Perfect Christmas Breakfast Strata — The Make-Ahead Egg Dish

A strata is a savory bread pudding — perfect for Christmas morning. Assemble the night before; refrigerate; bake in the morning while opening gifts. Feeds 8-10 people. The right Christmas morning breakfast for crowds.

The recipe (serves 8-10)

Ingredients

• 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed (8 cups)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar; Gruyere)
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh herbs (thyme; parsley)

Method (night before)

1. Layer bread in greased 9x13 baking dish
2. Top with sausage; cheese; mushrooms
3. Whisk eggs + milk + cream + mustards + salt + pepper
4. Pour over bread
5. Press down; refrigerate overnight

Method (Christmas morning)

1. Bring to room temp 30 minutes
2. Preheat oven to 350°F
3. Bake covered 30 minutes
4. Uncover; bake 25-30 more minutes until golden and set
5. Rest 10 minutes; serve

Variations

• Veggie strata: skip sausage; add 3 cups sautéed vegetables
• Bacon strata: replace sausage with bacon
• Ham + cheese: with Gruyere + Dijon
• Mediterranean: sun-dried tomatoes; spinach; feta

Cross-references

For perfect Christmas breakfast casserole and perfect Christmas morning cinnamon rolls.

The perfect Christmas breakfast strata is the make-ahead egg dish that lets you enjoy Christmas morning without cooking. Assemble Christmas Eve; bake while opening presents. Feeds the family. Foundation of a great Christmas morning.