Christmas Morning Strata

Christmas Morning Strata Recipe with Ham, Cheddar, and Potato

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 2 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Christmas Morning Strata is a delicious and hearty breakfast casserole that is perfect for serving to family and friends on Christmas morning. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones on this special day.

History

The origins of Christmas Morning Strata are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States as a way to use up leftover bread and ingredients from holiday meals. This dish has since become a popular Christmas morning tradition for many families, as it is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

10 slices of white bread
5 eggs
0.5 qt (473 ml) of heavy whipping cream
3 cups of diced ham
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup of crushed potato chips
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a bowl, mix together the cream and eggs and set aside.
Line a casserole dish with 5 slices of bread.
Sprinkle half of the ham, half of the sausage, and half of the cheese over the bread.
Pour half of the egg and cream mixture over the ingredients in the casserole dish.
Place the remaining 5 slices of bread on top.
Add the remaining ham, sausage, cheese, and egg and cream mixture on top of the bread.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake for 1 hour at 375°F (191°C).
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chips on top.
Broil for 2 minutes until browned.
Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

Try adding in cooked vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Swap out the ham and sausage for bacon or turkey bacon for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss or mozzarella, to change up the taste of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use day-old bread for this recipe, as it will hold up better when soaked in the egg and cream mixture.

- You can customize this recipe by adding in your favorite breakfast meats, vegetables, or cheeses.

- Make sure to let the strata sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Morning Strata with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Christmas Morning Strata is to let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have heavy whipping cream on hand, you can use whole milk or half-and-half as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble Christmas Morning Strata the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Christmas Morning Strata in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, or garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Christmas Morning Strata with a glass of orange juice or a hot cup of coffee for a classic breakfast combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Christmas Morning Strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Morning Strata contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Morning Strata contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Morning Strata contains approximately 30 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Morning Strata contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Morning Strata is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Christmas Morning Strata is a delicious and filling breakfast dish that is high in protein and fat, making it a satisfying meal to start your day.

Summary

Christmas Morning Strata is a delicious and versatile breakfast casserole that is perfect for serving on Christmas morning. With a few simple ingredients and some prep work, you can have a satisfying and flavorful meal to enjoy with your loved ones.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Christmas Morning Strata. It was a chilly winter morning, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a yellowed piece of paper fell out, and my eyes landed on the words "Christmas Morning Strata."

I could almost smell the delicious aroma of the dish just reading the ingredients list - eggs, cheese, bread, sausage, and spices. It sounded like the perfect breakfast casserole for a festive holiday morning. I knew I had to give it a try.

I had learned to cook from a young age, watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen. They taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and taking the time to prepare a meal with care and love. I had collected recipes from all over - from family, friends, and even strangers I met while traveling. Each recipe held a story, a memory, and a connection to the person who had shared it with me.

As I read through the instructions for the Christmas Morning Strata, I could almost picture the person who had written them down. The handwriting was neat and precise, with little notes and tips scribbled in the margins. It was clear that this recipe had been passed down through generations, just like the cookbook it was written in.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. I diced the bread into cubes and browned the sausage, savoring the sizzle and aroma that filled the air. I whisked the eggs and milk together, adding a pinch of nutmeg and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for flavor. I layered the bread, sausage, and cheese in a baking dish, pouring the egg mixture over the top.

As the strata baked in the oven, the house filled with warmth and the tantalizing smell of breakfast. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish. When it was finally ready, I scooped out a generous portion onto a plate and took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - savory sausage, gooey cheese, and fluffy eggs all blended together perfectly. It was a symphony of tastes and textures, a dish that was both comforting and indulgent.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my holiday menu. Every Christmas morning, I would wake up early to prepare the strata, savoring the quiet moments in the kitchen as I cooked. I would watch my family's faces light up as they took their first bite, knowing that this dish would bring us together and create lasting memories.

And so it did. Over the years, the Christmas Morning Strata became a beloved tradition in our family. It was a dish that symbolized love, connection, and the joy of sharing a meal with the ones we hold dear. And as I passed the recipe on to my own children and grandchildren, I knew that it would continue to bring us together for many more holiday mornings to come.