When I first made this Christmas Breakfast Casserole, it instantly became one of those dishes I couldn’t imagine celebrating the holidays without. A dear friend introduced me to it years ago during a chilly December morning, welcoming me into her cozy kitchen with the smell of melted cheese and savory sausage filling the air. What made it stick wasn’t just the wonderful layers of flavor but how effortlessly it brought everyone to the table, warm and eager for the first meal of the big day.
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole fits perfectly into real-life cooking because it’s both impressive and easy enough to make ahead, freeing you to enjoy time with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen all morning. The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special without requiring fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
If you’re looking for a holiday breakfast casserole that delivers big on taste and convenience, I promise this recipe is worth tucking into your Christmas brunch ideas. It combines hearty, comforting ingredients in a way that feels festive yet familiar. Plus, it’s perfect for an overnight breakfast casserole, so you get to sleep in while it comes together quietly in the fridge.
For fellow home cooks eager to add a reliable, delicious crowd-pleaser to their holiday menu, stick with me. I’ll share all the kitchen wisdom and tweaks that make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole a family favorite in my house and one I hope becomes yours too.
What You’ll Need:
- 10 large eggs – The base of this Christmas Breakfast Casserole; large eggs create the perfect custard texture. No worries if you only have extra-large; just use nine instead.
- 2 cups whole milk – Adds creaminess. I’ve swapped half-and-half in a pinch with great results, but whole milk keeps it light.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage – Use your favorite brand or substitute with diced ham for a twist on the holiday breakfast casserole flavor.
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread – Stale bread works best here. French or sourdough bread both do well. If you don’t have bread on hand, you can swap with frozen bread cubes thawed overnight.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The cheesy goodness that makes every bite pop. You can mix cheeses too—Monterey Jack or Gruyere both work well if you want to try a variation.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tang and depth. You’ll find this bottle in the regular condiment aisle. Don’t skip it; it’s a secret trick for rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all those Christmas morning casserole flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground if possible for the best aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – You can use fresh garlic if you like but powder keeps it simple.
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish – A fresh pop of color and flavor just before serving.
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole keeps ingredients simple and budget-friendly, using basics you likely have on hand or can easily grab from your local store. The shopping tip here? Pick up the sausage from the meat case, and your bread from the bakery or freezer section if you want to prep ahead.
If you have leftovers, no worries. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole stores well in the fridge up to three days and reheats nicely in the oven or microwave. I like to freeze leftover portions, tightly wrapped, and pull them out for quick weekday breakfasts.
My secret with this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is to add a little extra cheese—because let’s be honest, doubling cheese doesn’t ruin the dish; it just makes it better.
Let’s Cook It Together!
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until no longer pink. This step adds a savory base to your Christmas Breakfast Casserole. Drain any excess grease to keep it from being greasy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F while the sausage cools slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This gives you the custard that binds everything in your Christmas Breakfast Casserole.
- Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Gently stir to evenly coat but don’t mash the bread. The bread will soak up all those flavors overnight if you’re making this an overnight breakfast casserole.
- Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover with foil and let chill in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor. This step is where the magic happens—perfect for stress-free Christmas morning ceremonies.
- Bake covered for 40 minutes, then uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and custardy. Your kitchen will smell incredible, a sure sign that your Christmas Breakfast Casserole is ready to enjoy.
If your casserole looks a little more liquidy when you take it out of the fridge, don’t panic—it’s normal. The bread will soak it up as it bakes, resulting in a soft but structured dish.
From start to finish, this Christmas Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then bakes for just under an hour. While it’s baking, I recommend setting the table or pouring yourself a cup of something warm and relaxing.
For a shortcut, I’ve tried using pre-cooked crumbled sausage from the store. It saves a few minutes and still tastes great—use whatever works for your schedule that day.
This recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Each time I’ve made this Christmas Breakfast Casserole, I learn a little tweak, whether it’s adding more cheese or trying different breads. It’s easy to customize, which is what makes it so perfect for busy holiday mornings.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole shines when served alongside bright, fresh fruit like orange slices or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The fresh flavors cut through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
A warm side of cinnamon-spiced roasted potatoes complements this holiday breakfast casserole perfectly, offering a crispy texture to balance the soft custard inside the dish.
