Cranberry Orange Christmas Morning Strata
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wish you could sleep in on Christmas morning? This make-ahead Christmas breakfast is your answer! It's a festive cranberry orange breakfast bake that tastes like Christmas in every bite.
Brief Overview
Strata is basically a savory bread pudding and this version? Total festive vibes. Originating as a way to use up stale bread, this is easy, needing only 25 minutes prep, and serves 8 lucky folks!
Main Benefits
This Christmas morning breakfast casserole is packed with vitamin C from the cranberries and oranges, boosting your immune system, especially needed during winter.
Serve it at your Holiday breakfast casserole make-ahead brunch, or enjoy with family. What makes it special? You get to relax and enjoy Christmas morning with your loved ones!
Ready to dive in? Let's talk ingredients! The key is the bread. Brioche or challah are amazing, but French bread works too! I once tried it with leftover croissants, honestly, the flakiness was on another level!
Bread Prep For The Best Breakfast Options
Slightly dried bread is the secret weapon. Toast it lightly for 10- 15 minutes at 120C/250F . This helps it soak up all that delicious custard without getting soggy.
Speaking of custard, we are talking eggs, milk, cream, sugar, spices and vanilla. The nutmeg is a must it adds a festive warmth you just can't skip!
The overnight breakfast casserole recipes that just works.
The Breakfast Morning Casserole soaks overnight and this is where the magic happens. The bread absorbs the custard, creating a ridiculously delicious sweet casseroles for breakfast.
This is seriously one of the easy christmas morning breakfast ideas that will change the way you cook!
For an even more decadent take on this holiday recipe, adding chocolate chips to the bread mixture and a tablespoon of orange liqueur to the custard brings it to another level.
For those that want a lighter dessert breakfast casserole , omit the topping for a lighter meal.
Alright, let's talk about what we need to whip up this dreamy Cranberry Orange Christmas Morning Strata . Trust me, it is one of the best breakfast options ever and it will become a staple for all your Holiday breakfast casserole make-ahead needs.
Honestly, making this ahead Christmas breakfast is almost as fun as eating it.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the shopping list. Remember, good ingredients equal a happy tummy!
- Bread: 1 pound (450g) of brioche, challah, or French bread. You know, day-old is best. So, grab that loaf a bit early. You need to cut it into 1 inch cubes.
- Cranberries: 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries. Look for plump, juicy ones. Avoid the really hard, shriveled ones. Honestly, nobody likes those.
- Nuts: 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans or walnuts. These are optional. If you like a little crunch, go for it!
- Orange: You will need the zest of 1 orange. A nice, fragrant orange is key!
- Eggs: 8 large eggs. Free range if you can.
- Milk: 2 cups (480ml) whole milk. Makes it richer, you know?
- Cream: 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Don't skimp on this!
- Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- Vanilla: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- For the Topping: 1/4 cup (28g) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons (28g) cold butter, and 1/4 cup (25g) packed brown sugar. This is optional.
This recipe is perfect for overnight breakfast casserole recipes since it has a great time to rest in the fridge.
Seasoning Notes
Now, about the flavors... This is where the magic happens.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential here. That warm, spicy aroma screams Christmas. You could sub a pumpkin pie spice blend if you're feeling adventurous, but honestly, stick with the classics.
And the orange zest is SO important. It just brightens everything up. It really makes for some of the easy Christmas morning breakfast ideas .
Equipment Needed
Alright, let's talk tools. Keep it simple, yeah?
- A 9x13 inch baking dish. Glass or ceramic is fine.
- A big mixing bowl. Gotta whisk all that custard together, right?
- A whisk. Obviously.
- A zester. For that glorious orange zest.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A small bowl (for the topping, if you're making it).
Honestly, you probably have all this stuff already. If you don't have a zester, a fine grater will do in a pinch.
We are aiming for the best breakfast options so make sure to assemble everything correctly.
This Christmas morning breakfast casserole is really a great choice for those with a sweet tooth. Think of it as a dessert breakfast casserole
This Breakfast Morning Casserole could easily become your best make-ahead brunch recipes for a crowd .
Ditch the Christmas Morning Chaos!
Oh my gosh, who actually wants to be stuck in the kitchen on Christmas morning? Honestly, that's no way to spend the holiday.
That's why I'm all about this make-ahead christmas breakfast strategy. You know, something you can prep the night before.
Then just pop it in the oven while you open presents. Easy peasy! I have the best breakfast options for you!
This recipe is for a Cranberry Orange Christmas Morning Strata. It's like a cross between bread pudding and French toast casserole.
And it’s the perfect way to impress the family without losing your mind. My grandma used to make something similar, but hers was always a bit… well, dry.
This one is moist, flavourful, and totally foolproof, especially for those who like sweet casseroles for breakfast .
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Magic
Get organised, darling! Cube a loaf of brioche. Brioche is the key, if you ask me. Spread it on a baking sheet.
Let it dry out while you get the rest of the stuff sorted. Chop your cranberries, zest an orange, and optionally, get some pecans ready.
This is your essential mise en place . A bit of pre-prep will pay dividends. This will save time, so you can be sipping eggnog while others are slaving away!
Building Your Christmas Morning Masterpiece
Okay, here’s the super simple process.
- Layer half your bread, cranberries, zest, and nuts (if using) in a greased 9x13 inch dish.
- Repeat with the rest.
- Whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp vanilla, and ¼ tsp salt. It should look like liquid gold.
- Pour that gorgeous custard over the bread. Press down gently. You want that bread soaking up all the goodness.
- Cover tightly. Refrigerate overnight. Seriously, don't skip this part! This is a great overnight breakfast casserole recipes .
- Next morning: Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Bake for 45- 55 minutes , until golden brown and puffed.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Christmas Breakfast Brilliance
Day-old bread is your best friend here. It soaks up the custard better, avoiding any soggy situations. Make sure all the bread is submerged in the custard.
And don't overbake it! A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Think of it as a delicious, holiday breakfast casserole make-ahead .
This means you can actually relax christmas morning breakfast casserole !
Honestly, this is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a total star. It is the perfect Dessert Breakfast Casserole , a Breakfast Morning Casserole for your easy christmas morning breakfast ideas that everyone will love.
Also, it can be one of your new favorite make-ahead brunch recipes for a crowd . The combo of orange and cranberry orange breakfast bake ? Divine! So, ditch the stress and enjoy your sweet casseroles for breakfast , Merry Christmas!
Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Christmas Party Started!
So, you're diving into this Cranberry Orange Christmas Morning Strata? Awesome! This best breakfast options isn't just about following a recipe; it's about creating a Christmas morning memory.
Honestly, I think even I can make this Christmas morning breakfast casserole . Let's chat about some tips and tricks.
Serving Suggestions: Make it Fancy (or Not!)
Presentation is key, right? Think about it: you've just made this delicious dessert breakfast casserole , and you want it to shine.
A dusting of powdered sugar always looks festive. A dollop of whipped cream is heavenly too. For sides, how about some crispy bacon or a light fruit salad? Bubbles are the perfect drink.
Prosecco, anyone? You could even consider a mimosa bar for your guests. You know, make it a real make-ahead brunch recipes for a crowd .
Storage Tips: Keeping That Christmas Magic Alive
If by some miracle you have leftovers (doubtful, with my family!), fridge is your friend. Cover that breakfast morning casserole tightly and it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you wanna freeze, portion it out first. Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then in foil. It'll last for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350° F/ 175° C until warmed through. I have used this easy christmas morning breakfast ideas and the smell brings good feelings and peace.
Variations: Your Strata, Your Rules
Got dietary restrictions? No problem! This recipe is super adaptable. Need it gluten-free? Swap the bread for a gluten-free loaf.
Boom! dairy-free? Use almond milk and coconut cream. Done. Seasonal swaps? In the summer, try blueberries and lemon zest instead of cranberries and orange.
The possibilities are endless! And, for the overnight breakfast casserole recipes using seasonal ingredients, remember that fresh is your friend.
Ever try making a cranberry orange breakfast bake using fresh cranberries during the season? it brings a whole new level of flavor
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Festive Fun
Okay, let's talk numbers. Each slice of this delightful sweet casseroles for breakfast is about 450-550 calories. It gives you a decent hit of protein (around 15g) and enough carbs (40-50g) to power you through present opening.
It's got some fat (25-35g), so maybe balance it with a light lunch later. But hey, it's Christmas! Indulge a little.
Having a holiday breakfast casserole make-ahead is really great.
make-ahead Christmas Breakfast - Here's to Stress Free Mornings!
Honestly, this make-ahead Christmas breakfast recipe is a game changer. Imagine waking up, popping it in the oven, and relaxing while the house fills with amazing smells.
No stress, just pure Christmas bliss. You've got this! Get ready to impress everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really prepare this make-ahead christmas breakfast the night before? Like, actually sleep in a bit?
Absolutely! That's the whole point. The Cranberry Orange Christmas Morning Strata is designed to be assembled the evening before and chilled overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all that delicious custard, resulting in a rich and flavorful breakfast with minimal effort on Christmas morning.
Just pop it in the oven while you open presents!
My family has some picky eaters. Are there any easy substitutions I can make in this cranberry orange Christmas morning strata recipe?
No worries, we've all been there catering for the Aunt Carol's of the world! Absolutely. You can easily omit the nuts if there are allergies or preferences against them. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and coconut cream.
You can also swap out the cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or raisins, and the orange zest for lemon zest.
How long will leftover Cranberry Orange Christmas Morning Strata keep, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftovers, if there are any (unlikely!), can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the strata tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm it up in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through.
What if I don't have brioche or challah bread? Can I still make this make-ahead christmas breakfast?
Definitely! While brioche and challah add a lovely richness, sourdough, French bread, or even good quality white bread will work just fine. The key is to let the bread dry out slightly before assembling the strata. This helps it absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
You can leave it out on the counter for a few hours, or lightly toast it in the oven.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier this Christmas. Are there ways to lighten up this make-ahead christmas breakfast?
Of course! You can use skim milk instead of whole milk and reduce the amount of heavy cream. Egg whites can replace some of the whole eggs to cut down on fat and cholesterol. Substituting some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol is another option.
Also, you can load up on the cranberries to add fiber and natural sweetness, while reducing the amount of added sugar.
Help! I forgot to chill my strata overnight. Can I still make it Christmas morning?
Don't panic! While overnight chilling is ideal, you can still salvage the situation. Aim for at least 2-3 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator. Gently press the bread down into the custard every 30 minutes or so to help it soak more quickly.
You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's cooked through.
Cranberry Orange Christmas Morning Strata
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
