Christmas Morning Wife Saver

Christmas Morning Wife Saver Recipe – Canadian Breakfast

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Christmas Morning Wife Saver is a delicious and hearty breakfast casserole that can be prepared the night before, making it perfect for busy holiday mornings. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a family favorite during the festive season.

History

The origins of Christmas Morning Wife Saver are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in North America as a convenient and delicious breakfast option for busy mornings, especially during the holiday season. This dish has become a staple in many households and is often served on Christmas morning as a special treat for the family.

Ingredients

16 slices of bread, crusts removed
16 slices of back bacon or ham, cooked
16 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
6 eggs
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of pepper
1 tsp of dry mustard
0.25 cup of minced onion
0.25 cup of finely chopped green pepper
2 tsp of worcestershire sauce
3 cups of whole or 2% milk
1 dash of tabasco
0.25 lb (113 g) of butter
crushed cornflakes or Special K

How to prepare

In a buttered baking dish (9 x 13 inches), place 8 pieces of bread to cover the dish completely.
Layer cooked back bacon slices or ham slices on top of the bread.
Arrange slices of cheddar cheese on top, then cover with more slices of bread to create a sandwich.
In a bowl, beat together eggs, salt, and pepper.
Add dry mustard, onion, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Tabasco to the egg mixture.
Pour the mixture over the sandwiches.
Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Melt 0.25 lb (113 g) of butter and pour it over the top.
Sprinkle crushed corn flakes or Special K cereal on top.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 1 hour.
Allow it to stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

Add cooked vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitute the ham for cooked sausage or bacon for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of cheese such as Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the crusts from the bread slices to ensure a uniform texture in the casserole.

- Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.

- Refrigerate the casserole overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and for easy preparation in the morning.

- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Morning Wife Saver with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a glass of orange juice for a complete and satisfying breakfast.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients evenly ensures that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.

- Refrigerating the casserole overnight allows the flavors to meld together and makes for easy preparation in the morning.

- Baking the casserole at a moderate temperature ensures that it cooks evenly and does not burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat bread or gluten-free bread for a healthier option.

- Substitute almond milk or soy milk for dairy-free alternatives.

- Use turkey bacon or vegetarian ham for a meat-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Morning Wife Saver can be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight, making it a convenient option for busy mornings. Simply bake it in the morning for a delicious and stress-free breakfast.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Christmas Morning Wife Saver in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Christmas Morning Wife Saver with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy and comforting breakfast experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Christmas Morning Wife Saver can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Morning Wife Saver contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Morning Wife Saver contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in this dish come primarily from the bread and milk used in the recipe.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Morning Wife Saver contains approximately 20 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the butter, cheese, and ham used in the recipe.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Morning Wife Saver contains approximately 15 grams of protein. The protein in this dish comes from the eggs, ham, and cheese used in the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Morning Wife Saver is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The cheese provides calcium, while the ham and eggs provide vitamin A and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, milk), eggs, and wheat (bread), which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any food allergies before serving.

Summary

Christmas Morning Wife Saver is a balanced breakfast option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for the whole family.

Summary

Christmas Morning Wife Saver is a delicious and convenient breakfast casserole that is perfect for busy holiday mornings. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as a good mix of vitamins and minerals, this dish is a nutritious and satisfying option for the whole family. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete and delicious breakfast experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Christmas Morning Wife Saver like it was just yesterday. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been tucked away in the back of my pantry for years. As I flipped through the pages, a faded and stained piece of paper fell out, revealing a handwritten recipe that caught my eye.

The title of the recipe intrigued me, and as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to give it a try. The recipe called for layers of bread, ham, cheese, and a savory egg mixture that would be assembled the night before and baked in the morning. It sounded like the perfect dish to serve on Christmas morning when everyone was gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting the day's festivities.

I decided to make the Christmas Morning Wife Saver for my family that year, and it was an instant hit. The flavors melded together perfectly, and the dish was hearty enough to keep us satisfied until our big holiday meal later in the day. It quickly became a staple on our Christmas morning menu, and I made it year after year without fail.

Over time, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own touches and variations to make it even more special. I would sometimes swap out the ham for bacon, or add in different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile. Each time I made the dish, it brought back memories of that cold winter day when I had first discovered the recipe hidden in that old cookbook.

As the years went by, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about how delicious it was. They would often ask me for the recipe, and I would gladly pass it along, knowing that it would bring joy to their own holiday celebrations.

One year, my granddaughter asked me to teach her how to make the Christmas Morning Wife Saver. She had always loved helping me in the kitchen, and I was thrilled to pass down the recipe to her. We spent a cozy afternoon together, assembling the layers of bread, ham, and cheese, and mixing up the savory egg mixture. As we worked side by side, I shared stories of how I had discovered the recipe and the memories it had brought to our family over the years.

When we finally sat down to enjoy the finished dish on Christmas morning, my heart swelled with pride as my granddaughter took her first bite. She smiled and declared it was the best breakfast she had ever tasted, and I knew that the tradition of making the Christmas Morning Wife Saver would live on for generations to come.

Now, as I look back on that cold winter day when I stumbled upon the recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and moments that it has brought to my family over the years. The Christmas Morning Wife Saver has become more than just a dish – it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we hold dear. And for that, I am forever grateful.