5 Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles for the Holidays

Let go of stress from the stress of the holidays by making these delicious recipes.

This comprehensive guide includes five delicious, easy-to-make breakfast dishes to simplify your holiday breakfasts. These hearty and simple dishes are perfect for serving a large group. Each recipe has options for serving, variations, and storage suggestions to ensure your holiday breakfasts are easy and delicious. Let’s take a look!

1. Classic Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole!:

Description: This is a famous breakfast casserole that is made up of layers of sausage for breakfast, eggs, cheese, eggs and a mix of spices. It’s flexible, simple to cook, and gives you a perfect protein-rich breakfast to start your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 4 cups cubed white or whole grain bread (or any bread left over)

Instructions :

1. In an oven, until the sausage is cooked, drain the fat.
2. Mix the eggs, milk, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Distribute the bread cubes evenly in an ovenproof baking dish greased 9×13 inches.
4. Sprinkle the sausage on the bread. The cheese followed them.
5. Spread the egg mixture over the casserole, pressing it down to ensure everything is well-drained.
6. Cover and chill overnight or for at minimum 4 hours.
7. Once you are ready to bake the eggs, heat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the eggs are set and the tops are golden brown.

Variations :

• Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausages for a healthier and vegetarian alternative.
• Sprinkle a layer of sauteed vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or spinach to give it a more savory flavor.

Storage Tips:

The casserole can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

2. Vegetarian Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Description: Packed with crispy hash browns, vegetables, along with cheese. The vegetarian dish is delicious and easy to prepare. It is perfect for vegetarians or a light breakfast!

Ingredients:

• Three cups of frozen Hash Browns that have been thawed
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Eight large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350degF (175degC).
2. Prepare the onions and bell peppers in a large pan until they are soft.
3. Place the hash browns, cooked veggies, and the remaining cheese in a 9×13-inch baking dish greased with butter.
4. A bowl is used to mix the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Spread the mixture of eggs over the layer of ingredients. Top with the rest of the cheese.
6. Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
7. Bake covered in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the eggs are cooked and the cheese has melted.

Variations:

•   You can substitute the eggs with a chickpea flour-based batter and vegan cheese to go vegan.
• Incorporate zucchini, mushrooms, or any other seasonal vegetables that you like.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Bake at 350F for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Bacon and Spinach Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Description: Buttery croissants, crisp bacon, and nutritious spinach make this dish delicious but balanced. It’s perfect to serve a large crowd at festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 6 large croissants divided into 1-inch cubes
• 8 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup of gruyere shredded or Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper according to your preference

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350degF (175degC).
2. Prepare a baking dish that is 9×13 inches, and then layer the croissant cubes.
3. Equally, distribute the bacon crumbles and spinach on the croissants.
4. A bowl is used to mix the eggs and milk with salt and pepper.
5. Spread the mixture of eggs over the layers of croissants and finish with shredded cheese.
6. Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
7. Bake in the oven covered for 35-40 mins until the eggs have set and the tops are golden.

Variations:

• Replace bacon with turkey, ham, or even smoked salmon.
• To enhance the flavor, sprinkle a little of basil or thyme.

Storage Tips:

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. They can also be heated in the oven to restore that flaky, chewy texture.

4. Sweet Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Description: This sweet and filling casserole is the perfect choice to serve for brunch on the holidays. It blends the flavor of traditional French toast with a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon, served with a drizzle of fresh berries or maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of French bread cut into cubes of 1 inch.
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• One tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

Topping:

• 1/4 cup of melted butter
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place the bread cubes in an oven-safe baking dish that has been greased.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Then, pour the egg mixture over the bread and press it down to ensure that it absorbs the liquid.
4. Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
5. Mix the melted butter, brown sugar,r, and cinnamon to make the topping.
6. Once you are ready to bake, prepare the oven for baking at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and spread the topping evenly across the casserole.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

Variations:

• Sprinkle in chopped pecans or raisins to give it a more textured taste.
• Choose challah or brioche bread to get a more rich flavor.

Storage Tips:

Keep your leftovers up until 3 days. Reheat individual portions of the dish in the microwave.

5. Loaded Breakfast Casserole with Tater Tots

Description: This crowd-pleaser features eggs, tater tots, sausage, cheese, and eggs, which makes it a delicious option for guests who are hungry during the holiday season. Thanks to the crisp tots, it’s easy to make and is deliciously chewy.

Ingredients:

• Breakfast sausage 1 pound cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• Half a cup of diced bell peppers
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper according to your preference
• 1 bag (32 1 oz) frozen Tater tots

Instructions:

1. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175degC).
2. Grease a baking dish 9×13 inches and cover it with an evenly-spaced layer of cooked sausages, onions, and bell peppers.
3. Within a bowl, mix the eggs and milk with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture of eggs over the sausage, then sprinkle on the cheese.
5. Place the tater tots in an even layer on the top of the casserole.
6. Refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the eggs are cooked and the tater tots have become crisp.

Variations:

• Substitute sausages with diced bacon, ham, or smoked tofu for a vegan twist.
• Sprinkle in jalapenos for a touch of spice.

Storage Tips:

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator until 3 days after it is made. To warm it up, bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes or until warm.

Conclusion

These breakfast casseroles can be adapted to your taste and preferences for food, allowing you the flexibility needed during the festive season. Enjoy your mornings during the holidays with less cooking and spending more time with your family and friends!