Make-Ahead Christmas Brunch Strata Recipe Perfect for Holidays

Posted on October 30, 2025

Christmas brunch strata - featured image

Let’s talk about Christmas morning. It’s magical, right? But also, kind of chaotic—kids tearing into presents, coffee brewing, wrapping paper everywhere. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen scrambling eggs while everyone else is having fun. That’s how I fell in love with this make-ahead Christmas brunch strata recipe. It’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with holiday vibes—but the best part? You make it the day before, so all you have to do on Christmas morning is pop it in the oven.

I’ve been making this for years, and it’s become a family tradition. The smell of baked bread, eggs, and sausage wafting through the house while we open gifts? Pure holiday bliss. Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your rotation—not just for Christmas, but anytime you’re hosting brunch and want to actually enjoy it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This make-ahead Christmas brunch strata is the ultimate holiday lifesaver. Here’s why it’s become my go-to:

Perfect for entertaining: It serves a crowd without you breaking a sweat. No flipping pancakes or hovering over the stove.
Customizable: You can swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes—vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free? Totally doable.
Make ahead magic: Prep this the night before, let it chill, and bake it fresh in the morning while you sip coffee and enjoy the day.
Comfort food at its best: Layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast flavors come together to make something truly special.
Looks fancy, tastes incredible: This is one of those recipes that feels like you spent hours on it, but it’s secretly so easy!

This dish isn’t just practical—it’s the kind of food that makes people feel loved. And isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

What Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s why I love this recipe: it uses simple ingredients, but they come together to create something that feels gourmet. I’ll break it down so you know what you’re working with:

Day-old bread (about 1 loaf) — I usually go for a crusty French bread or sourdough. It’s perfect for soaking up the egg mixture without turning to mush.
Eggs (8 large) — These are the base of the strata, holding everything together like magic.
Milk (2 cups / 480ml) — Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can sub almond milk or oat milk if you need a dairy-free option.
Cooked breakfast sausage (12 oz / 340g) — I like to use spicy Italian sausage for a kick, but you can go mild or even swap for turkey sausage.
Shredded cheese (2 cups / 200g) — Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but Gruyère or Swiss are fantastic for a fancier vibe. Or mix a couple types together!
Veggies (1 cup / 150g) — I’ll usually sauté some bell peppers and onions, but spinach or mushrooms work too. Use what you love!
Seasoning — Salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary add that holiday flavor.

Quick tip: If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t panic. This recipe is super forgiving, so you can tweak it based on what you have in the fridge.

Equipment Needed

Nothing fancy required here. If you’ve got a basic kitchen setup, you’re golden.

9×13-inch baking dish — Glass or ceramic works best. Grease it well so your strata doesn’t stick.
Mixing bowls — You’ll need one for the egg mixture and another for tossing veggies or sausage.
Whisk — For mixing the eggs and milk. Any whisk will do, but I love my sturdy silicone one.
Knife and cutting board — For chopping veggies and bread.
Aluminum foil — For covering the strata while it bakes.

Pro tip: If you’re short on time, use pre-chopped veggies and pre-shredded cheese to make life easier.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect Christmas brunch ready with zero stress.

Prep your bread (5 minutes): Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes (I leave the crust on for texture). Spread them out on a baking sheet and let them sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry out.
Cook the sausage and veggies (10 minutes): Brown your sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Set it aside, then sauté your veggies in the same pan until tender. Let everything cool slightly.
Make the egg mixture (5 minutes): In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and thyme. It should look smooth and creamy.
Layer the strata (10 minutes): Grease your baking dish, then add half the bread cubes. Top with half the sausage, veggies, and cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing down gently to make sure the bread absorbs it.
Chill overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This gives the bread time to soak up all the flavors.
Bake (50 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake another 20 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll look like a brunch superstar. Total time: about 1 hour (plus chilling).

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here’s everything I’ve learned from making this strata over the years:

Use day-old bread: Fresh bread gets too soggy. If your bread is fresh, toast the cubes in the oven for 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C).
Don’t skip the chilling step: The longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavors meld.
Grease your dish well: Trust me, baked egg dishes like to stick. A generous layer of butter or cooking spray saves you from a cleaning nightmare.
Customize the flavors: Add herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh twist, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Check for doneness: A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. If it’s still wet, bake for 5-10 more minutes.

Real talk: The first time I made this, I didn’t let it chill long enough, and the bread didn’t soak up the eggs properly. Lesson learned. Don’t rush it!

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, here are some fun variations to try:

Vegetarian Delight: Skip the sausage and add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini. Bonus points for using smoked cheese!
Southwestern Twist: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Serve with avocado and salsa.
Breakfast-for-Dinner: Swap the sausage for crispy bacon or ham, and add diced potatoes for a heartier dish.
Holiday Sweet: Use cinnamon raisin bread, add a layer of cream cheese, and sprinkle with powdered sugar after baking.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment. This dish is super forgiving, so you can try different combos and discover your favorite version!

Serving Ideas & Storage

This strata is a showstopper, so you’ll want to serve it in style. Here’s how to make it shine:

Serve with sides: Pair it with fresh fruit, cranberry sauce, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Make it fancy: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an elegant touch.
For leftovers: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30 seconds or the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Freezing: This freezes beautifully! Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to a month. Reheat directly from frozen.

And if you’re feeling fancy, use leftovers to make egg strata sandwiches. Toast the bread, add a slice of strata, and top with avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce. Game changer!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

I’m no nutritionist, but here’s a rough breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~250
Protein	15g
Carbs	20g
Fat	12g
Fiber	1g

Health Highlights:

Protein-packed: Eggs and sausage make this filling and satisfying.
Calcium boost: Thanks to all that cheesy goodness.
Customizable for dietary needs: Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free milk for lighter options.

Let’s be honest—it’s not a “light” dish, but it’s the holidays! Balance it out with fruit or a side salad if you’re feeling virtuous.

Final Thoughts

So that’s my make-ahead Christmas brunch strata! It’s saved me from countless holiday morning meltdowns and become a dish my family looks forward to every year. I hope it brings the same joy to your home.

Remember, this recipe is meant to be a springboard—customize it, adapt it, and make it your own. That’s the beauty of cooking. And if you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @[your handle]. Seeing your creations genuinely makes my day. Happy holidays and happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use gluten-free bread?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture. Gluten-free sourdough works particularly well.

Q: Can I make this without sausage?

A: Yes! You can skip the sausage entirely or replace it with a vegetarian alternative like crumbled tempeh or plant-based sausage.

Q: How far in advance can I make this?

A: You can prep the strata up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

Q: Can I make this for fewer people?

A: Totally! Halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. Cooking time will be slightly shorter—check around the 35-minute mark.

Q: What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch dish?

A: You can use a large casserole dish or even divide the mixture between two smaller pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on it.

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