Christmas Breakfast Casserole

There’s just something magical about waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of something warm and savory baking in the oven. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole captures the joy of the season in every golden, cheesy bite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd before the gift wrap starts flying. The texture is soft yet slightly crisp at the edges, the flavor is rich with hints of melted cheese, sautéed sausage, and the freshness of colorful bell peppers. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Behind the Recipe

Every family has their own Christmas morning traditions, and this one has become a staple in ours. My mom started making this casserole when I was a kid, and I still remember sneaking bites from the kitchen while she shooed us away with a smile. Over the years, we’ve played with different add-ins and spices, but the base recipe has remained the same. It’s one of those feel-good dishes that brings everyone to the table, pajama-clad and full of holiday cheer.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Breakfast casseroles like this one have long been a part of American holiday traditions, especially in the Midwest and Southern regions. Designed to be prepped ahead and popped into the oven in the morning, they were originally created for ease and convenience during busy family gatherings. Some even trace their popularity back to church potlucks and community brunches, where hearty one-dish meals ruled the buffet tables.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Warm, comforting, and perfect for making holiday mornings even more special.

Versatile: Easily swap in your favorite veggies or breakfast meats to suit your crowd.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep with maximum flavor, and you can assemble it the night before.

Customizable: Make it vegetarian, extra cheesy, or spice it up with jalapeños.

Crowd-Pleasing: Feeds a group with ease and disappears fast.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for brunch or even dinner.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Start your Christmas morning off right with a casserole that’s perfectly fluffy, flavorful, and festive.

• Let the bread dry out a bit for best texture. Fresh bread can turn soggy.
• Cook the sausage fully before adding to avoid grease pooling in the casserole.
• Shred your own cheese for maximum meltiness.
• Rest the casserole before slicing so it holds together nicely.
• A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley just before serving adds color and freshness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Just a few basic kitchen items are all it takes to make holiday magic.

Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the egg mixture with all the good stuff.

Skillet: To cook up your sausage and sauté vegetables.

Whisk: Essential for mixing the eggs and milk thoroughly.

9×13 Baking Dish: The perfect size for this family-friendly casserole.

Aluminum Foil: Helps the casserole bake evenly and prevents over-browning.

Ingredients in Christmas Breakfast Casserole

The beauty of this casserole is how each ingredient works together to create the ultimate cozy bite.

1. Eggs: 8 large eggs. The foundation of the casserole, creating that fluffy, custardy texture.
2. Whole Milk: 2 cups. Keeps the eggs rich and creamy when baked.
3. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups. Melts into gooey perfection and gives great flavor.
4. Day-Old Bread (Cubed): 6 cups. Soaks up the egg mixture and gives the dish structure.
5. Red Bell Pepper: 1, diced. Adds sweetness and a festive pop of color.
6. Green Bell Pepper: 1, diced. Brings freshness and another holiday hue.
7. Yellow Onion: 1 small, diced. Adds savory depth to every bite.
8. Breakfast Sausage: 1 pound. Savory and satisfying with a hint of spice.
9. Salt: 1 teaspoon. Balances all the flavors.
10. Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a gentle kick and warmth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing something — here’s how to keep it delicious.

Whole Milk: Use half-and-half or unsweetened plant milk.

Cheddar Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend.

Breakfast Sausage: Swap with cooked ground turkey or a plant-based sausage.

Bell Peppers: Use any color or even chopped spinach for a green twist.

Bread: Use any sturdy loaf like sourdough, French, or even leftover dinner rolls.

Ingredient Spotlight

Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread is key here. It soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without turning to mush.

Breakfast Sausage: This is what gives the casserole its savory kick and meaty depth. A little goes a long way.

Instructions for Making Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Let’s make a dish that tastes like a holiday hug in every bite. Here are the steps you’re going to follow.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Remove and drain excess fat. Sauté the onion and bell peppers in the same skillet until just soft.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Spread the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. Layer the cooked sausage and sautéed veggies over the bread. Sprinkle cheese on top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice and serve warm with coffee, juice, or a side of fresh fruit. Watch it disappear fast.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This casserole hits all the right notes. The edges get slightly crispy while the center stays soft and custardy. The sausage adds spice, the peppers add sweetness and crunch, and the cheese ties it all together with creamy goodness. It’s a flavor-packed experience in every single forkful.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make your casserole a Christmas legend.

• Use a serrated knife to cut clean squares.
• Make it vegetarian by skipping sausage and adding mushrooms.
• Let the assembled casserole sit overnight for deeper flavor and easy morning baking.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common missteps for breakfast casserole bliss.

• Using fresh bread straight from the bag. It won’t absorb the custard properly.
• Skipping the grease draining step. It can make the casserole greasy.
• Overbaking. This can dry out the eggs and toughen the texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 380

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can easily prep this casserole the night before. Just assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Serve warm, straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It pairs perfectly with orange juice, coffee, or a fruit salad. For a heartier brunch, add some roasted potatoes or a simple green salad on the side.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Have leftovers? Let’s reinvent them.

• Turn into a breakfast sandwich by placing a slice between toasted English muffins.
• Cube and toss with greens and vinaigrette for a warm breakfast salad.
• Reheat and serve with salsa and avocado for a Tex-Mex twist.

Additional Tips

• Don’t be afraid to double the recipe for a larger gathering.
• Let the casserole rest before slicing so it holds shape.
• Sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top before baking for extra color and flavor.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation makes all the difference. Serve the casserole in a white ceramic baking dish with some fresh herbs scattered on top. Set it on a festive holiday table with twinkling lights or a simple red-and-white cloth to complete the cozy, magical vibe.

Variations to Try

• Veggie Delight: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
• Southwestern Style: Use pepper jack cheese and add green chiles and black beans.
• Italian Twist: Use Italian sausage and mozzarella, and add sun-dried tomatoes.
• Mini Casseroles: Bake in muffin tins for personal-sized servings.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in cream cheese or ricotta for a creamier bite.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this casserole the night before?

A1: Absolutely. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake in the morning.

Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?

A2: Yes, bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap well and freeze. Reheat before serving.

Q3: What kind of bread is best?

A3: Use a hearty, crusty bread like sourdough or French bread. Day-old works best.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?

A4: You can use a non-dairy milk and cheese substitute. Just be sure it melts well.

Q5: What if I don’t like sausage?

A5: Use cooked ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.

Q6: How do I know it’s done baking?

A6: The center should be set, and a knife inserted should come out clean.

Q7: Can I add potatoes?

A7: Yes, pre-cooked diced potatoes or hash browns can be mixed in.

Q8: Can I use egg whites only?

A8: Yes, substitute with 2 cups of liquid egg whites, but it may be slightly less rich.

Q9: What cheese works best?

A9: Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in Swiss or mozzarella.

Q10: How long can it sit out?

A10: No more than 2 hours at room temperature for food safety.

Conclusion

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe — it’s a holiday memory in the making. Cozy, customizable, and oh-so-satisfying, it brings warmth to any morning gathering. Whether you make it for Christmas Day or just a cozy winter brunch, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

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