Christmas Eve always has a way of stretching later than it should. We’re up unreasonably late doing the last-minute gift wrap hustle, sneaking in an extra episode of whatever festive show we’re half-watching, nibbling on biscuits meant for guests tomorrow, and riding the warm glow of fairy lights that make the whole house feel like it’s humming. By the time midnight rolls past, we’re still awake, still excited, and still convincing ourselves that tomorrow we’ll definitely wake up early.
Except we don’t.
We sleep in. The kids tumble out of bed later than usual, everyone is bleary-eyed but buzzing, and before long the living room looks like a glittering battlefield of wrapping paper, ribbons, half-open gifts, and slightly-too-sweet morning breath. Then the hunger hits — the “we need to eat something substantial before someone gets cranky” kind of hunger. No one wants to cook, no one wants to clean, and certainly no one wants to hover over a hob flipping pancakes for a crowd that can’t decide between sweet or savoury.
That’s when the Christmas casserole swoops in like the unofficial superhero of holiday mornings. A Christmas breakfast casserole that’s warm, effortless, feeds everyone, and requires zero actual effort once it’s assembled. And because we love making mornings easier, we lean on a secret weapon: Oatbedient oat milk, creamy, dairy-free, and clean label. It gives our casserole the lush texture it deserves, without making anyone feel sluggish. Here’s our 100% improved, fully polished, completely reimagined breakdown of the holiday casserole ritual we swear by.
Craving more festive breakfast inspo? Check this guide on Cozy Breakfast Ideas for Christmas to keep the mornings merry.
Here is our festive, no-fuss morning feast.
What Makes a Great Christmas Casserole?
When we talk about great Christmas casseroles, we’re really talking about harmony. A perfect casserole has a rhythm to it: a base of carbs, a soft custardy middle, enough protein to keep everyone full until afternoon grazing begins, and that magical balance of flavour that feels comforting and celebratory at the same time.
The carb layer is usually bread, ideally day-old, because slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better, but potatoes, hash browns, brioche, or gluten-free loaves fit right in too. The creaminess comes from the custard mixture: eggs whisked with liquid. Traditionally that liquid is milk or cream, but we think Christmas mornings are smoother, lighter, and frankly more enjoyable when we use Oatbedient oat milk instead. It’s naturally lactose-free, has a beautiful creamy body, and is gentle on digestion. According to WebMD, oat milk contains beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that supports digestion and heart health while giving oat milk its naturally silky texture.
Then we need protein — eggs, of course, but also optional sausage, turkey leftovers, bacon, or vegetables that bring plant-powered strength to the table. Eggs themselves are a nutrient powerhouse; according to Harvard Health, eggs offer high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals while being relatively low in calories.
Finally, there’s flavour. A great Christmas breakfast casserole shouldn’t be bland. This is a festive brunch — the one meal where we’re allowed to go bold. Think onions, peppers, herbs, cheese, spices, and those little add-ins that make people go “What is that? It’s so good.”
But the true beauty of a Christmas casserole — the reason it rules Christmas mornings — is its make-ahead magic. We assemble everything the night before, press the foil over the top, pop it in the fridge, and let it rest while we rest. So when Christmas morning rolls in, the only thing we have to do is put the dish into the oven and bask in the scent of savoury, creamy goodness filling the house.
And because we use Oatbedient oat milk, which has no gums, fillers, or weird thickeners — nothing but clean, wholesome ingredients — we get all the custard richness without the post-breakfast slump. The brand’s clean-label philosophy means we’re feeding our family something that’s both delicious and genuinely better for them. As Oatbedient explains, their products contain no nasty stabilisers or additives, which makes them a trust-first choice for festive cooking.
A great Christmas casserole feeds a crowd, fits every dietary need, and simplifies chaotic holiday mornings. That’s why we swear by it every year.
Our Classic Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Let’s get straight into the heart of this dish: our improved, perfected, savoury, easy Christmas casserole. The kind of casserole that bakes up with a golden top, a soft and fluffy interior, and a flavour that tastes like a big festive hug.
Ingredients
8–10 cups day-old bread cubes (French bread, sourdough, or brioche)
1 diced onion
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2–3 cups mix-ins (sausage, bacon, turkey, mushrooms, spinach, etc.)
2–3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère)
8–10 eggs
2–3 cups of 1L Oatbedient Oat M!lk Barista
Salt & pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
1 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
Chopped herbs (optional)
Instructions
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Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add bread cubes.
