Overnight Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Your New Christmas Morning Hero: The Ultimate Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Hey there, my festive friend! Can you just smell it? That magical, cozy, and utterly irresistible aroma of something delicious baking in the oven on Christmas morning. It’s the smell of joy, of family, of pure, unadulterated comfort. But here’s the real magic: you didn’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to make it happen. Nope. While everyone else was still dreaming of sugarplums, your masterpiece was simply waiting for its moment in the oven.

I’m talking about the legendary Overnight Christmas Breakfast Casserole. Some folks call it a strata, others call it a “wife saver” (though in my house, it’s more of an “everyone-saver”), but I just call it pure genius. Imagine layers of soft bread, savory Canadian bacon, and sharp, melty cheddar cheese, all soaked in a rich, herby egg custard and topped with a buttery, crispy cornflake crunch. It bakes up golden, puffy, and so satisfying it’ll have your whole crew singing carols around the breakfast table.

This recipe is my love letter to stress-free, incredibly delicious holiday mornings. It’s the dish that lets you be present—sipping coffee, watching the kids tear into their stockings, and actually enjoying the moment instead of being stuck over a hot stove. I’ve doubled the batch because, let’s be real, Christmas is for crowds, and leftovers are a gift in themselves. So, grab your favorite mixing bowl and let’s make a memory that’s as tasty as it is easy!

A Christmas Memory: Grandma Jean’s “Secret” Recipe

This recipe takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen, a place where the flour was always flying and the radio was always tuned to the Christmas station. My grandma, Jean, was the queen of “make-ahead magic.” She had this ancient, grease-spattered recipe card for her “Special Day Casserole” that she’d pull out every December 24th. The ritual was sacred: my brother and I would be tasked with carefully removing every single bread crust (and sneaking a few to the dog), while she would whisk the custard with a strength that belied her gentle nature.

The best part was the anticipation. After we’d layered everything into the pan, she’d cover it with faded festive foil and tuck it into the fridge with a dramatic whisper, “Now, the elves will do their work tonight!” Waking up on Christmas morning, the first thing I’d think about wasn’t the presents under the tree—it was that casserole in the fridge, knowing something wonderful was just an hour away. It taught me that the best holiday meals aren’t just about feeding people; they’re about building traditions and freeing up time for what truly matters: togetherness. This is her recipe, with a few of my own chef-y twists, passed on to you with so much love.

Gather Your Ingredients (Let’s Chat About Them!)

Here’s everything you’ll need for our double-batch delight, which handily feeds a crowd of 16 (or 8 very hungry relatives). I’ve included my little chef insights and swaps because I believe in making recipes work for you.

• 32 slices white bread, crusts removed: This is our foundation! I use a soft, classic white bread like Texas Toast for its perfect ability to soak up the custard. Chef’s Tip: Don’t waste the crusts! Toss them with a little garlic powder and parsley, bake until crispy, and you’ve got instant breadcrumbs for another day.
• 32 slices Canadian bacon: I love its lean, subtly sweet ham-like flavor. Substitution: Feel free to use regular ham, diced cooked sausage, or even crumbled cooked bacon. For a lighter twist, try turkey ham!
• 32 slices sharp Cheddar or Gruyère cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic, tangy punch, while Gruyère offers a nutty, sophisticated depth. Why not use half of each? Chef’s Insight: Always grate your own cheese if you can! Pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• 12 large eggs & 6 cups whole milk: This is the heart of our custard. The fat in the whole milk is key for a rich, luxurious texture. For a lighter version, 2% milk works, but avoid skim.
• 1 cup melted butter & 2 cups crushed cornflakes: Our crowning glory! This combo bakes into an irresistible, buttery, crispy top layer. Fun Swap: Use crushed herb-seasoned stuffing mix or even crushed Ritz crackers for a different flavor profile.
• The Flavor Boosters:
  • 2 tsp dry mustard, ½ tsp hot sauce, 4 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Trust me! You won’t taste “heat” or “mustard.” These ingredients are culinary secret agents that add a incredible depth of savory, umami flavor.
  • 1 tsp each salt & pepper, ½ cup minced onion, ½ cup each red & green bell pepper: The holy trinity of flavor! The diced peppers add a lovely sweetness and a festive pop of color.

Let’s Build This Beautiful Casserole: Step-by-Step

Alright, apron on! Let’s create some layers of love. This comes together so quickly, you’ll be done before your favorite Christmas movie hits its first commercial break.

