Photo: Charles MastersOn Christmas morning, the last thing you want is to struggle with poaching a flawless egg or spending an hour flipping pancakes. Enter the hassle-free Christmas breakfast casserole. Pair it with a fruit salad or some sausage, and you've got a cheerful Christmas breakfast ready to go.
The ideal Christmas Day breakfast casserole is one that's indulgent but not overly complicated. It can be prepared (or at least set up) the night before, so all you need to do in the morning is preheat the oven and let it bake or, even better, set the slow cooker to work while you catch some extra sleep. Keep reading for some great ideas to create your ultimate Christmas breakfast casserole.
1. Savory French Toast Casserole
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Food Stylist: Claire SpollenIf your family prefers savory over sweet, give this savory French toast variation a try, swapping cinnamon and sugar for eggs and onions. We suggest using challah or brioche for the fluffiest texture. For effortless hosting, prepare it up to three days in advance and simply reheat when you're ready to serve.
2. Cheesy Potato Frittata
Victor ProtasioThis timeless combination of eggs, potatoes, and cheese delivers ultimate comfort. Pair it with some crispy toast for an extra dose of coziness. You can prepare and cook the entire dish the day before and simply reheat it on Christmas morning.
3. Tater Tot Casserole with Sausage
Greg DuPreeThis savory breakfast casserole is the ultimate Christmas morning dish. Packed with sausage, tater tots, vegetables, and cheese, it's perfect for a festive feast. Spice things up with jalapeños and a touch of hot sauce, or keep it mild. Finish it off with freshly chopped chives before serving.
4. Ham and Leek Quiche
Jennifer CauseyTurn your leftover Christmas Eve ham into a delicious quiche that's sure to be a hit with family and friends. With just 15 minutes of prep time, the oven does the rest. The addition of buttermilk gives the quiche a rich, tangy flavor, while the convenience of a store-bought pie crust makes for an easy assembly so you can focus on enjoying your time with loved ones.
5. Healthy Blackberry and Pear Breakfast Crisp
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Food Stylist: Claire SpollenThis scrumptious crisp is essentially a wholesome, breakfast-friendly twist on pie. It has the sweet, dessert-like taste but is made with nutritious ingredients like oats and fresh fruit, so you can indulge without any guilt. Enjoy it warm or cold, topped with a scoop of protein-packed Greek yogurt.
6. Croissant and Chocolate Bread Pudding
Con PoulosWith decadent layers of chocolate chunks and ready-to-eat croissants, this dish is typically considered a dessert, but on Christmas morning, it becomes an irresistible breakfast bread pudding. It only takes 10 minutes of prep and up to 40 minutes to bake. For an extra touch of sweetness, serve it alongside hot chocolate.
7. Berry Baked Oatmeal
Victor ProtasioIn just 15 minutes, you can prepare this delightful, berry-infused breakfast treat. This is not your typical oatmeal—eggs and milk come together to form a custard-like base, enhanced with the warm flavors of maple syrup, vanilla, and nutmeg. It's a dish that feels as festive as Christmas morning! Fresh or frozen mixed berries work wonderfully here.
8. Use-It-Up Quiche
VICTOR PROTASIO; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Julia BaylessIf you've been overindulging in the run-up to Christmas, this quiche can help get your family back on track with healthy eating... at least until noon. You can prepare it in advance and simply reheat it, or assemble the entire dish on Christmas morning in just 20 minutes. If you want to plan ahead even further, feel free to freeze it for up to three months.
9. High-Protein Skillet Baked Eggs with White Beans and Mushrooms
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Food Stylist: Claire SpollenThis quick skillet recipe is packed with all the delicious ingredients you'll need to fuel your Christmas day. White beans, sautéed mushrooms, eggs, and leafy greens come together in a creamy Dijon sauce with a hint of warming nutmeg. Top it off with Parmesan and freshly ground pepper just before serving.
10. Cherry Berry Breakfast Custard
Greg DuPreeThis elegant French-inspired clafoutis-like custard comes together effortlessly in a blender and then bakes for 45 minutes. You can swap the cherries and berries for any other frozen fruits you prefer. For a tropical twist, try combining mango and pineapple!
11. Herbed Ham and Cheese Baked Eggs
Victor ProtasioBalance out the holiday indulgence with this savory breakfast casserole. It includes fresh ingredients like garlic, onion, and chopped parsley, along with flavorful Parmesan and Gouda cheese. Prepare it ahead of time the night before, then simply warm it up for a quick breakfast.
12. Cozy Apple-Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
Fred HardyIf you're in the mood for something a little sweeter yet still on the healthier side this Christmas morning, this baked oatmeal is a perfect choice. Filled with seasonal apples and comforting spices, it's a great option to serve a crowd. Prepare it in advance and just heat it up when you're ready to enjoy.
13. Sheet Pan Apple Crisp
Caitlin BenselThis dish may feel too much like dessert for a daily breakfast, but it’s a wonderfully indulgent choice for Christmas morning. The edges turn a crispy golden brown, and the filling combines to create a sweet, caramelized texture. For a more breakfast-friendly twist, swap the ice cream with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
14. Basic Quiche With Gruyère
Petrina TinslayA quiche is a simple and typically crowd-pleasing dish. This version uses Gruyère cheese to elevate its flavor, but feel free to substitute with any cheese you have on hand. Prepare it the night before Christmas so all you have to do the next morning is pop it in the oven and relax with your family.
