Christmas Eve Casserole(Mix On Christmas Even To Pop In Oven On Christmas Morning.)
A hearty casserole perfect for Christmas morning, combining bread, cheese, sausage, ham, and mushrooms for a flavorful, make-ahead breakfast that feeds 6 to 8 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Place the bread slices in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the bread.
- Add browned sausage and cut-up ham on top.
- Beat eggs with 2 1/2 cups of milk and pour evenly over the bread mixture.
- Refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight.
- Mix mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of milk.
- Just before baking, pour the mushroom mixture over the casserole.
- Bake at 325° to 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack. You can substitute the sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based option for a lighter dish. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Letting the casserole sit overnight allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture for a richer texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or some roasted vegetables. For a festive touch, add cranberry sauce on the side. This dish is a wonderful centerpiece for Christmas brunch and complements other American recipes like Michigan Baked Beans or Oven Western Eggs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the whole casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until heated. This dish can also be frozen before baking for up to a month.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Eve Casserole(Mix On Christmas Even To Pop In Oven On Christmas Morning.) contains roughly 746 calories, with 15g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (38% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 882mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is designed to be made the night before. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy Christmas morning meal.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and sautéed mushrooms. This adds a fresh flavor and can be adjusted to your taste.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or onions for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them lightly before adding to the casserole to enhance their taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).