Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. One of the most convenient and crowd - pleasing options for the holiday season is the casserole. These one - dish wonders can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. In this article, we'll explore a variety of Christmas casseroles suitable for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
Breakfast Casseroles for a Crowd
Starting your Christmas morning with a hearty breakfast is essential, especially when you have guests over. A breakfast casserole is the perfect solution. One classic option is the sausage and egg casserole. To make this, you'll need a pound of breakfast sausage, 8 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 2 cups of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), and a loaf of day - old bread, cubed. First, cook the sausage in a skillet until browned and crumbled. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Layer the bread cubes in a greased baking dish, followed by the cooked sausage and then the shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. This casserole can easily feed a large group and is sure to be a hit.
Another great breakfast casserole is the spinach and feta casserole. You'll need a package of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, 4 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled, 4 eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a little bit of chopped fresh dill. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and pour into a greased baking dish. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes. The combination of the earthy spinach, tangy feta, and rich cream makes for a delicious and healthy start to your Christmas day.
Make - Ahead Brunch Casseroles
Brunch is a popular meal during the holidays, and a make - ahead casserole is a great addition to your spread. The ham and Swiss casserole is a timeless choice. You'll need a pound of cooked ham, cubed, 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, 6 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of Bisquick (or a similar baking mix), and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. In a large bowl, combine the ham and Swiss cheese. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Bisquick, and Dijon mustard. Pour the egg mixture over the ham and cheese in a greased baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. When it's time, bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes. This casserole can be made the night before and popped in the oven in the morning, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your guests.
For a vegetarian option, the vegetable quiche casserole is a wonderful choice. You'll need a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini, all chopped. Sauté the vegetables in a pan with a little olive oil until they're tender. In a bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Layer the sautéed vegetables in a greased baking dish and pour the egg mixture over them. Bake at 375°F for about 35 minutes. This colorful and flavorful casserole is perfect for those who prefer a meat - free brunch.
Main Dish Casseroles for Christmas Dinner
When it comes to Christmas dinner, a main dish casserole can be both elegant and comforting. The turkey and stuffing casserole is a great way to use up leftover turkey. You'll need 2 cups of cooked turkey, cubed, 2 cups of stuffing mix, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, stuffing mix, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This casserole brings together the classic flavors of Christmas dinner in one convenient dish.
Another main dish option is the lasagna casserole. Instead of the traditional layers of lasagna noodles, you can use a combination of cooked pasta and cottage cheese. You'll need 1 pound of ground beef, 1 jar of marinara sauce, 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1 egg, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 2 cups of cooked penne pasta. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and add the marinara sauce. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and egg. Layer the penne pasta, the meat sauce, the cottage cheese mixture, and the shredded mozzarella cheese in a greased baking dish. Repeat the layers and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes. This lasagna casserole is a hearty and satisfying main course for your Christmas dinner.
In conclusion, Christmas casseroles are a fantastic addition to your holiday menu. Whether it's a breakfast casserole to start your day, a make - ahead brunch casserole for a leisurely meal, or a main dish casserole for dinner, these one - dish wonders are sure to make your Christmas stress - free and delicious. So, this holiday season, unwrap the magic of casseroles and enjoy a festive feast with your family and friends.
