The Christmas Eve Breakfast Casserole You Can Assemble in 15 Minutes

Noreen D Grant, a certified nutritionist and mother of three, wrote this. Fore more than ten years, I've been helping families get their holiday cheer back with easy, make ahead dishes that work. My kitchen is my workshop, and I try out every recipe to make sure your morning is as magical as you want it to be.

It was 7AM on Christmas morning. The living area was full of wrapping paper because my kids were so enthusiastic. I was locked in the kitchen, breaking eggs quickly while my family celebrated without me. The scent of bread burning was the music for my "Christmas morning." Int that moment, surrounded by mess and missing the magic, I vowed: never again. That was the year this Christmas Eve Breakfast Casserole was born. It's my family's ticket to a peaceful, joyful morning where we can all be present (pun intended!). The best party? It truly takes just 15 minutes to assemble on Christmas Eve. The oven does the rest while you sip coffee and watch your kid's faces light up.

Why This Recipe is Our Christmas Morning Lifesaver

This isn't just a recipe; it's a strategy for a better holiday. Here's why it works, year after year:

• Pro Tip: The "15-Minute Christmas Eve" Miracle: The assembly is so simple it feels like cheating. My secret? I use a frozen bag of diced potatoes O'Brien (With onions and peppers) instead of chopping everything fresh. It saves at least 10 minutes and tears!"

• Pro Tip: Overnight Magic: The casserole rests in the fridge overnight, which is the secret to a perfectly creamy, cohesive texture. The bread will soaks up the egg mixture, and the flavours meld into something extraordinary.

• Pro Tip: Flexible & Forgiving: Don't have ham? Used cooked sausage. Not a fan cheddar? Swiss is delicious. This recipe is a canvas for your family's favorites, which I've learned is essential when feeding a crowd.

• Pro Tip: More Time for Magic: While it bakes for 45-60 minutes on Christmas morning, your house will fill with an incredible aroma, and you are 100% free to be with your family. No stirring, no flipping, no fuss.

Your Simple, Crowdy Pleasing Ingredient List

Ingredient	My Pro Test Notes
1 bag (28 0z) frozen potatoes O'Brien	This is our 15-mintues secret weapon! No peeling, dicing, or sauteing needed.
2 cups diced cooked ham	I get this from the deli counter and have them thick slice it. It's juicier and more flavourful than pre diced packs.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese	I always shred a block myself! pre shredded cheddar cheese I always shred a block myself! pre shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the texture grainy.
8 large eggs The rich	creamy based of our casserole.
2 cups whole milk	Whole milk gives the casserole the best creamy texture.
1 tsp dry mustard	My "Secret" ingredient! It doesn't taste like mustard but adds a incredible depth of flavour that makes people ask, "What's in this?"

Your 15 Minute Assembly Guide

1. The Foundation: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the frozen potatoes evenly on the bottom. (yes, frozen! They'll thaw in the fridge overnight).

2. The Layers: Sprinkle the diced ham over the potatoes, followed by the shredded cheese.

3. The Custard: In a large bowl, whisk all together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until perfectly combined and a little frothy.

4. The Pour & Store: Slowly pour the egg mixture over everything in the baking dish. Pro Tip: Use a fork to gently press down on any bread or potatoes poking out, so everything gets soaked.

5. The Wait: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours, but ideally overnight.

On Christmas Morning:

1. Set your oven for 350F (175C) and take the casserole out of the fridge.

2. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. The rest time is crucial for a clean slice!

Pro Tips from My Christmas Kitchen to Yours

• Pro Tip: The Make Ahead Master: You can assemble this casserole up to 48 hours in advance. The longer it sits, the better the flavour!.

• Pro Tip: The "Is It Done?" Test: The casserole is ready when the edges are golden and puffed, and the center no longer will jiggles when you gently shake the pan.

• Pro Tip: The Crowed Feeder: This recipe easily doubles for a large crowd. Just use two baking dishes!

👇Download Recipe Here!

Christmas Eve Breakfast Casserole.pdf

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Your Christmas Eve Breakfast Casserole Questions, Answered!

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

A: You can, but it will add to your prep time. I'd recommend par cooking them first so they're tender in the final casserole. The frozen potatoes are truly the key to the 15-minute promise!

Q: What if I don't eat pork?

A: No problem! This is fantastic with cooked turkey sausage, browned ground turkey, or even kept vegetarian by adding sauteed mushrooms and spinach.

Q: Can i freeze the assembled casserole?

A: I don't recommend freezing it after you've added the egg mixture, as the texture can become watery. It's best assembled and kept in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking.

This Christmas Eve Breakfast Casserole is my gift to you. It's the recipe that gave me back my Christmas morning, and I Know it will do the same for you. It's the smell of coffee and a baking casserole, the sound of laughter from the living room, and the peace of knowing you've got it all under control.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! I'd love to hear what's your family's favorite Christmas morning tradition? Share in the comments below!