Ah, Christmas morning! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of cozying up with family, sipping hot cocoa, and enjoying the aroma of something delicious baking in the oven. That’s where my Christmas Morning Egg Bake comes in! This hearty and festive dish is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also super simple to whip up. Imagine fluffy eggs mingling with savory ham, vibrant spinach, and melty cheese—all coming together for a delightful breakfast that will energize you for the day ahead. Whether you’re diving into gifts or gathering around the table, this egg bake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday brunch. Trust me, you’ll want to make this a Christmas tradition!
Ingredients for Christmas Morning Egg Bake
- 8 large eggs – Make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor!
- 2 cups milk – Whole milk works wonders, but feel free to use your favorite alternative.
- 1 teaspoon salt – This enhances the flavors, so don’t skip it!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick to brighten everything up.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – I love sharp cheddar for that extra punch!
- 1 cup diced ham – You can use leftover holiday ham or deli ham; both work great!
- 1 cup chopped spinach – Fresh or frozen, just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture if using frozen.
- 1 cup diced bell peppers – Any color will do, but red and yellow add a lovely festive touch!
- 1/2 cup diced onions – Sweet onions are my favorite for a milder flavor.
How to Prepare Christmas Morning Egg Bake
Alright, let’s get this delicious Christmas Morning Egg Bake underway! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bake gets that perfect fluffy texture when it’s time to pop it in. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s start whisking!
Preparing the Egg Mixture
In your bowl, crack in those 8 large eggs and pour in the 2 cups of milk. Sprinkle in the teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Now, grab a whisk and mix everything together until it’s all combined and you see a lovely froth forming. This is where the magic begins!
Combining Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Toss in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, along with the diced ham, chopped spinach, bell peppers, and onions. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together. You want to make sure all those colorful ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture. It’s like a festive celebration in a bowl!
Baking the Egg Bake
Now that your mixture is ready, pour it into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top is lightly golden. Just imagine that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen! Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing up this holiday delight, and then get ready to serve up some smiles!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Morning Egg Bake
- Hearty and Satisfying: This egg bake is packed with protein and veggies, making it a filling breakfast that keeps everyone energized for the day ahead.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to go without breaking a sweat. Perfect for busy holiday mornings!
- Festive Flavors: The combination of ham, cheese, and fresh veggies creates a delightful medley that feels special and celebratory.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand—this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With flavors everyone loves, this egg bake is sure to impress guests and family alike, making it a staple for your holiday brunch.
Tips for Success with Christmas Morning Egg Bake
Alright, let’s make sure your Christmas Morning Egg Bake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you avoid any pitfalls and get it just right:
- Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs make a big difference in flavor and texture. Check the expiration date, and if you can, use farm-fresh eggs for the best results!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a rubbery texture, and we want that fluffy goodness!
- Customize Your Veggies: If you’re not a fan of any of the veggies listed, feel free to swap them out! Just keep in mind that watery vegetables like zucchini might need to be pre-cooked to avoid excess moisture.
- Check for Doneness: When baking, keep an eye on the time but also trust your instincts. The bake is done when the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. It’ll firm up as it cools!
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the egg bake rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps everything set nicely and makes serving easier!
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is fantastic, don’t hesitate to try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor profile!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll not only nail this recipe but also impress everyone around the breakfast table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my Christmas Morning Egg Bake! Keep in mind that the nutrition facts can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just a rough estimate to give you an idea of what you’re getting. Here’s what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
These numbers can help you plan your festive meal, but remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying the delicious flavors of the season! Happy feasting!
FAQ about Christmas Morning Egg Bake
Got questions about my Christmas Morning Egg Bake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I make this egg bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this Christmas Morning Egg Bake is that you can prepare it the night before. Just mix everything up, pour it into the greased dish, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, just bake it straight from the fridge—no need to let it come to room temperature!
What can I substitute for ham?
If you want to skip the ham or make it vegetarian, feel free to use sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even crumbled sausage. You can also just load it up with more veggies! It’s all about what you love.
How do I know when the egg bake is done?
Great question! The egg bake is ready when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. You can also give it a gentle shake; if it wobbles too much, it needs more time. It’ll firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit soft at first!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good), let it cool completely, then slice it up and store in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast!
What toppings do you recommend for serving?
I love to serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley adds a lovely touch, too! Get creative with your toppings and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious Christmas Morning Egg Bake, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it properly so you can enjoy it again!
First, let it cool completely before storing. Once it’s cooled, you can slice it up into individual portions for easy grabbing later. Place those slices in an airtight container, or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep them fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze the slices for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to enjoy your egg bake again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge if it’s frozen. For reheating, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up—about 1-2 minutes should do the trick. If you prefer a crispier texture, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out!
And there you have it! Storing and reheating your Christmas Morning Egg Bake is a breeze, so you can savor those festive flavors anytime you like!
Print
Christmas Morning Egg Bake: 5 Festive Flavors to Savor
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and festive egg bake perfect for Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add cheese, ham, spinach, bell peppers, and onions 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 slicing and serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.
- This dish can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Serve with toast or fresh fruit for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Keywords: Christmas Morning Egg Bake