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Sauté onion, garlic, and peppers; scatter over bread.
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Add cooked proteins or vegetables.
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Sprinkle cheese evenly.
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Whisk eggs, Oatbedient Oat m!lk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and mustard.
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Pour custard over the dish; press down gently.
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Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (overnight best).
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Bake at 175°C for 40–50 minutes until golden and set.
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Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use Oatbedient oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free custard and added beta-glucan.
Add herbs for freshness or swap in any veggies you love.
Variations for Every Guest at the Table
The beauty of a Christmas breakfast casserole is its adaptability. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation; it’s more like a choose-your-own-festive-adventure recipe that we tailor for everyone we love.
The Vegetarian Christmas Casserole
We skip the sausage and load up on vegetables: mushrooms for umami, spinach for colour, cherry tomatoes for brightness. Mushrooms bring a meaty texture without the meat, and spinach softens into silky ribbons. A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese makes this version feel Mediterranean and vibrant.
The Protein-Packed Christmas Casserole
For the carnivores, we double down. Bacon, sausage, turkey, ham — it all fits. The richness of the meat pairs beautifully with the creamy oat milk custard, offering a brunch that feels indulgent but never overwhelming, thanks to Oatbedient’s lighter profile.
The Sweet Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
For the sweet lovers (children and sweet-toothed adults alike), we switch gears entirely. Cinnamon-raisin bread, brioche, vanilla, nutmeg, and a rich egg-oat milk custard become a festive French toast bake. When this version bakes, it smells like Christmas morning in pastry form. A drizzle of maple syrup finishes it off.
The Gluten-Free Christmas Casserole
We replace bread with shredded potatoes or gluten-free loaves. The oat milk custard keeps everything creamy without relying on dairy. And since oats naturally contain beta-glucan — which Harvard Health notes can help improve cholesterol levels.
No matter what version we make, the heart of the recipe stays the same: one pan, one bake, one happy family.
Perfect Pairings for a Festive Feast
A Christmas breakfast casserole may be the star of the table, but every star shines brighter with a supporting cast. We like pairing ours with a frothy oat latte or hot chocolate made with — yes — Oatbedient Oat M!lk Barista. The creaminess makes these drinks feel luxurious without the heaviness of dairy.
We often set out fresh fruit as a bright counterpoint, and for a cheeky sweet balance, a plate of Christmas Crack — that addictive toffee-chocolate cracker candy that vanishes quicker than wrapping paper on Christmas morning.
If we’re feeling ambitious, we build out a full brunch spread using ideas from our other Christmas food guides. When casseroles, sweets, drinks, and fruit all come together on one table, it turns Christmas morning into a cosy, relaxed feast.
Hosting Tips: The Stress-Free Christmas Morning Blueprint
Years of experimenting have taught us that simplicity wins. We assemble the casserole the night before, place it into the fridge, and take it out about 30 minutes before baking so it warms slightly and cooks evenly. After baking, we let it rest before slicing.
One of our favourite hacks is making two casseroles at once — one for Christmas morning and one for Boxing Day. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, and if we’re lucky enough to have any leftover, they freeze brilliantly too. Cutting squares and freezing them gives us a grab-and-heat breakfast for busy January mornings when we wish it were still Christmas.
Conclusion: The Tradition That Starts at Midnight and Ends with a Warm, Shared Meal
When we step back and trace the rhythm of Christmas — the late-night laughter, the gift-giving frenzy, the sleepy morning chaos, the warm gathering at the table — it becomes clear why the Christmas breakfast casserole is our seasonal MVP. It’s the culinary embodiment of what Christmas feels like: warm, generous, comforting, adaptable, and made to be shared.
Just like the introduction hinted, Christmas mornings are unpredictable, joyful, and a little chaotic. The casserole is the anchor that steadies everything. It rescues our sleepy selves, feeds everyone happily, and makes Christmas brunch feel effortless. It frees us from the kitchen so we can be present in the moments that matter — the hugs, the jokes, the excitement, the family ritual we love.
And with Oatbedient oat milk — creamy, clean, dairy-free, and naturally rich in beta-glucan — we’re building a tradition that’s both delicious and nourishing. It’s our way of making mornings better, one casserole at a time.
If you’re ready to turn this tradition into your own, explore more ideas in our full Cozy Christmas Breakfast Guide, or grab your Oatbedient oat milk and start prepping your festive pan of comfort. Let’s make Christmas mornings easier, cosier, and infinitely tastier — together.