1. Prep Your Pans: First things first, grab your two 9×13-inch baking dishes and give them a generous coating of butter or non-stick spray. This ensures a beautiful, easy release after baking. No one wants a stuck-on mess!
2. Layer Like a Pro: Time to build our towers of yum! In each pan, create a single layer using half of your bread slices. You can tear them to fit any gaps—rustic is good! Now, layer on all of the Canadian bacon, followed by all of the cheese. Top it all off with the remaining bread slices. You’ve just made a giant, savory sandwich waiting for its bath!
3. Whisk the Wonder Custard: In a very large bowl, crack in those 12 eggs. Whisk them until they’re beautifully smooth and pale yellow. Now, slowly stream in the milk while you keep whisking. Add all your flavor power: the dry mustard, hot sauce, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, minced onion, and bell peppers. Whisk it all until it’s completely homogenous. Give it a little taste—should be savory and fantastic!
4. The Soak: Slowly and evenly, pour the custard mixture over both of your prepared pans. Get every last drop! Use a spatula to gently press down on the top layer of bread, helping it to soak up all that liquid goodness. This is the “overnight” part—this soak is non-negotiable for that perfect, pudding-like texture.
5. Patience is a Virtue: Cover the pans tightly with plastic wrap or foil and tuck them into the fridge. Let them chill out for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight. This is when the magic happens—the bread fully absorbs the custard, transforming into something magical.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casseroles out of the fridge. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the tops, and then sprinkle the crushed cornflakes over that. This will create that iconic, crispy, golden-brown crust.
7. Bake and Rest: Bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown top and a center that is fully set (no jiggling!). If the top is browning too quickly, just tent it with a little foil. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a full 10 minutes. This allows the custard to set perfectly, making it much easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve This Christmas Star

Presentation is part of the fun! Here’s how I love to serve this show-stopping casserole:

Use a sharp knife or a square-edged spatula to cut clean, generous squares. Plate it up with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a beautiful, fragrant garnish that screams “chef-kissed.” This casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs beautifully with lighter, brighter sides to balance the plate. I love serving it with:

• A fresh fruit salad or a simple bowl of mixed berries.
• A light, citrusy arugula salad with a quick lemon vinaigrette.
• Individual glasses of cold orange juice or mimosa bars for the adults!

And of course, keep the hot coffee flowing. This is a meal meant to be lingered over, so enjoy every single cheesy, savory, glorious bite.

Make It Your Own: Delicious Variations

The beauty of this casserole is its versatility! Here are a few of my favorite ways to mix it up:

• The Garden Lover: Add 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed and drained) between the layers for an earthy, umami-packed twist.
• The Southwest Fiesta: Swap the Canadian bacon for cooked spicy sausage. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and add a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles to the custard. Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side!
• Everything Bagel: Replace the cornflake topping with a mixture of 1 cup crushed everything bagel chips and 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning mixed with the melted butter. Unbelievably good.
• Lighter & Brighter: Use whole wheat bread, reduced-fat cheese, and 2% milk. You can also add a big handful of fresh spinach between the layers for a green boost.
• Smoky & Sweet: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the custard and use a mix of cheddar and gouda cheese. The smoky flavor is incredible with the savory notes.

Chef Emily’s Notes & Kitchen Stories

This recipe has evolved so much over the years in my kitchen. My grandma’s original version was simpler—no Worcestershire, no peppers, and definitely no hot sauce! I’ve learned through, ahem, a few experiments that those little boosts make all the difference. One year, I was out of cornflakes and in a panic used crushed potato chips. It was a delicious, salty accident that my family still requests! The moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to play with your food. The best family recipes are the ones you make your own. This casserole is forgiving, so make it with what you have and what you love.

FAQs & Troubleshooting: Your Questions, Answered!

Q: Can I make this even further ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole and freeze it before the overnight soak. Wrap it extremely well in plastic and foil. The day before you want to bake it, move it to the fridge to thaw and soak. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: My center is still jiggly after an hour. Help!
A: No worries! Oven temperatures can vary. Simply tent the top with foil to prevent over-browning and continue baking in 5-minute increments until the center is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Q: Can I use another type of bread?
A: You sure can. Challah, brioche, or even a sturdy sourdough work wonderfully. Just avoid very dense, heavy breads like rye or pumpernickel, as they don’t soak up the custard as well.

Q: Is it supposed to be this puffy?
A: Yes! The eggs will puff up beautifully in the oven, making it look impressive and glorious. It will deflate slightly as it cools, which is completely normal and just as delicious.

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Nutritional Information (A Quick Note!)

Hey, it’s the holidays! This is a celebratory dish, meant to be enjoyed as part of a special occasion. This estimated nutritional info is per serving (based on 16 servings from the double batch). Remember, my recipes are about joy and balance!

Approximate per serving: Calories: ~380 | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Carbohydrates: 25g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Protein: 22g

For specific dietary needs, using the substitutions I mentioned (like lower-fat dairy, leaner meats, and adding veggies) can easily adjust these numbers. But most importantly, savor it!

Final Thoughts: Merry, Bright, and Well-Fed!

Well, my friend, there you have it. Your ticket to the most delicious, stress-free Christmas morning imaginable. This casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the fact that the best meals are often the ones made with a little advance planning and a whole lot of love.

I am so thrilled you’re adding this to your holiday table. From my messy, festive kitchen to yours, I wish you a season filled with laughter, love, and plates piled high with happiness. Now, go enjoy your morning!

With love and a sprinkle of holiday magic,

Emily