Ah, Christmas morning! There’s nothing quite like the warmth of the holidays, the twinkling lights, and the smell of something delicious wafting through the house. That’s where my Christmas Morning Egg Bake comes in! It’s a hearty, comforting dish that brings my family together around the table, and trust me, it’s a real crowd-pleaser. I love how easy it is to whip up, especially when you want to spend more time sipping hot cocoa and unwrapping gifts instead of slaving away in the kitchen. My favorite part? It’s so customizable! You can toss in whatever veggies or meats you have on hand, making it a fantastic way to use leftovers. This dish has become a beloved tradition in our home, and I just know it will be in yours too!
Ingredients List
To make my Christmas Morning Egg Bake, you’ll need a mix of hearty and flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup packed shredded cheese (your choice – cheddar works great!)
- 1 cup diced ham (or you can use bacon or sausage if you prefer)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color adds a nice touch)
- 1 cup chopped onions (I love using sweet onions for a milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Feel free to get creative with the cheese or add in your favorite veggies! It’s all about what you love.
How to Prepare Christmas Morning Egg Bake
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your egg bake cooks evenly and sets perfectly.
In a large mixing bowl, start by whisking together the 12 large eggs and 2 cups of milk until it’s nice and frothy. This is where the magic begins! Once that’s done, stir in the 1 cup packed shredded cheese, 1 cup diced ham, 1 cup chopped bell peppers, 1 cup chopped onions, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Make sure everything is evenly combined – it should smell heavenly!
Next, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but whatever you have will do! Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the eggs are set and no longer jiggly in the center. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together when you serve it. Trust me, you’ll want to dig in right away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy Christmas mornings.
- A hearty and filling meal that keeps everyone satisfied.
- Incredibly versatile – swap in your favorite proteins and veggies!
- A true crowd-pleaser that brings family and friends together.
- Great for leftovers; it reheats beautifully for brunches or lazy days.
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas Morning Egg Bake truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, feel free to swap the ham for crispy bacon or savory sausage if you want a different flavor profile. If you’re looking to sneak in some greens, spinach or kale can be wonderful additions—just make sure to sauté them first to reduce moisture.
Keep an eye on the baking time! Ovens can vary, so check your egg bake a few minutes before the suggested time. You want it set in the middle but not overcooked. And when it comes to serving, I love to garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. It adds that special touch for your holiday table!
Variations
One of the best things about my Christmas Morning Egg Bake is how easy it is to mix things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try swapping out the ham for some crumbled breakfast sausage or even diced turkey for a lighter option? For veggies, you can use spinach, zucchini, or even mushrooms—just sauté them a bit first to avoid excess moisture. And don’t forget about seasoning! A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can really elevate the flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For my Christmas Morning Egg Bake, a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
This hearty dish is not only satisfying but also low-calorie, making it a great addition to your holiday feast!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Christmas Morning Egg Bake? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries:
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pour it into the baking dish in the morning and pop it in the oven!
What if I don’t have certain ingredients?
No problem! You can swap out the ham for turkey, bacon, or even a meatless option like mushrooms or beans. The veggies can be whatever you have on hand—get creative!
How should I serve it?
I love serving this egg bake with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. A dollop of sour cream or salsa on top can also add a nice kick!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, it freezes wonderfully! Just slice it up, wrap portions tightly, and store them in the freezer. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal later.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my Christmas Morning Egg Bake is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then slice it into portions and transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, it freezes beautifully! Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Enjoy that festive goodness all over again!
Print
Christmas Morning Egg Bake: 5 Tips for a Delicious Feast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and delicious egg bake perfect for Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Add cheese, ham, bell peppers, onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ham with bacon or sausage.
- Add your favorite vegetables for extra flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Keywords: Christmas Morning Egg Bake