Perfect Christmas Strata — Overnight Bread Casserole

Strata is savory bread pudding — perfect Christmas morning solution. Assemble Christmas Eve, bake while gifts open.

The recipe

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 8 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)
• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or 8 oz bacon)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 8 oz mushrooms (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Method (the night before)

1. Brown sausage; drain
2. Sauté onions and mushrooms in pan
3. Grease 9x13 pan
4. Layer: bread cubes, sausage, vegetables, cheese
5. Whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt, pepper
6. Pour over bread
7. Press down; cover and refrigerate overnight

Christmas morning

8. Let sit at room temp 30 minutes
9. Bake 350°F for 50-60 minutes (golden, center set)
10. Rest 10 minutes before serving

Variations

Different proteins

• Italian sausage + spinach
• Ham + Swiss + asparagus
• Bacon + cheddar + green onion

Vegetarian

• Mushroom + spinach + gruyere
• Tomato + basil + mozzarella
• Squash + sage + cheddar

Bread choices

• Sourdough (sturdy)
• Brioche (rich)
• Croissants (luxurious)
• French bread (classic)

Why it's perfect for Christmas

• Make Eve, bake morning
• Feeds crowd
• Customizable
• Reheats well
• Forgiving recipe

Cross-references

For Christmas breakfast casserole — adjacent.

For Christmas quiche — adjacent.

For Christmas morning — broader.

Perfect strata is overnight magic. Assemble Eve, bake Christmas morning. Feeds crowd. Sausage and cheese and bread — Christmas perfection.