Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to a mouthwatering breakfast that practically makes itself - no stress, no fuss, just pure deliciousness! The "Christmas Morning Wife Saver" is more than just a casserole; it's a holiday breakfast tradition that will have your entire family rushing to the table. This magical dish combines the comfort of custardy bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese into one irresistible morning masterpiece that'll make Santa himself want to stay for breakfast!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 loaf of bread, 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1/2 cup of cooked sausage (crumbled), 1 teaspoon of mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 large eggs and whisk them together until they are well beaten.
- Add the 2 cups of milk to the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate the 1 teaspoon of mustard into the egg and milk mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, mixing it in evenly.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, evenly distribute the cubed bread from the 1 loaf. Ensure the bread is spread out to allow for even soaking.
- Sprinkle the crumbled cooked sausage over the bread cubes, distributing it evenly across the top.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and sausage, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Use a spatula to gently press down any bread pieces that are floating above the liquid.
- Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture, covering it generously.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered to allow the casserole to set.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is firm in the center.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Christmas Morning Wife Saver with family and friends!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: This recipe is perfect for make-ahead magic! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before and refrigerate, then simply pop it in the oven Christmas morning.
- Bread Selection: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the egg mixture. Brioche or challah work wonderfully for extra richness.
- Sausage Swap: Feel free to customize with different meats like bacon, ham, or even vegetarian sausage to suit your family's taste.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, try experimenting with gruyère, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
- Even Soaking: Gently press down the bread cubes to ensure every piece gets coated with the egg mixture for a consistent texture.
- Don't Overbake: Watch the casserole closely in the final 15 minutes to prevent drying out. The top should be golden and the center set but still slightly jiggly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 250mg
