Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of a warm, savory breakfast on Christmas morning, without any early-morning stress. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole makes that dream a reality! It’s incredibly easy to prepare the night before, letting you enjoy a relaxing holiday morning with your loved ones. Get ready for a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Breakfast Casserole
This festive dish is a holiday hero for many reasons. Sweet Emily’s recipes focus on simplicity, and this one truly delivers on that promise.
- Ultimate Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven on Christmas morning.
- Rich, Savory, and Satisfying Flavors: A perfect blend of sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread creates a hearty meal.
- Customizable Ingredients: Easily adjust meats, cheeses, and spices to fit your family’s tastes.
- Perfect for Holiday Entertaining: This casserole feeds a crowd, making it ideal for large family gatherings.
- Easy Steps for Minimal Morning Effort: Follow our simple instructions for a stress-free breakfast.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your unforgettable Christmas Breakfast Casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building its rich flavor and satisfying texture. We’ve chosen readily available items to keep things easy for busy parents and beginners.
- 1 pound ground beef sausage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 eggs beaten
- 1 – 1½ cups half and half
- 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this casserole to suit your preferences. For meat, try cooked diced ham or crispy crumbled bacon instead of sausage. If half-and-half isn’t on hand, use whole milk or a blend of milk and heavy cream. Brioche or sourdough bread can offer a different texture and flavor. Feel free to swap sharp cheddar for Swiss, Colby Jack, or a Monterey Jack blend.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy Christmas Breakfast Casserole. Just a few kitchen essentials will get the job done.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Instructions
Preparing this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is straightforward, ensuring a stress-free holiday meal. Follow these step-by-step directions to assemble your delicious dish. Remember, the key to success is giving it enough time to chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef sausage over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula as it browns. Once fully cooked and nicely browned, drain any excess grease thoroughly. This step is crucial for flavor. According to USDA guidelines, ground beef sausage should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt, beaten eggs, and half and half. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth. This forms the flavorful liquid base.
- Combine All Casserole Components: Add the cooked and drained sausage to the egg mixture. Then, gently fold in the toasted bread cubes and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until all the bread and sausage are evenly coated with the egg mixture.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the covered casserole in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. Chilling allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, preventing a soggy casserole.
- Preheat Oven: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the casserole inside.
- First Bake: Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Baking it covered initially helps steam the ingredients and ensures even cooking without drying out the top.
- Second Bake: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. Continue baking until the casserole has set in the center and the top is beautifully golden brown.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the casserole is done, insert a knife or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the eggs are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to set further, making it easier to cut and serve.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best Christmas Breakfast Casserole, use slightly stale or pre-toasted bread; it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy. To prevent a soggy bottom, ensure your sausage is well-drained and don’t skip the overnight chilling step. For an evenly baked casserole with a golden top, ensure your oven is fully preheated and consider rotating the dish halfway through the uncovered baking time. If the center seems undercooked, cover it loosely with foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes at the lower temperature. For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serve your savory Christmas Breakfast Casserole with a side of fresh fruit salad, warm syrup, or a dash of hot sauce for a complete meal. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, fresh flavors.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. To freeze an uncooked casserole, prepare as directed, cover tightly with foil, and then wrap with plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual. You can also bake, cool, and freeze individual portions for easy reheating.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your Christmas Breakfast Casserole! Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or fresh spinach to the mixture for extra vegetables. Experiment with different meat combinations like breakfast sausage and ham, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Smoked paprika or garlic powder can also enhance the savory notes.
Nutrition
Enjoy this hearty and satisfying Christmas Breakfast Casserole. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 8 servings per casserole. Please note these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 295 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 140 mg |
| Sodium | 559 mg |
| Potassium | 196 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 443 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg |
| Calcium | 216 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
FAQ
Can I make this casserole entirely vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or black beans for a delicious vegetarian breakfast casserole.
How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?
Use slightly stale or toasted bread, thoroughly drain any cooked meat, and ensure you chill the casserole overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture without becoming waterlogged.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, feel free to use spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a pre-cooked sausage link, diced, for varied flavors in your Christmas Breakfast Casserole.
How long does Christmas breakfast casserole last in the fridge?
Cooked casserole leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What sides pair well with this savory casserole?
Fresh fruit salad, a simple green salad, maple syrup, hot sauce, or a side of crispy hash browns all complement this hearty breakfast dish beautifully.
Conclusion
This easy Christmas Breakfast Casserole is truly a gift for your holiday mornings. It combines savory flavors, satisfying textures, and the ultimate make-ahead convenience, making your festive season brighter and more delicious. Sweet Emily encourages you to try this simple recipe and enjoy a stress-free start to your Christmas day. Create memorable holiday mornings with a warm, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a 9x13 baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine salt, eggs, and half and half; then stir in the cooked sausage, bread cubes, and cheese until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the covered casserole for 50-60 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F, uncover the casserole, and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until set.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
