Christmas Breakfast Strata is the ultimate make-ahead holiday breakfast. This savory egg bake layers bread, eggs, cheese, and flavorful mix-ins like breakfast sausage and colorful veggies, making it a festive and satisfying morning meal. What makes strata perfect for Christmas morning is its convenience, you can prep everything the night before, refrigerate it, and simply pop it in the oven while gifts are being opened. It feeds a crowd, looks beautiful, and fills the house with irresistible smells. Whether you’re hosting family or just want something special and low-stress, this casserole-style breakfast delivers comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 10 cups) of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the bottom.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat and set aside. In the same pan, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until soft, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Layer the sausage and sautéed veggies over the bread in the dish. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently with a spatula so the bread soaks in the custard.
Step 6: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 7: In the morning, remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. If it begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Step 9: Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Variation
- Meat Options: Swap sausage for cooked bacon, ham, or turkey sausage.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat entirely and add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cheese Swaps: Use Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Mini Stratas: Bake individual portions in ramekins for a fun twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread for a GF version.
Cooking Notes
Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture,it soaks up the custard better without turning soggy. You can also toast fresh bread cubes in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes. Letting the strata sit before baking ensures it’s moist inside and nicely puffed on top. Always test the center with a knife or skewer to make sure it’s cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Christmas Breakfast Strata with a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or sweet breakfast pastries like cinnamon rolls. Serve with a side of orange juice, coffee, or a festive mimosa. It also goes beautifully with a green salad if you’re turning it into a brunch buffet. For added holiday charm, garnish with extra herbs or red and green diced peppers after baking.
Tips
- Use a serrated knife to cube the bread evenly.
- Don’t skip the mustard, it adds subtle flavor depth.
- Let the strata rest before serving so it slices cleanly.
- Prep multiple pans ahead of time for larger groups.
- Freeze leftovers in portions and reheat in the microwave or oven.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4–12 hours
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 5–13 hours (including chill)
Nutritional Info (Per serving, based on 12 servings)
Calories: 390
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 750mg
FAQs
Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?
- Yes, but letting it chill at least 4 hours helps the bread absorb the egg mixture evenly.
Can I freeze strata before or after baking?
- You can freeze after baking. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best bread to use?
- French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread work best. Avoid soft sandwich bread as it may turn mushy.
Can I bake it the night before and just reheat?
- Absolutely. Bake it, let it cool, then refrigerate and reheat in a 300°F oven for 20–30 minutes.
How do I know when it’s fully baked?
- The center should be puffed and set, and a knife inserted should come out clean.
Conclusion
Christmas Breakfast Strata is a festive, make-ahead casserole that makes your holiday morning easy and delicious. Its savory layers of bread, sausage, cheese, and eggs deliver cozy flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving a small family or a holiday crowd, this versatile recipe ensures everyone starts the day with something warm, hearty, and full of cheer. Make it your new Christmas morning tradition, it’s one less thing to stress about, and one more thing to love.