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Easy Christmas Morning Breakfast Bake Best Holiday Casserole

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This easy Christmas morning breakfast bake is the dish you make when you want to feel present, not stressed. It comes together in about ten minutes of active work, then the oven does the rest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 cups cubed bread (about 1 loaf, day-old works best) – Brioche, challah, or French bread
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (or cooked bacon, ham, or a combination)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the bread: Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes. If fresh, spread on a baking sheet and let sit out for 1-2 hours to stale, or toast in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  3. Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and slightly frothy (about 30 seconds).
  4. Layer the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage, then half of the cheddar and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining bread, sausage, and cheeses.
  5. Pour the custard: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the dish. Gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the custard.
  6. Rest or refrigerate: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. If refrigerated, let sit on counter while oven preheats (about 15 minutes). Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until top is golden brown and center is set (knife inserted in center comes out clean). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  8. Rest and serve: Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. Don’t skip the resting time—it allows the bread to absorb the custard. Season generously with salt. Let the casserole rest before serving to ensure clean slices. For make-ahead, assemble the night before and refrigerate. For freezing, assemble unbaked, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas breakfast, holiday casserole, breakfast bake, overnight breakfast casserole, sausage egg casserole, easy breakfast recipe

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/easy-christmas-morning-breakfast-bake-best-holiday-casserole/