Christmas morning should be all about joy, not stress—that’s why I swear by these easy, delicious brunch casseroles! Picture this: while the kids tear into presents, your oven works its magic, filling the house with the cozy scent of eggs, cheese, and crispy bread. My family’s favorite is a hearty ham-and-cheese version I prep the night before (more sleep for me!). Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just want leftovers for lazy holiday nibbling, these casseroles are the ultimate Christmas brunch lifesaver. Trust me, even your pickiest uncle will go back for seconds.
Why you’ll love these Christmas brunch casseroles
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time for eggnog and ugly sweaters
- Crowd-pleaser: Customize with your family’s favorite mix-ins (I’m team extra cheese!)
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble it Christmas Eve—just pop in the oven next morning
- Leftover-friendly: Tastes even better reheated for Boxing Day brunch
Ingredients for Christmas brunch casseroles
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this festive dish—nothing fancy, just pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Trust me, it’s worth every bite! Grab 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk (whole milk works best for richness), and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (though I sometimes mix in a little Gruyère for extra flavor). You’ll also need 1 cup of diced ham (I like using leftover holiday ham!), 1/2 cup each of diced bell peppers and onions, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. For the base, use 4 cups of cubed bread—about 1-inch pieces, and day-old bread works perfectly here. That’s it! Simple, right?
How to make Christmas brunch casseroles
Okay, let’s get cooking! First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (trust me, starting with a cold oven is a rookie mistake). While that’s heating up, grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good greasing (butter or nonstick spray both work). Now, toss in those 4 cups of cubed bread—spread them evenly like you’re making a cozy little bread blanket.
Next, whisk together 6 eggs and 2 cups milk in a big bowl until they’re totally smooth (no streaks!). This is where I add a pinch of salt and pepper—don’t skip this, or your casserole might taste a little blah. Pour that creamy mixture over the bread, then gently press the cubes down so they soak up all that goodness.
Now for the fun part: sprinkle on 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup cheese, and those colorful bell peppers and onions. Pop it in the oven for 45 minutes—you’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden and the center doesn’t jiggle. Oh, and here’s my secret: let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Patience pays off with perfect layers!
Tips for perfect Christmas brunch casseroles
- Rest time matters: Letting it sit helps the custard set—no runny slices!
- Mix it up: Swap ham for crispy bacon or sausage, or go veggie with mushrooms and spinach.
- Day-old bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mix better without turning mushy.
Serving suggestions for Christmas brunch casseroles
This casserole shines all on its own, but I love pairing it with fresh fruit salad for a pop of color—think juicy oranges and tart pomegranate seeds. For a real holiday vibe, add mimosas (sparkling cider for the kids!) and a basket of warm cinnamon rolls. Pro tip: set up a DIY topping bar with hot sauce, sour cream, and extra cheese—it turns brunch into a festive party!
Storage and reheating instructions
Leftovers? No problem! Cover any uneaten casserole tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container—it’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. When reheating, pop it in a 350°F oven (covered!) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that glorious crispy top intact. Pro tip: Sprinkle a little extra cheese before reheating—it revives that fresh-from-the-oven magic!
Nutritional information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving: about 280 calories, 16g protein, and 22g carbs. Keep in mind—nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients and brands (my heavy cheese hand might bump those numbers up a bit!). These are just estimates to help you plan your festive feast. For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult resources on nutrition analysis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare this Christmas brunch casserole overnight?
Absolutely! That’s one of my favorite things about this recipe. Just assemble everything the night before (minus the baking), cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the oven—you might need to add 5-10 extra minutes since it’s starting cold. The flavors actually get better as they mingle overnight!
What’s the best bread to use for brunch casseroles?
I swear by slightly stale French bread or sourdough—they hold up beautifully without turning to mush. But honestly? Any bread works in a pinch! I’ve used everything from leftover dinner rolls to whole wheat sandwich bread when I’m cleaning out the pantry. Just cube it and let it dry out a bit first.
Can I make this vegetarian for holiday guests?
Of course! Skip the ham and load up on veggies instead—my go-tos are sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. For extra protein, throw in some cubed tofu or white beans. Just keep the liquid ratios the same, and you’ll still get that perfect custardy texture everyone loves. You might also enjoy this vegan mushroom and white bean pot pie for a hearty vegetarian option.
Share your Christmas brunch creations
Did you make this casserole? I’d love to see your twist on it! Snap a photo and tag me—I might just feature your masterpiece. Happy holidays, and happy brunching!
Print
6 Irresistible Christmas Brunch Menu Ideas with Casseroles to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious Christmas brunch casseroles to make your holiday meal special.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups cubed bread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a baking dish.
- Layer bread cubes in the dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture over bread.
- Top with ham, cheese, peppers, and onions.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Prepare the night before for easy baking.
- Substitute ham with sausage or bacon.
- Add spinach for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
