Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by Chef Josie
There’s nothing better than waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of a warm, cheesy, golden-baked Christmas Breakfast Casserole. It’s hearty, comforting, and the perfect dish to serve when you’d rather spend time unwrapping gifts than cooking over the stove.
This holiday casserole is loaded with fluffy bread, smoky ham, gooey cheese, and a crispy topping that adds the perfect crunch. The best part? You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven on Christmas morning. It’s one of those easy Christmas breakfast ideas that turns a cozy morning into a family tradition.
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Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A comforting, make-ahead Christmas breakfast casserole with layers of ham, cheese, and bread topped with a buttery crisp crust. Perfect for holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 1½ cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Grease 9×13-inch pan.
Layer bread, ham, and cheese.
Whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper; pour over layers.
Mix cornflakes with butter and sprinkle on top.
Refrigerate overnight or bake immediately.
Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until golden.
Notes
-
Use day-old bread for best results.
-
Assemble ahead for Christmas morning.
-
Add veggies or sausage for extra flavor.
-
Store leftovers airtight or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 390 kcal
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Breakfast Casserole
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble the night before for a stress-free holiday morning.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for large family gatherings or brunch buffets.
- Comfort in every bite: Layers of soft bread, savory ham, and melted cheese topped with crispy cornflakes.
- Customizable: Add veggies, bacon, or sausage for your own twist.
- Festive and filling: A true holiday breakfast classic.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6 cups cubed French bread (day-old preferred)
- 1½ cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the casserole: Add half the bread cubes to the dish. Layer with ham and cheese, then top with remaining bread.
- Mix the custard: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over bread mixture.
- Top it off: Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Chill overnight: Cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes and Top Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture; it soaks up the custard perfectly.
- Want more flavor? Add cooked sausage or bacon to the layers.
- For a richer casserole, replace some milk with half-and-half.
- Prep it on Christmas Eve and bake fresh in the morning; it’s the best Christmas breakfast casserole make ahead recipe you’ll find.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve this Christmas breakfast casserole warm with a side of fruit salad, cinnamon rolls, or a holiday mimosa. It’s equally at home on your brunch table or served fireside while opening gifts.
Variations:
- Holiday Breakfast Casserole: Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or green onions for color.
- Christmas Morning Casserole: Use croissants instead of bread for extra richness.
- Cheesy Ham & Egg Bake: Add Swiss cheese or Monterey Jack for a creamy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15 minutes or microwave single portions.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking fresh in the morning.
Why You’ll Make It Again
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole combines everything you want in a holiday dish: easy prep, rich flavor, and festive presentation. It’s the perfect holiday breakfast casserole to share with loved ones and guaranteed to become part of your annual Christmas tradition.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and explore more Christmas breakfast brunch ideas and holiday breakfast recipes on the blog!
FAQs
1. Can I make this Christmas breakfast casserole ahead of time?
Yes! It’s designed to be prepped the night before. Just refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning.
2. Can I use different bread?
Absolutely. Try brioche, sourdough, or croissants for extra flavor.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the ham and add roasted veggies like peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
4. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, double all ingredients and use two baking dishes. Bake at the same temperature, rotating halfway through.
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