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A close-up macro shot of a slice of savory Christmas breakfast strata, showing the fluffy egg and melted cheese texture.
FL Recipes

Christmas Breakfast Strata: The Perfect Make-Ahead Holiday Meal

This Christmas Breakfast Strata is the perfect make-ahead holiday meal! A savory and delicious casserole with layers of bread, sausage, egg, and cheese, prepared the night before for a stress-free Christmas morning.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf day-old crusty bread (about 16 oz) cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 12 large eggs
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg freshly grated if possible

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
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Method
 

  1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain excess grease.
  3. Sprinkle the sausage mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, dry mustard powder, and nutmeg until well combined.
  5. Pour the egg custard evenly over the ingredients in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it is saturated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  6. The next morning, remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes, until the strata is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 25gFat: 30gFiber: 2g

Notes

Tip 1: Using day-old, stale bread is the secret to a strata that isn't soggy. If your bread is fresh, cube it and toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out.
Tip 2: Don't skip the overnight chilling step! This allows the bread to fully absorb the rich custard, which is crucial for the perfect texture.
Tip 3: Feel free to customize with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables like sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
Keyword christmas breakfast strata,make ahead breakfast casserole,overnight breakfast strata

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