Holiday mornings feel better when the food brings everyone together. A savoury Christmas breakfast strata does exactly that. It’s hearty, simple to prepare, and perfect for feeding a crowd without keeping you in the kitchen all morning. Most recipes use easy pantry staples—bread, eggs, cheese, vegetables, and proteins—making them practical for busy families or large gatherings. This list brings you 25 ideas with friendly flavours and relaxed prep steps you can finish the night before. Each one offers small tweaks you can customise to match your budget or your guests’ tastes. Let’s explore the best ways to bring a warm, filling strata to your Christmas table.
1. Classic Ham & Cheddar Strata
A classic ham and cheddar strata is simple to put together and works for almost any group. The mix of salty diced ham and soft, melty cheddar gives it an easy holiday flavour everyone recognises. You can use leftover ham from a previous dinner, which helps keep the cost low. Choose day-old bread so it soaks up the egg mixture without turning mushy. Add chopped spring onions for a little brightness. Assemble it the night before by layering bread, ham, and cheese, then pour the egg mix over the top. Cover and chill until morning. Bake until the top browns and the centre sets. Serve it warm with a light salad or roasted tomatoes. If you want to stretch the recipe further, add extra bread cubes and a splash more milk in the egg mix. This dish fills a crowd without any fuss.
2. Spinach, Mushroom & Swiss Strata
This strata brings earthy mushrooms, soft wilted spinach, and mellow Swiss cheese together in one dish. It feels hearty without feeling heavy. Use any mushrooms you already have—button, cremini, or a mix. Sauté them with garlic until they soften and release their moisture. This helps keep the strata from becoming soggy. Add fresh or frozen spinach depending on your budget. If using frozen, squeeze it dry before adding. Swiss cheese melts nicely and gives each bite a warm, mellow taste. Layer the bread, greens, and vegetables, then top with the egg blend. Let it rest in the fridge overnight to help the flavours settle. Bake until firm and slightly browned. Serve with fresh fruit or sliced avocado for a simple Christmas morning plate everyone enjoys.
3. Sausage, Onion & Herb Strata
This sausage strata is a crowd-pleaser with strong flavour and simple prep. Brown whatever sausage fits your budget—pork, turkey, or chicken. Add sautéed onions and mixed herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives. Use sturdy bread so it holds its shape. The egg mixture ties everything together and keeps the dish moist. Let it rest overnight so the herbs can spread their aroma through the dish. Bake it until the top is golden and the centre springs back when touched. Cut into large squares so guests can serve themselves. Add a side of sliced oranges or a small bowl of cranberry sauce for a colourful finish.
4. Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Strata
Roasted red peppers and salty feta create a lively combination that works well for a Christmas brunch. You can use jarred roasted peppers to save time. Dice them and pat them dry before mixing. Feta adds a tangy contrast that pairs nicely with the milder egg custard. Add fresh parsley for a light touch. Assembling this strata is simple: bread first, peppers second, feta third, then pour over the egg mixture. Chill overnight. In the morning, bake until the edges crisp and the cheese softens. Serve with olives or a simple cucumber salad for a Mediterranean-style holiday plate.
5. Bacon, Leek & Gruyère Strata
Bacon, leeks, and Gruyère come together for a warm, comforting breakfast that feels right for Christmas morning. Cook chopped bacon until crisp, then sauté sliced leeks in the leftover fat to save cost and add flavour. Use Gruyère for its rich melt, or swap with cheddar if you prefer a more affordable option. Layer everything evenly so each bite gets a mix of bread, bacon, and vegetables. Soak it overnight, then bake until the top browns. This works well when serving a group that likes stronger flavours. Add a fresh green side to balance the richness.
6. Broccoli & Cheddar Strata
This broccoli and cheddar version is simple, filling, and friendly for families. Use either fresh or frozen broccoli. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well. Cut it into small pieces so it mixes evenly through the bread. Cheddar helps bind everything and adds a warm, familiar taste. To keep costs down, use a basic loaf of bread and pre-shredded cheddar. Prep the dish the night before and chill. Bake until set and lightly browned. This version pairs well with salsa or a dollop of yoghurt for extra flavour.
7. Tomato, Basil & Mozzarella Strata
This strata brings simple Italian flavours to your Christmas breakfast table. Use ripe tomatoes or cherry tomatoes cut in halves. Pat them dry so the dish stays firm. Layer them with fresh basil and mozzarella slices or shreds. The bread absorbs the tomato juices and blends everything together. You can throw this together with pantry basics. Add a pinch of black pepper for a clean finish. Rest the dish overnight, then bake until the cheese bubbles. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil or a handful of rocket leaves for a soft, fresh side.
8. Chicken, Corn & Pepper Jack Strata
Chicken, corn, and pepper jack give this recipe a cosy, hearty feel. Use leftover cooked chicken to keep it budget-friendly. Mix in corn—fresh, frozen, or canned drained well. Pepper jack adds gentle heat without overwhelming the dish. Layer the bread and fillings evenly, then cover with the egg mix. Chill overnight and bake until the top browns. Add a simple salsa on the side if you want more brightness. This works well for a crowd that enjoys mild spice.
9. Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Strata
Caramelized onions bring natural sweetness to this recipe. Cook them slowly until they turn deep brown. Mixing them with goat cheese adds a creamy texture that spreads through the strata as it bakes. Use any sturdy bread that won’t fall apart. Let the egg mixture soak overnight so the flavours blend. Bake until lightly crisp on top. This dish pairs nicely with mixed greens or roasted vegetables for a balanced Christmas breakfast plate.
10. Turkey, Spinach & Provolone Strata
This version uses sliced turkey, making it perfect if you have leftovers from another meal. Combine it with fresh spinach and provolone cheese for a smooth, savoury flavour. Tear the turkey into small pieces so it mixes well with the bread. Assemble, soak, and bake in the morning until the centre is firm. Serve with roasted cherry tomatoes for colour and sweetness.
