Ah, Christmas morning! There’s just something magical about waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of laughter echoing through the house. I can still remember the excitement of gathering around the table with my family, all huddled in cozy pajamas, as we dug into a delicious breakfast together. One of my all-time favorite dishes for that special morning is this Christmas Morning Egg Bake. It’s so easy to whip up, and trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
This egg bake is like a warm hug on a plate—filled with fluffy eggs, cheesy goodness, and your favorite veggies and meats, it’s the perfect way to kick off the festivities. I love that I can prep it ahead of time, so when the kids are bouncing off the walls waiting for presents, I can just pop it in the oven and enjoy the chaos around me. Plus, it’s super customizable, so whether you’re a veggie lover or a meat enthusiast, you can make it your own. Now, let’s get to making this delightful dish that’s sure to become a family tradition!
Ingredients List
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use your favorite cheese for a twist!)
- 1 cup diced ham (or swap for crumbled sausage or bacon if you prefer)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (I love using a mix of colors for a vibrant dish)
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh is great, but frozen works too—just thaw and drain well)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste if you’re watching sodium)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (this adds a lovely depth of flavor)
Make sure all your veggies are chopped and ready to go before you start mixing—it’s all about that smooth flow in the kitchen! You can definitely get creative here, adding in any other veggies you love or even some herbs for an extra pop of flavor. Just remember, the more colorful, the better your egg bake will look on that holiday table!
How to Prepare the Christmas Morning Egg Bake
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious Christmas Morning Egg Bake! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have it all ready in no time. Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll be savoring those scrumptious flavors on Christmas morning!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your egg bake cooks evenly and puffs up perfectly. No one likes a soggy bottom, right? So, go ahead and set that oven while you prepare the other ingredients!
Mix the Egg and Milk Base
In a large bowl, crack those 12 large eggs and pour in the 2 cups of milk. Now, grab a whisk and mix them together until they’re well combined. You want a nice, uniform mixture—no streaks of egg whites or yolks left behind. It’s like you’re creating a blank canvas for all the delicious flavors to come!
Combine Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to add in all those tasty goodies! Stir in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of diced ham (or whatever protein you’ve chosen), 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, and 1 cup of chopped spinach. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder too. Give everything a good mix to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Pour and Bake
Now, pour that beautiful mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly—that way, it’ll cook uniformly. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top is a lovely golden brown. Just imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen—pure heaven!
Cooling and Serving
Once your egg bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it up. This little cooling time helps it firm up just right, making it easier to serve. When you’re ready, grab a sharp knife and cut it into squares or rectangles—whatever suits your fancy! Serve it warm, and watch those smiles light up the room as everyone digs in. Trust me, this dish is a holiday hit!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to whip up this scrumptious Christmas Morning Egg Bake, let me share some of my favorite tips to make sure it turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and vibrant veggies make all the difference! When picking your ingredients, look for eggs with a bright yolk and vegetables that are crisp and colorful. They not only taste better but also look gorgeous in your dish!
- Make It Ahead: If you want to save time on Christmas morning (because, let’s be honest, things can get a little hectic), you can prepare the egg mixture the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate. In the morning, pour it into the baking dish and bake it straight away. Easy peasy!
- Customize to Your Taste: Don’t be afraid to switch things up! If you have a favorite cheese or some leftover roasted veggies, toss them in! This recipe is super forgiving and loves to accommodate your tastes.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your egg bake as it gets close to that 30-minute mark. It’s done when the center is set and the top is beautifully golden. A little jiggle is okay, but you don’t want it to be overly wobbly!
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Letting it cool for a few minutes before slicing is key. This allows the egg bake to firm up a bit, making it easier to cut. Plus, it gives you a moment to bask in the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They reheat beautifully in the microwave, making for a quick and tasty breakfast the next day.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a delicious Christmas Morning Egg Bake that will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the process and, of course, the scrumptious results!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! I know we all love a delicious breakfast, but it’s nice to have a general idea of what we’re working with, right? Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one slice of this Christmas Morning Egg Bake. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
This egg bake is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a great way to start your day! Plus, it’s got just enough fat to keep things tasty without going overboard. So you can enjoy every bite without a worry in the world. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a little chopping and mixing, you can have this dish ready to bake in no time—perfect for busy holiday mornings!
- Delicious Taste: The combination of fluffy eggs, creamy cheese, and savory ham (or your choice of veggies) creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly flexible! You can swap in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or meats to make it just how you like it.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.
- Feeds a Crowd: With eight generous servings, it’s perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends—everyone gets a slice of the holiday cheer!
- Kid-Approved: The cheesy goodness and colorful veggies make this a hit with kids, so you can keep the little ones happy while you enjoy your festive morning.
- Leftover Perfection: If you happen to have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully, making for a great next-day breakfast that saves you time!
Trust me, once you try this Christmas Morning Egg Bake, it’s going to become a staple in your holiday breakfast lineup. It’s all about making memories around the table, and this dish is the perfect kickoff!
Frequently Asked Questions
I know you might have some questions about making this delicious Christmas Morning Egg Bake, so let’s tackle a few of the most common ones I get! I want to make sure you feel totally confident when you whip this up!
Can I make this egg bake the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it if you want to save time on Christmas morning. Just prepare the egg mixture and pour it into your greased baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you can bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s cooked through!
What if I don’t have ham? Can I use something else?
Of course! This recipe is super flexible. You can use crumbled sausage, cooked bacon, or even skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is cooked beforehand, as this dish bakes pretty quickly!
How do I store leftovers?
If you somehow have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let the egg bake cool completely, then slice it into portions and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop a slice in the microwave for a quick reheat!
Can I freeze the egg bake?
Yes, you can! Just slice the cooled egg bake into portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
What can I substitute for the milk?
If you want to swap out the milk, you can use any non-dairy milk, like almond milk or soy milk, though it might slightly change the texture. Or, if you prefer a creamier finish, try using half and half or heavy cream instead. Just keep in mind that it’ll add a bit more richness!
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! This is one of the best parts of this recipe. Feel free to throw in your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even some diced tomatoes. Just make sure to chop them up small so they cook evenly!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’re looking for the top to be golden brown and the center to be set. A little jiggle is okay, but if it’s overly wobbly, give it a few more minutes in the oven. You can also use a toothpick to check—insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
With these FAQs answered, you’re fully equipped to create a fabulous Christmas Morning Egg Bake. Enjoy every delicious bite and the wonderful memories you’ll make around the table!
Call to Action
Now that you’re armed with this delightful Christmas Morning Egg Bake recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried it? What did you think? Did you add any of your own special touches? Your feedback means the world to me, and sharing your experiences can inspire others to create their own holiday magic in the kitchen!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to rate it below! A quick rating helps me know what you enjoy and keeps me motivated to share more delicious recipes. Plus, I’d love to see how your egg bakes turned out—so feel free to snap a pic and share it in the comments! Let’s start a festive conversation!
Thank you for being part of this cooking journey with me! I can’t wait to hear about all the delicious holiday breakfasts you create. Here’s to making beautiful memories around the table with family and friends!
Print
Christmas Morning Egg Bake: 7 Cozy Bites to Cherish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make egg bake perfect for Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 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, spinach, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Keywords: Christmas Morning Egg Bake