The Christmas Wife Saver: A Nostalgic Breakfast Tradition

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For many of us, Christmas morning is a swirl of wrapping paper, excited voices, and the tantalizing smell of something special baking in the oven. Growing up, Christmas Wife Saver was a cherished tradition—a savory, layered breakfast casserole that made the holiday morning extra special. Though my kids now prefer towering Belgian waffles with whipped cream and strawberries, I find myself yearning to revisit this nostalgic dish. If you’re looking for an easy, make-ahead breakfast for Christmas, give this recipe a try and maybe start a new tradition of your own!

Christmas Wife Saver Recipe

Ingredients

• 16 slices of bread (crusts removed, if desired)

• 16 slices of ham (or turkey, bacon, or your preferred deli meat)

• 16 slices of cheese (cheddar or Swiss work best)

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups of milk

• 1 tsp dry mustard

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Assemble the Casserole

• Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

• Lay 8 slices of bread in a single layer to cover the bottom of the dish.

• Top each slice with a piece of ham and cheese.

• Cover the layer with the remaining slices of bread, like making a sandwich.

2. Make the Egg Mixture

• In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using).

3. Pour and Soak

• Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread layers, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

• Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.

4. Prepare the Topping

• The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Drizzle the melted butter over the casserole.

• Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

5. Bake and Serve

• Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set in the center.

• Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Why It’s a Holiday Favorite

Christmas Wife Saver is the ultimate holiday breakfast because it’s effortless to prepare in advance. On the busiest of mornings, all you have to do is pop it in the oven while unwrapping presents. It’s warm, filling, and versatile—you can customize the layers with different meats, cheeses, or even add vegetables like spinach or roasted peppers.

Though waffles and whipped cream now steal the show in our house, there’s something magical about reconnecting with traditions of the past. Maybe this year, we’ll bring the Wife Saver back to the table—if not for breakfast, then perhaps for brunch alongside those beloved Belgian waffles.

What’s your go-to Christmas morning breakfast tradition? Maybe it’s time to bring back an old favorite or create a new one!