Magical Christmas Morning Casserole in Just 6 Ingredients

There’s something magical about Christmas morning—the twinkling lights, the excited whispers of kids sneaking peeks at presents, and that first cup of coffee steaming in your hands. But let me tell you, nothing beats the smell of my Christmas morning casserole baking in the oven while everyone’s still in their pajamas. It’s become our family’s little tradition, and honestly? It’s the easiest way to feed a crowd without missing any of the holiday fun.

I remember the first time I made this for my in-laws—my mother-in-law kept sneaking bites before we even sat down! That’s the beauty of this dish: it’s simple enough to throw together (even with sleepy eyes and coffee in hand), but the flavors are rich enough to feel special. The combination of fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and savory ham wrapped around those golden bread cubes? Pure comfort food magic.

What I love most is how it lets me actually enjoy Christmas morning instead of being stuck in the kitchen. You can prep it the night before (more on that later!), then just pop it in the oven while everyone’s opening stockings. Check out my other favorite breakfast recipes if you’re looking for more morning inspiration—but trust me, this casserole deserves its spot as our Christmas star.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Morning Casserole

Oh friends, let me count the ways this casserole will become your new holiday hero! First off, it’s ridiculously easy – we’re talking 15 minutes of prep where the hardest part is remembering to turn on the oven. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Sleep-in friendly: Assemble everything the night before while sipping eggnog, then just pop it in the oven Christmas morning. More time for presents and pajama cuddles!
• Crowd-pleaser magic: The combo of fluffy eggs, crispy bread, and melty cheese makes even picky eaters come back for seconds (my nephew who “hates eggs” somehow devours three helpings every year).
• Holiday-perfect: It’s hearty enough to fuel present-opening marathons but fancy enough to feel special. That golden-brown top? Pure Christmas morning joy.
• Leftover love: Tastes just as amazing reheated – if you’re lucky enough to have any left!

Seriously, this casserole is like a warm hug in dish form – exactly what you want on Christmas morning.

Ingredients for Christmas Morning Casserole

Okay, let’s gather our cast of characters for this holiday star! Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:

• 6 eggs – The fluffy backbone of our casserole. Farm-fresh if you can get them!
• 2 cups milk – Whole milk makes it extra rich, but 2% works in a pinch
• 1 tsp salt – Just enough to make all the flavors pop
• ½ tsp black pepper – Freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy
• 6 cups bread cubes – Day-old is actually better here – it soaks up the custard like a dream (I save heels and stale bits in the freezer all month for this!)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but any melty cheese works
• 1 cup cooked ham – Diced into little bite-sized pieces (leftover Christmas Eve ham? Perfect!)

See? Nothing complicated – just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Now let’s get mixing!

How to Make Christmas Morning Casserole

Alright, let’s get this holiday show on the road! I promise this comes together so easily you could do it half-asleep (and let’s be real, that’s exactly how I make it most years). Here’s my foolproof method for casserole perfection:

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab your biggest mixing bowl. Crack in all six eggs and give them a good whisk until they’re completely smooth – no streaks of white left! Pour in the milk, salt, and pepper, then whisk again until it’s all one happy, creamy family. Pro tip from my scrambled eggs experience: whisking thoroughly now means no weird eggy clumps later!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Now for the fun part! Dump in your bread cubes, cheese, and ham all at once. I like to use my hands to mix everything – it helps distribute the goodies evenly and makes sure every bread cube gets coated with that luscious egg mixture. Don’t be shy – really squish it all together! The bread should start soaking up the liquid right away, turning into little flavor sponges.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour your mixture into the greased baking dish and let it sit for 10 minutes (perfect timing to start the coffee!). Then into the oven it goes for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is gloriously golden brown and the center doesn’t jiggle when you give the pan a gentle shake. That heavenly smell filling your kitchen? That’s Christmas morning magic right there!

See? Easy as unwrapping presents! Now go enjoy your holiday while this beauty bakes – you’ve earned it.

Tips for the Best Christmas Morning Casserole

After making this casserole every Christmas for the past decade (and through plenty of trial and error), I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “can I get this recipe?” amazing. First – that day-old bread tip isn’t just a suggestion! Fresh bread turns to mush, but slightly stale cubes hold their shape while soaking up all that creamy egg goodness. Trust me on this one.

Want to make it your own? Swap the ham for cooked sausage or crumbled bacon if that’s your family’s jam. Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach if you’re feeling fancy. Just don’t skip letting the mixture sit before baking – those 10 minutes let the bread fully absorb the custard so every bite is perfectly moist.

Testing doneness? Forget the toothpick – slide a butter knife into the center. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden (literally). And here’s my secret: let it rest 5 minutes after baking. I know it’s hard to wait when everyone’s hungry, but this keeps it from falling apart when you slice it. Promise it’s worth it!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Here’s my favorite Christmas miracle – you can prep this entire casserole the night before! After mixing everything together, just cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and tuck it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, take it out while you preheat the oven (about 20 minutes to take the chill off) and bake as usual. Easy peasy!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 60 seconds, or pop the whole dish back in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. The bread gets a little extra crispy on reheat – which my husband swears is even better than the first day!

Nutritional Information for Christmas Morning Casserole

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving (about 1/8th of the casserole): roughly 320 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated), 18g protein, and 25g carbs. But listen – these numbers can dance around depending on your cheese choice, bread type, or if you go wild with extra ham. It’s holiday food, not a math test – enjoy every bite!

For more amazing recipes, be sure to check out our other sections to explore a variety of ideas that will enrich your cooking experience. Each section offers its own unique flavors to ensure a delightful culinary journey:

Easy and Quick Recipes: A collection of dishes that guarantee delicious meals with minimal effort and time.

Healthy Recipes: Discover healthy and delicious options that fit your lifestyle.

Desserts: A diverse selection of sweets that will add a special touch of sweetness to your table.

Lunch Recipes: Tasty lunch ideas that you can easily prepare to delight your family.

Dinner Recipes: Delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will make your dinner a memorable occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different meat in this Christmas morning casserole?

Absolutely! While ham is our family’s traditional choice, cooked sausage (browned and drained) or crispy bacon work wonderfully. For a vegetarian twist, sautéed mushrooms or meatless crumbles are delicious too. The key is keeping the total amount about 1 cup so the casserole doesn’t get too heavy.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

You sure can! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes – no need to thaw first. The texture changes slightly, but it’s still tasty!

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Two secrets: use day-old bread (fresh bread turns mushy) and don’t skip the 10-minute rest before baking. This lets the bread fully absorb the egg mixture evenly. Also, make sure your baking dish isn’t overcrowded – a 9×13 inch pan is perfect for this recipe. Check out more of my kitchen tips if you’re curious!

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious. Just avoid watery substitutes – the richness of dairy milk helps bind everything together.

Why does my casserole sometimes puff up in the oven?

Don’t worry – that’s totally normal! The eggs expand as they cook, creating those impressive puffy peaks. It’ll settle back down as it cools. If it bothers you, you can gently press it down with a spatula after baking. But honestly? My kids think the puffy parts are the best bits!