When it comes to Christmas morning, the anticipation of unwrapping presents is often rivaled only by the excitement of the breakfast that awaits. There’s something magical about gathering around the table with family, savoring a delicious meal, and soaking in the warmth of the holiday spirit before diving into the day’s festivities. This year, I want to share the joys of our Christmas morning breakfast traditions, from the family recipes that have been passed down through generations to the new additions that keep the spirit alive.

As the sun begins to rise on Christmas morning, the house is filled with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly brewed coffee. The aroma wafts through the air, drawing everyone out of their cozy blankets and into the kitchen. In our family, breakfast isn’t just a meal; it’s an event that sets the tone for the day ahead. We usually start the morning with a big breakfast casserole or a special baked dish that can be prepared the night before, allowing us to spend more time together as we unwrap gifts and share stories.

The best part about our Christmas breakfast is the variety. While the centerpiece might be a delicious Overnight French Toast Casserole (which we’ll get to in a bit), we also include a range of sides to cater to everyone’s tastes. There are fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a colorful fruit salad bursting with seasonal flavors. I love how a touch of creativity can transform the breakfast table into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

One of my fondest memories is how we would each take turns selecting our favorite breakfast items to share. My brother would always fight for the last piece of bacon (because who doesn’t love bacon on Christmas morning?), while my sister would claim her spot near the fruit salad, ensuring she could snag the juiciest strawberries. The playful banter and lighthearted teasing have always been a hallmark of our family breakfasts, reminding us of the joy of togetherness.

As we gathered around the table, our excitement for the gifts waiting to be unwrapped grew. This year, I tried to keep things balanced by emphasizing the importance of savoring both the food and the company. I encouraged everyone to take their time, share their thoughts, and enjoy the moment before the wrapping paper frenzy began. After all, the holiday season is about more than just the gifts—it’s about creating lasting memories with the people we love.

Now, let’s talk about the star of our breakfast: the Overnight French Toast Casserole. This dish is a Christmas morning staple in our home, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet the taste is out of this world. The beauty of this casserole is that you can make it the night before, pop it in the oven while you’re enjoying your coffee and unwrapping gifts, and voilà—an irresistible breakfast is ready to serve when you are.

Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (optional, for serving)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
• Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the cubed French bread into the dish evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring all the pieces are soaked. Press down gently to make sure the bread absorbs the liquid.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) when you’re ready to bake. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
5. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can cover it with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
6. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries on top.

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is fluffy, sweet, and perfect for sharing. Each bite melts in your mouth, capturing the essence of the holiday season. It’s a dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart.

As we all gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter over this delicious breakfast, it reminds us of what truly matters during this magical time of year—connection, love, and the joy of being together. So this Christmas, as you sit down to enjoy your own breakfast traditions, may your hearts be full, your bellies satisfied, and your spirits bright.