The Gift of a Casserole

A make-ahead breakfast is the key to enjoying Christmas morning

- by LISA CERICOLA photographs by VICTOR PROTASIO

MORE THAN any other holiday, Christmas tends to inspire hopeful fantasies.

Kids dream of finding a puppy under the tree, and adults imagine everyone getting along at the annual feast. My own wish is more modest: It's the morning of the big day, and I'm sitting on the sofa in my pajamas, enjoying a warm mug of coffee, surrounded by family as the presents are unwrapped. The best part is that breakfast is already made and the house smells like cheese and heaven—and I am not in the kitchen.

This year, I'm determined to turn my fantasy into a reality. No more flipping pancakes while my coffee gets cold. No more standing at the stovetop while everyone else plays with their new toys. This is the year of the make-ahead breakfast casserole.

You probably already have a favorite recipe for one, and I do too. Let's be honest, though. Breakfast casseroles are delicious, but there's nothing festive about them. So we fancied up this dish with croissants to make it more special occasion worthy, even if you are still in your pj's.