Start your festive morning with a delightful twist on a classic breakfast casserole that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. This holiday-inspired dish, perfect for those busy Christmas mornings, features a harmonious blend of rich croissants, gooey cheese, and a medley of flavors. It’s not just a breakfast casserole; it’s a centerpiece that feeds a small army and promises to be the highlight of your holiday spread.
Why the hour-long wait before baking? This crucial step allows the croissants to absorb the luscious egg mixture, ensuring a creamy and indulgent texture. Don’t rush this process; let it chill in the fridge for up to 4 hours if you want to get a head start on your holiday prep.
For our vegetarian friends, fear not! You can skip the ham, and the casserole will still be bursting with cheesy goodness, catering to every palate at your festive table.
Planning ahead? Sauté the ham, onion, and bell pepper a day before, refrigerate the mixture, and witness a significant time-saving hack on Christmas morning. Efficiency without compromising flavor—now that’s a holiday win!
Concerned about leftovers? No need. Devour any remnants within 2 days of cooking this delectable casserole to savor its flavors at their peak.
Feel like shaking things up? Swap the ham for crispy bacon, adjusting the salt accordingly. Alternatively, introduce the savory allure of cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage. The options are as diverse as your holiday traditions!
Now, let’s dive into the culinary symphony. With a prep time of just 35 minutes and a total cook time of 2 hours and 35 minutes, you’ll have this masterpiece ready to dazzle your Christmas morning crowd. From the savory sauté to the golden brown finish, each step is a journey toward breakfast bliss.
Yields: 8 – 10 serving(s) Prep Time: 35 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 8 oz. deli ham, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 6 croissants, cut into 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- 1 tsp. hot sauce
- 5 large eggs
- 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese, divided
Embark on this culinary journey by heating olive oil in a skillet. Sauté ham, onion, and bell peppers until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Set aside to cool slightly.
Brush a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with olive oil. Arrange croissant pieces, top with the ham mixture, and gently combine.
In a bowl, whisk together milk, half-and-half, hot sauce, and eggs. Add half of both cheeses. Pour over croissants, ensuring an even distribution. Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours.
As the oven preheats to 350°F, bring the casserole to room temperature for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake until puffed, golden brown, and irresistibly cheesy—approximately 45 minutes. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Elevate your Christmas morning with this unique and original breakfast casserole, a symphony of flavors and textures that embodies the spirit of the season. Enjoy!
image source: the pioneer woman
