Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the most incredible aroma wafting through your home - a perfectly golden, cheesy breakfast casserole that promises to be the star of your holiday breakfast spread. This make-ahead miracle is not just a dish; it's a Christmas morning tradition waiting to happen! Packed with fluffy eggs, savory ham, melted cheese, and tender bread cubes, this casserole is so delicious and easy to prepare that you'll wonder how you ever survived holiday mornings without it.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Breakfast
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by generously greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack all 12 eggs and whisk them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are completely combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour the 2 cups of milk into the whisked eggs and continue mixing until the liquid is smooth and well-integrated.
- Add salt and black pepper to the egg mixture, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Take the loaf of bread and cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes, ensuring relatively uniform size for consistent texture.
- Fold the bread cubes into the egg mixture, allowing them to start absorbing the liquid.
- Add the diced ham, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions to the mixture, gently stirring to distribute ingredients throughout.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and ensuring all ingredients are well-distributed.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
- In the morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, with no liquid egg visible when a knife is inserted.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.
- Slice into squares and serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional chopped green onions.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture, as slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively.
- For extra flavor, consider using different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère.
- You can customize this casserole by adding spinach, bell peppers, or switching ham for bacon.
- Always let the casserole rest after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
- If you're preparing for guests with dietary restrictions, try substituting ham with turkey or vegetarian sausage.
- For a crispier top, sprinkle some additional cheese or breadcrumbs before the final baking.
- This casserole can be made up to 2 days in advance, making holiday morning preparation stress-free.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 346kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 300mg
