Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate holiday breakfast dish, combining the savory flavors of eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread into one delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole. This dish is perfect for Christmas morning or any special occasion, offering a hearty, filling meal that will keep everyone satisfied. The combination of fluffy eggs, crispy sausage, melted cheese, and golden, buttery bread creates a comforting, satisfying breakfast that everyone will love.

This casserole can be prepared the night before, making it an ideal option for busy mornings when you want to spend more time enjoying the holiday festivities rather than cooking. Simply assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast. Whether you’re serving it for a Christmas brunch, family gathering, or even a holiday breakfast for just a few people, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s no wonder that Christmas Breakfast Casserole has become a beloved holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Deliciously Savory: This casserole combines all of the best breakfast ingredients—eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread—into one delicious, savory dish. The layers of flavors blend together perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: One of the best features of this recipe is that it can be assembled the night before, saving you time in the morning. Simply refrigerate the casserole overnight, and then bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
• Perfect for a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a Christmas breakfast for a large group or preparing a smaller gathering, this casserole can easily be adjusted to feed a crowd. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or holiday brunches.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily tailor this casserole to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer bacon over sausage, want to add extra veggies, or need a gluten-free version, this casserole is versatile and can be adjusted to fit any dietary need.
• Comforting and Filling: This casserole is a hearty, satisfying breakfast option that will keep everyone full and energized throughout the day. The combination of protein, cheese, and bread makes for a filling meal that is perfect for a special occasion like Christmas.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or turkey sausage, if preferred)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for a richer casserole)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard (optional)
• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably white or whole wheat bread)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• ½ cup diced onions (optional)
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage

Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring that it browns evenly. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard (if using). Make sure the mixture is well combined, and the eggs are fully incorporated with the milk. The seasonings will add flavor to the casserole and make the eggs light and fluffy once baked.

3. Combine the Bread, Sausage, and Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked sausage, and any optional vegetables you’d like to add (bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes all work well). Toss everything together to ensure that the bread is evenly coated with the sausage and vegetables.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease it with butter. Pour the bread and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage, making sure that the liquid is evenly distributed throughout the casserole. Press the bread down gently to ensure it soaks up the egg mixture.

5. Add Cheese and Refrigerate (Optional)

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you’d like to prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and results in a more flavorful casserole. If you’re baking immediately, you can skip this step and proceed to baking.

6. Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator (if prepped overnight) and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. If you’d like the top to be extra crispy, you can sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

7. Cool and Garnish

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve the casserole warm, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread is ideal for casseroles because it has had time to dry out a bit, which helps it absorb the egg mixture better. If you only have fresh bread, you can cube it and let it sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly.
• Customize the Vegetables: You can easily add or omit vegetables based on your preferences. Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are great additions to this casserole. Just be sure to sauté any vegetables with excess moisture (like spinach or mushrooms) before adding them to the casserole to avoid a soggy dish.
• Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is traditional for this casserole, you can mix and match different cheeses for a more unique flavor. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese would all work well.
• Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread in place of regular bread. You may also need to check the sausage and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Add Heat: For a little spice, you can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the egg mixture. A dash of cayenne pepper can also give the casserole a subtle kick.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry casserole. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time, and remove it once the eggs are set but still moist. It’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake.

Variations of Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Bacon Breakfast Casserole: If you prefer bacon over sausage, you can swap out the sausage for crispy bacon bits. Just cook the bacon until crispy, chop it into pieces, and use it in place of the sausage.
• Vegetarian Christmas Breakfast Casserole: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and load up the casserole with your favorite veggies. Mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers work great for a savory, veggie-packed casserole.
• Make It Sweet: If you’re craving something a little sweeter, consider adding cinnamon rolls or French toast as the base for a breakfast casserole. Drizzle with maple syrup after baking for a sweet twist on the classic savory dish.
• Crab Meat or Ham Casserole: If you want to try something a little more luxurious, substitute the sausage with crab meat or ham for a more sophisticated holiday breakfast.

Storage and Shelf Life

This casserole is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. The casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Christmas Breakfast Casserole

While this casserole is filling on its own, you can complement it with a few side dishes to make your holiday breakfast even more special:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and pomegranate is a great way to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Cinnamon Rolls: If you want a sweet treat to accompany your savory casserole, homemade or store-bought cinnamon rolls are always a hit.
• Holiday Spiced Hot Cocoa: Serve this casserole with a warm cup of hot cocoa spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive drink pairing.
• Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links: If you want to add a little extra protein, serve crispy bacon or sausage links on the side.
• Mimosas: For a celebratory touch, serve mimosas or a holiday-inspired cocktail to pair with your Christmas breakfast.

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Conclusion

Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a beloved holiday tradition for a reason. With its savory layers of eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread, it’s the perfect dish to make your Christmas morning extra special. Whether you’re hosting a large family brunch or preparing a smaller breakfast, this casserole is sure to impress. It’s customizable, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. So, this holiday season, skip the stress of complicated breakfasts and opt for a warm, delicious casserole that will fill your home with the comforting flavors of Christmas. Enjoy the holiday magic in every bite!