Holiday Breakfast(This Recipe Must Be Made A Day Ahead)
A flavorful make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring eggs, cheese, and bread, perfect for holiday mornings or brunch gatherings, customizable with ham, sausage, or bacon.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slightly beat the eggs in a large bowl.
- Add the milk, grated cheese, salt (if using), dry mustard, dill or thyme, and chopped chives; mix well.
- Cube the sourdough bread, including crusts, and layer in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, pressing lightly to ensure they soak up the mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least several hours.
- Before baking, add cooked ham, sausage, or bacon if desired.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until set and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of milk. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, to give the dish a unique flavor. If you want to add veggies, consider incorporating spinach or bell peppers. To save time, prep the ingredients the night before and assemble the dish to bake in the morning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Holiday Breakfast dish warm, garnished with fresh chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. For a complete breakfast, consider serving it alongside Spicy Corn or a sweet Cherry Treat for a delightful contrast in flavors.
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 for about 1-2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish can also be frozen; just ensure it's tightly wrapped before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Breakfast(This Recipe Must Be Made A Day Ahead) contains roughly 1350 calories, with 43g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (128% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value), and calcium (96% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2056mg per serving (89% 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 dish without meat?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and consider adding extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to enhance the flavor. This makes it a perfect choice for those looking for vegetarian recipes.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this Holiday Breakfast gluten-free, substitute the sourdough bread with a gluten-free bread alternative. There are many options available, or you can even make your own gluten-free bread if you prefer.
What can I use instead of sharp Cheddar cheese?
If you want to substitute sharp Cheddar cheese, consider using Gruyère for a nutty flavor or Monterey Jack for a milder option. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well to maintain the dish's creamy texture.
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).