other cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack if desired.
- Can substitute Canadian bacon with cooked breakfast sausage or ham for variation.
- The corn flakes topping adds a buttery crunch but can be omitted for a softer crust.
- Ensure the casserole is well covered in the refrigerator to prevent it from absorbing other odors.