As the holiday season approaches, my excitement for festive gatherings and delicious meals fills the air. One of my absolute favorite traditions is waking up to the tantalizing smell of a warm Christmas Breakfast Casserole wafting through the house. There’s something uplifting about coming together with friends and family, eagerly anticipating a hearty dish that brings everyone to the table, and this casserole fits the bill perfectly.
Picture this: a cozy morning, the sun just peeking through the frost on the windows, with a bubbling casserole of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a unique blend of flavors and textures that you can prep ahead of time, making your Christmas morning as stress-free as possible. The best part? It requires minimal effort and tastes utterly indulgent, ensuring you’ll impress your loved ones without breaking a sweat.
Join me in creating this festive dish that’s sure to become a cherished part of your family’s holiday celebrations!
Why is Christmas Breakfast Casserole a Must-Try?
Comforting, this casserole brings warmth and joy to your holiday mornings, ensuring everyone feels at home.
Make-Ahead Convenience allows you to prep it the night before, giving you extra time for festivities.
Savory Goodness features a delicious combination of sausage, eggs, and sharp cheddar that will delight every palate.
Crowd-Pleaser with its hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for feeding family and friends in one fell swoop.
Stress-Free Cooking reduces the chaos of Christmas morning while delivering a satisfying meal that looks impressive on any table!
Christmas Breakfast Casserole Ingredients
Get ready to create a delightful dish that fills your home with festive aromas!
For the Casserole
- Ground pork sausage – adds a savory, hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy eggs.
- Salt – enhances the flavors of the ingredients, ensuring a balanced taste.
- Eggs – provide structure and richness, making the casserole creamy and delicious.
- Half and half – contributes to a luscious texture and depth, preventing a dry casserole.
- White bread – soaks up the flavors and creates a delightful, custardy base.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – delivers a robust flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Optional Toppings
- Chopped parsley – adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brings color to your serving dish.
- Hot sauce – for those who enjoy an extra kick, this will elevate the savory layers even more!
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a simple yet impressive way to start your holiday celebrations!
How to Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole
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Grease the baking dish: Start by generously greasing a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal of your delicious casserole later.
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Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork or maple sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep it from being too greasy.
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Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the salt, beaten eggs, and half and half. Then gently fold in the cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and sharp cheddar cheese until every piece is well coated.
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Pour the mixture: Transfer the hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil, and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or, preferably, overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.
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Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in the oven and bake it, covered, for 50-60 minutes until it’s set and golden on top.
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Uncover and finish baking: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil and lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the casserole is puffed and nicely browned.
Optional: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for a festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Christmas Breakfast Casserole
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Sausage Choices: Use either ground pork or maple sausage depending on your preference. Maple sausage adds a delightful sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
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Egg Texture: Ensure you beat the eggs well before mixing to achieve a fluffy texture in your casserole. Undermixing can lead to a dense outcome.
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Chilling Time: Allow your casserole to chill for at least two hours or overnight. This step helps the bread soak up the egg mixture, leading to perfect custardy goodness.
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Covering While Baking: Don’t forget to cover the casserole with foil for the first part of baking. This keeps it moist and prevents over-browning before it sets.
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Even Baking: Rotate the casserole halfway through baking. This promotes an even bake, so every slice comes out perfectly cooked and golden.
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is your ticket to a cozy holiday morning that everyone will love!
What to Serve with Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
Elevate your holiday breakfast experience with delicious sides that perfectly complement this festive casserole.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast and lightness to the hearty dish, bringing brightness to your table.
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Crispy Bacon: The savory crunch of bacon pairs beautifully, offering a satisfying texture against the creamy casserole. A classic combo that everyone adores!
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Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up any leftover egg mixture and add a delightful warmth to your festive meal.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of sweetness from pure maple syrup enhances the flavors of the casserole, while bringing a comforting, cozy vibe to your breakfast.
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Hot Cocoa or Coffee: Warm beverages are a must when gathering around the table. Rich hot cocoa or freshly brewed coffee will add a comforting element to your holiday morning.
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Savory Herb Muffins: Light and fluffy muffins infused with herbs complement the flavors in the casserole, providing an elegant touch that guests will love.
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Christmas Spiced Tea: A warm cup of tea with hints of cinnamon and cloves will wrap your morning in holiday cheer, balancing the richness of the breakfast casserole.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your casserole with these delightful twists!
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Vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, meat-free version.
Adding a medley of colorful veggies not only enhances the nutrition but also the flavor. -
Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the egg mixture for added heat.
This simple twist can elevate the casserole to a new level of zest that spicy food lovers will adore! -
Gluten-Free: Swap the white bread for your favorite gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs.
Using a sturdy gluten-free loaf will maintain the delicious texture and flavor of the dish. -
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add an aromatic touch.
The infusion of these fresh flavors will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and add a wonderful depth to each bite. -
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for a smoky twist or feta for a tangy flavor.
The unique characteristics of each cheese can transform your casserole into a new culinary experience. -
Breakfast Meat Medley: Combine different meats like bacon or ham with the sausage for a hearty, meaty delight.
Each bite will provide a wonderful blend of flavors that satisfies every palate at the table. -
Sweet Touch: Add a drizzle of maple syrup on top before serving for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
The balance of sweet and savory will surprise and delight your brunch guests. -
Veggie Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers or zucchini for a burst of color and nutrition.
These veggies not only enhance the texture but also sneak in some extra health benefits!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool to room temperature before sealing.
Freezer: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is not only a festive treat, but it also makes a wonderful make-ahead meal option!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Breakfast Casserole preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify their holiday morning! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just prepare it as directed—mixing the sausage, eggs, half and half, bread, and cheese—and cover it tightly with foil before refrigerating overnight. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully, giving you a taste that’s just as delicious as if you made it fresh that morning. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and pop it in for 50-60 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until golden, ensuring an effortlessly scrumptious start to your day!
Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best sausage for my casserole?
Absolutely! You can use ground pork sausage for a traditional flavor or maple sausage to add a hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the other savory ingredients. Look for sausages with minimal fillers and a high meat content for the best taste and texture.
How long can I store leftovers?
Very! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
Can I freeze Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
Yes indeed! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then cover it with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, usually about 30 minutes at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly.
What if my casserole is still soggy after baking?
If your casserole ends up too soggy, it might be due to excess moisture in the bread or not allowing it to chill for long enough. To fix this, next time, use slightly stale bread which absorbs more liquid and allows for a firmer texture. Also, consider increasing the chilling time to around 8 hours or overnight for optimal results.
Is this casserole suitable for my gluten-free family member?
Absolutely! If you have a gluten intolerance, simply substitute the white bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Many brands offer delicious options that will work just as well without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Certainly! To make a vegetarian version of your Christmas Breakfast Casserole, you can omit the sausage and add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach for an extra burst of flavor. You might also consider adding a bit of smoked paprika for a delightful smokiness that mimics sausage.
Easy Christmas Breakfast Casserole for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease the baking dish: Generously grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ground pork or maple sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together salt, beaten eggs, and half and half. Fold in cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil, and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 50-60 minutes until set and golden.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove foil, lower oven to 325°F, and bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Optional: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.