11. Chorizo, Potato & Cheddar Strata
Chorizo adds heat and smokiness to this hearty strata. Use diced cooked potatoes for an easy base. The mix of crispy chorizo and melted cheddar works well with the soft bread. Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Bake until the cheese browns. Serve with lime wedges or a little sour cream for a holiday twist that your crowd will enjoy.
12. Smoked Salmon & Dill Strata
Smoked salmon brings a rich, savoury touch to Christmas morning. Mix small pieces evenly throughout the bread so the flavour spreads. Add fresh dill and a bit of cream cheese for a softer texture. This strata bakes quickly and pairs beautifully with sliced cucumbers or lemon wedges on the side. It feels special without adding tricky steps.
13. Apple Sausage & Sage Strata
This recipe combines sweet apples with savoury sausage for a warm breakfast flavour. Use firm apples so they hold their shape. Cook the sausage first, then mix with apples and sage. Layer everything with bread and pour the egg mixture over the top. Chill overnight and bake until set. This version fills the kitchen with a cosy aroma that fits the holiday mood perfectly.
14. Zucchini, Herb & Parmesan Strata
Zucchini adds softness without taking over the dish. Slice it thin so it cooks evenly. Mix with herbs like parsley and a generous sprinkle of parmesan. Use a crusty bread that gives structure. Soak overnight, then bake until golden. Serve with a lemon wedge to brighten the flavours.
15. Pesto Chicken & Tomato Strata
Pesto gives this strata a vibrant aroma. Mix cooked chicken with a few spoonfuls of pesto to stretch the sauce across the dish. Add halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for a simple blend. Layer, soak overnight, and bake. Serve warm with extra basil on top.
16. Canadian Bacon & Sharp Cheddar Strata
Canadian bacon adds a clean, savoury flavour that works well with sharp cheddar. Tear the slices into smaller pieces so they spread evenly. The cheese melts into the bread as it bakes. Assemble this recipe when you need something simple and filling. Add a few chopped chives on top for a light finish.
17. Artichoke & Parmesan Strata
Artichokes bring a soft texture and mild flavour to this dish. Use canned or jarred artichoke hearts to save prep time. Chop them into smaller pieces. Mix with parmesan and a pinch of black pepper. Layer with bread, soak overnight, and bake. Serve with a simple green salad.
18. Maple Bacon & White Cheddar Strata
This recipe mixes sweet and savoury in an easy way. Cook bacon with a small drizzle of maple syrup to give it a glossy finish. Combine with white cheddar and bread cubes. The flavour spreads through the entire dish. Bake until golden and firm. This strata pairs well with berries or sliced oranges.
19. Roasted Garlic & Herb Strata
Roasted garlic gives this dish a warm, mellow flavour. Roast a whole bulb until the cloves turn soft and golden. Mix them gently into the bread so they distribute evenly. Add herbs for a little brightness. Chill overnight, then bake. This version works well when you want something simple but flavourful for your Christmas table.
20. Beef, Pepper & Cheddar Strata
Use cooked ground beef and diced bell peppers to make this strata. Sauté peppers until soft, then mix with the beef. Layer with bread and shredded cheddar. Rest overnight and bake until the top browns. Serve with a small bowl of salsa for guests who like extra flavour.
21. Mushroom, Thyme & Fontina Strata
Mushroom lovers enjoy this recipe’s soft texture and rich aroma. Use any mushrooms available and cook them until they reduce. Mix with thyme and fontina cheese. Assemble, rest overnight, and bake until set. Serve with roasted carrots or a simple breakfast salad.
22. Sweet Corn, Bacon & Monterey Jack Strata
Corn and bacon add a pleasant contrast in each bite. Use frozen or canned corn for convenience. Cook the bacon first, then crumble it into the bread mix. Add Monterey Jack for a smooth melt. Bake until golden. This version is ideal for large families or guests with varied tastes.
23. Chicken Alfredo Strata
This strata takes the familiar flavour of chicken alfredo and turns it into a crowd-friendly bake. Mix cooked chicken with a small amount of alfredo sauce. Combine with bread, mozzarella, and the egg mixture. Let it sit overnight. Bake until everything is set and lightly browned. Serve with steamed broccoli or a crisp salad.
24. Herb Turkey & Cheddar Biscuit Strata
Swap bread for biscuit pieces in this recipe. Tear leftover turkey and mix with herbs and cheddar. Layer the biscuit chunks and fillings, then pour the egg mixture over. Soak briefly and bake. The biscuits give the dish a soft, fluffy texture your guests enjoy.
25. Mediterranean Olive & Mozzarella Strata
Olives add savoury depth to this recipe. Choose a mix of black and green olives for colour. Pair them with mozzarella and herbs. Layer everything, rest overnight, and bake. Serve with roasted tomatoes or a simple cucumber mix. This option works well when you want something a little different on Christmas morning.
Conclusion
A savoury breakfast strata brings ease, warmth, and flavour to Christmas morning, especially when you’re feeding a crowd. These recipes let you prepare everything ahead of time so you can relax while the dish bakes. Whether you prefer classic ham and cheese or bold flavours like chorizo or smoked salmon, there’s a version here that fits your table. Pick one, assemble it the night before, and enjoy a calm, satisfying holiday breakfast with the people you care about.
Hannah Collins is a passionate home cook and food storyteller who believes every recipe tells a little love story. At TastyWriter, she shares simple, delicious recipes made for real kitchens and busy days — from cozy comfort dishes to creative new favorites. When she’s not cooking, you’ll find her photographing food, testing family recipes, or sipping tea while dreaming up her next tasty idea.
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