Christmas Morning Wife Saver Breakfast Casserole

Name: Christmas Morning Wife Saver Breakfast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 560 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 8 slices white bread (crusts removed); 16 slices ham; 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated); 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 tsp dry mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; pinch salt; pinch pepper; 1/4 cup butter (melted); 1/4 tsp paprika

560 min 8 servings Easy

All Recipes

A delightful make-ahead breakfast casserole perfect for Christmas morning, featuring layers of bread, cheese, ham, and a rich egg custard.

Prep

20 min

Cook

60 min

Total

560 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

The Christmas Morning Wife Saver Breakfast Casserole is a cherished tradition for many families during the holiday season. This dish combines layers of hearty bread, savoury ham, and creamy cheese, all soaked in a rich egg custard. What makes this casserole so special is its make-ahead capability. You can prepare it the night before, allowing the flavours to meld together, and simply bake it in the morning. It's perfect for busy mornings, especially when you want to spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen. This version of the casserole is ideal for those who love a hearty, comforting breakfast. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet family morning, this dish will be the star of your breakfast table.

Instructions

Prepare the baking dish

Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

Pro tip: Ensure the dish is well-greased to prevent sticking.

Layer the bread and ham

Place 4 slices of bread on the bottom of the dish. Top with 8 slices of ham and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining bread, ham, and cheese.

Pro tip: Overlap the ham slightly if needed.

Make the egg mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pro tip: Ensure the eggs are fully mixed with the milk for a smooth custard.

Pour over the layers

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and ham, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Pro tip: Pour slowly to allow the mixture to soak through the layers.

Add melted butter and paprika

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole and sprinkle with paprika.

Pro tip: The butter adds richness and the paprika enhances colour.

Refrigerate overnight

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Pro tip: This rest time allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Pro tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking.

Bake the casserole

Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the centre is set.

Pro tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil.

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Tips & Tricks

Use day-old bread for the best texture.
Feel free to swap out the ham for turkey or bacon.
Prepare it the night before for a stress-free morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Christmas Morning Wife Saver Breakfast Casserole?

It's a make-ahead breakfast casserole layered with bread, ham, cheese, and a custard mixture, perfect for holiday mornings.

Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it the night before and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

How many calories are in a serving?

Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.

Can I substitute ham with another meat?

Yes, you can use turkey or bacon as alternatives to ham.

How long should the casserole rest before baking?

Let the casserole rest in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight to absorb the flavours.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve with fresh fruit, a light salad, orange juice, or coffee for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Christmas Morning Wife Saver Breakfast Casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal. Pair it with orange juice or a warm cup of coffee to complement the dish. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven until heated through.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

25g

Protein

25g

Fat

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