If your family is like mine, Christmas morning calls for some special food along with all the gift giving festivities. Growing up, my siblings and I loved having Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls on Christmas (only the canned kind–we threw a fit once when Mom tried to make “real” ones. I guess we were just classy like that!). A little protein can help balance out all the other Christmas sweets and give everyone stamina for playing with their new toys. Here are a few brunch favorites that you might be able to use this Christmas. We’ll be enjoying this breakfast casserole and some fresh fruit after we open gifts…and of course cinnamon rolls first thing in the morning!
Christmas Breakfast (assemble the night before, toss in the oven when the kids wake up!)
1 loaf bakery Italian bread
1/2 lb cooked bacon, sausage, or ham (in small pieces)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6-8 eggs
3 cups milk
1 Tbsp prepared mustard
salt & pepper
Butter a 9×13 pan. Tear bread into small chunks. Whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper and pour over bread pieces. Toss with meat and cheese, then spread in pan. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees until puffy and lightly browned on top.
Bonus recipe–Sausage Gravy & Biscuits! You could also make this up the day before, and just reheat when everyone gets hungry on the big day!
Sausage Gravy
1 pound ground pork sausage
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Melt butter into the sausage drippings. Reduce heat to medium, combine with flour, and stir constantly until mixture just turns golden brown. Gradually whisk milk into skillet. When the mixture is smooth, thickened, and begins to bubble, return the sausage to skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Serve over biscuits.
For the biscuits, you can go simple (canned or frozen), medium (Bisquick & milk–directions on the box), or from scratch with the following recipe:
Biscuits
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp soft butter
Mix together dry ingredients. Cut in shortening, then add milk. Stir just until moistened (dough will be sticky). Lightly knead on a floured surface, then roll to a 3/4 inch thickness. Cut biscuits, then place on a greased baking sheet. Brush with soft butter and bake for 11 to 15 minutes in a 475 degree oven.
