Ah, Christmas morning! There’s just something magical about waking up to the smell of breakfast wafting through the house, the faint sound of holiday tunes in the background, and the warmth of family gathered together. It’s a special time filled with laughter, presents, and of course, delicious food. These *Christmas breakfast ideas for a crowd* will make your holiday mornings a breeze! Imagine serving up a scrumptious egg bake that everyone will love, all while keeping the stress to a minimum. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the morning!
Growing up, our family had a tradition of making a big breakfast on Christmas day. We’d all gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy every single bite. This recipe brings back those sweet memories, allowing me to recreate that joy for my family today. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the connections we make while enjoying it. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’ll leave everyone satisfied and ready to celebrate the day!
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful Christmas breakfast casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (your choice – cheddar works great!)
- 1 pound cooked bacon, crumbled (or feel free to swap with sausage for a different twist)
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (day-old bread adds great texture)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (a mix of colors makes it festive!)
- 1 cup diced onions (yellow or white, whatever you have on hand)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or chives, for that lovely finishing touch)
This combination creates a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s get started on this delicious breakfast casserole! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy!
While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the 12 large eggs and 2 cups of milk until everything is nicely combined. Make sure there are no eggy streaks left—this helps the casserole come together smoothly.
Next, add in the fun stuff! Toss in the 2 cups of shredded cheese, 1 pound of crumbled bacon, 1 loaf of cubed bread, 1 cup of diced bell peppers, and 1 cup of diced onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat everything with that eggy goodness.
Now, pour this glorious mixture into a greased baking dish—a 9×13 inch dish works perfectly. Spread it out evenly, making sure all those delicious bits are well-distributed. Then, pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This waiting period helps it firm up a bit more, making it easier to serve. And don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for that gorgeous finishing touch before you dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas breakfast casserole is a total game-changer for holiday mornings! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Effortlessly Simple: With just a few steps, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time or whip it up on the spot. It’s a no-fuss way to feed a crowd!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of eggs, cheese, and savory bacon creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love. It’s comfort food at its finest!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients! You can add your favorite veggies, swap bacon for sausage, or even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day! Enjoy it as a quick breakfast or brunch option, making it ideal for busy holiday mornings.
- Gorgeous Presentation: With fresh herbs as a garnish, this dish not only tastes amazing but looks beautiful on the table, adding a festive touch to your Christmas celebration!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a holiday staple in your home too!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas breakfast casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before. Just cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake it as directed!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your casserole in the last few minutes of baking. A gentle shake of the dish can help you gauge if it’s set in the center.
- Scale Up: If you’re feeding a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use two baking dishes. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re using multiple racks in the oven.
- Mix It Up: Experiment with different cheeses or add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a fun twist!
These little tricks will help ensure your casserole is a hit at your holiday gathering!
Variations
One of the best things about this Christmas breakfast casserole is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:
- Protein Swap: If you’re not a bacon fan, try swapping it out for cooked sausage, ham, or even diced turkey for a lighter option. You can also go meatless by adding more veggies!
- Veggie Delight: Feel free to mix in a variety of colorful vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. They not only add flavor but also a beautiful pop of color!
- Dairy-Free Option: To make it dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk and opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives. This way, everyone can enjoy it!
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist on flavor. Fresh herbs really elevate the dish!
Let your creativity shine and make this casserole your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your Christmas breakfast casserole is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to hold onto it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheating is a breeze. For the best results, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you’re short on time, you can microwave a slice for about 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overheat it, or it may dry out. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to holiday breakfasts, it’s good to know what you’re serving up! Each slice of this delicious Christmas breakfast casserole packs in some pretty impressive nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
These values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so remember, adding extra toppings or swapping ingredients can alter the nutritional content. Enjoy this hearty dish knowing it can fuel your festive celebrations!
FAQ Section
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions about this delightful Christmas breakfast casserole!
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before. Just cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast!
- What can I use instead of bacon? If you’re looking for alternatives, cooked sausage, diced ham, or even smoked turkey are great options. You could also skip the meat altogether and load it up with more veggies!
- How do I know when it’s done baking? Your casserole is ready when the center is set and the top is lightly golden. A gentle shake of the dish should show minimal jiggle, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Just let the casserole cool completely, then slice it and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
- What should I serve with this casserole? It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, pastries, or even a light salad. You could also serve it alongside mimosas or hot cocoa for a festive touch!
With these tips and answers, you’re all set to impress your guests this holiday season!
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Christmas Breakfast Ideas for a Crowd: 5 Delicious Recipes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy Christmas breakfast ideas perfect for serving a crowd.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 pound cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add cheese, bacon, bread, bell peppers, onions, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables or meats.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or pastries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: christmas breakfast ideas for a crowd










