Description
This Overnight Christmas Breakfast Casserole, also known as a strata, is a make-ahead dish perfect for a festive morning. Layered with bread, Canadian bacon, sharp Cheddar cheese, and a flavorful egg mixture with vegetables and spices, it bakes to a golden, savory delight. Prepare it the night before, bake it on Christmas morning, and enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast while opening gifts and sipping coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 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
- Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Bread: Arrange 8 slices of bread to cover the bottom of the baking dish evenly, cutting them if necessary to fit the space.
- Add Meat and Cheese: Layer the Canadian bacon slices evenly over the bread, followed by the slices of sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Top with Bread: Cover the bacon and cheese with the remaining 8 slices of bread, pressing gently to form the top layer.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, dry mustard, minced onion, diced green and red bell peppers, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and whole milk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole in the baking dish, allowing it to soak through the bread.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
- Add Topping: Before baking, pour the melted butter evenly over the casserole surface and sprinkle the crushed corn flakes on top to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until it is set and the top is lightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes after baking to firm up slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, assemble the casserole completely the night before to allow the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly.
- If preferred, substitute Canadian bacon with cooked ham or breakfast sausage for different flavor variations.
- Use fresh bell peppers instead of frozen for better texture and taste.
- Make sure the casserole is baked until fully set in the center to avoid a runny consistency.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a balanced breakfast.