You can also set out simple condiments like salsa or sour cream for guests who want to add a touch of zest.
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is my go-to for holiday brunch ideas because it feeds a crowd without breaking a sweat. It feels ideal for Christmas morning when everyone is gathered, still in pajamas, savoring the first meal of the day.
For a presentation boost, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley right before serving. It adds a little pop of color that makes it look just as good as it tastes.
Leftovers? Cut your Christmas Breakfast Casserole into squares for an easy grab-and-go breakfast throughout the week. I’ve even reheated slices topped with a fried egg for a fun twist.
For a festive variation, swap the sausage for cooked bacon or add diced bell peppers and mushrooms to mix up your Christmas morning casserole experience.
Guest reactions are always enthusiastic, often followed by requests for me to share the recipe or bring the dish to other celebrations.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making it as an overnight breakfast casserole is my favorite method. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate covered, then bake the next morning.
What’s the best substitute for bread in this Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
If you’re out of bread, cubed hash browns or even cooked quinoa work well. Each gives a slightly different texture but still delicious.
Can I swap the sausage for another protein?
Yes, diced ham, cooked bacon, or even vegetarian sausage work great in this breakfast casserole recipe.
How do I adjust this Christmas Breakfast Casserole for more or fewer servings?
Simple math here. To serve a larger crowd, double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. For smaller portions, halve everything and bake in an 8×8 dish, adjusting time slightly.
Is it better to use fresh or stale bread?
Day-old or slightly stale bread is best because it soaks up the custard without turning soggy. If you only have fresh bread, lightly toast the cubes first.
Do I have to brown the sausage?
Browning enhances flavor and avoids soggy meat in the casserole, but you can use pre-cooked sausage if you want a shortcut.
Can I freeze this Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
You bet. Freeze before baking, wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
What if my Christmas Breakfast Casserole looks watery?
That usually means it needs more baking time or thicker bread. Cover with foil and add 10-15 minutes if needed.
Any tips for making it less messy to serve?
Cut into squares using a sharp knife and serve with a spatula. Letting the casserole sit 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set up for cleaner servings.
For more ideas on Christmas brunch or holiday breakfast casserole favorites, you might enjoy this Christmas Breakfast Casserole {Make Ahead!} | Lil’ Luna or Breakfast Casserole | – Tastes Better From Scratch.
If you’re looking to perfect your overnight breakfast casserole routine, check out Overnight Breakfast Casserole – Spend With Pennies. These resources have helped me fine-tune my own approach.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole earns a special spot in my recipe collection because it’s dependable, delicious, and brings everyone together without stress. It’s the recipe I turn to when I want a meal that feels homemade and festive, even when time is tight.
My Best Christmas Breakfast Casserole Tips:
- Use day-old bread for the best texture. It absorbs the custard evenly without turning mushy.
- Don’t skip browning the sausage. It boosts flavor and gives a satisfying bite.
- Make it the night before. Letting it soak overnight transforms the flavors and makes your morning easier.
I’ve tested several variations, including swapping sausage for diced ham, adding veggies like bell peppers, and trying different cheeses like pepper jack and Swiss. Each version brings something fun to the table, but the classic sausage and cheddar combo still gets the most requests from my family.
I encourage you to make this holiday breakfast casserole your own. Swap in ingredients you love, adjust the seasonings, and enjoy the process.
I hope you love how comforting and easy this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is to prepare, especially when everyone’s gathered at the table. It’s reliable, tasty, and ultimately a simple way to make your holiday mornings that much sweeter.
If you want to keep exploring hearty breakfast casseroles or easy make-ahead options, take a peek at Lil’ Luna’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole {Make Ahead!} and Breakfast Casserole – Tastes Better From Scratch. Those recipes offer great variety and trustworthy results.
Trust me, once you make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole, it’ll become a staple you’ll look forward to every holiday season. You’ve got this—happy cooking!
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a festive and hearty dish combining savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread for a convenient holiday morning feast everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 cups cubed French bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, diced green and red bell peppers, onion, and shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with a side of cran-apple chutney or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.