Irresistible Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe: 5-Minute Prep!
super easy
The holiday season is all about tradition, and what better way to kick off Christmas Day than with a warm, comforting Christmas breakfast casserole? This Christmas Breakfast Casserole, featuring savory ground sausage, toasted bread, and a creamy egg mixture, is an easy-to-make dish that’ll feed the whole family without much effort. Best of all, it can be prepped ahead of time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.
Why Choose a Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
A Christmas breakfast casserole is the perfect way to make your holiday morning a little easier. Instead of juggling multiple pans or trying to cook a big breakfast in a rush, you can prepare everything in one dish, and let the oven do the work. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—whether you’re serving a small family or a big group, this casserole is a great way to get everyone fed without the stress. It’s savory, hearty, and oh-so-cozy, making it an ideal start to your Christmas Day.
Ingredients for Christmas Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is simple to make and uses a few staple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground sausage – This adds a rich, savory flavor to the casserole and gives it that comforting, breakfast-y vibe.
- 1 tsp mustard powder – For a bit of tang and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt – Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- 4 large eggs, beaten – Eggs are the base of the casserole, binding everything together and creating a creamy texture.
- 2 cups whole milk – Adds richness and helps the eggs set properly.
- 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes – Toasting the bread gives it a crunchy texture that soaks up the egg mixture beautifully.
- 1 cup mild Cheddar cheese, shredded – Cheese brings a nice, melty element to the casserole, balancing the richness of the sausage.
Instructions: How to Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Start by cooking the ground sausage. Crumble the sausage into a medium skillet and cook over medium heat until it’s evenly browned and fully cooked. Be sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mustard powder, salt, beaten eggs, and milk until everything is well combined. This will create your egg mixture that binds all the ingredients together. Next, add the cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and shredded Cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir everything together gently, making sure the bread gets evenly coated with the egg mixture. This step is crucial for ensuring the casserole has that perfect texture—soft and custardy in the center with a little crunch on the edges.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking. Pour the sausage and egg mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Letting it chill allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the egg mixture, making for a more flavorful casserole.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the casserole has had time to chill, remove it from the refrigerator. Bake the casserole covered for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the center is nearly set but still a little jiggly. The casserole should be puffed up and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 5: Final Bake
After the initial baking time, uncover the casserole and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the casserole is fully set and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is crispy and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it into squares. Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors of sausage, cheese, and egg, with the perfect balance of soft and crispy textures.
Make-Ahead Tips for Christmas Breakfast Casserole
One of the best things about this casserole is that it can be made ahead of time. As mentioned, you can assemble it the night before, which allows you to save time on Christmas morning. Just pop it in the fridge overnight, and then all you have to do is bake it in the morning.
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
Why This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a Must-Try
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and comforting. The ground sausage gives it a rich, hearty flavor, while the toasted bread soaks up the creamy egg mixture for that perfect texture. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and will leave everyone satisfied and ready to enjoy the rest of the holiday celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting a big family breakfast or just having a quiet morning with your closest loved ones, this casserole is sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
Conclusion
Christmas morning is all about warmth, togetherness, and enjoying delicious food, and this Christmas Breakfast Casserole checks all the boxes. It’s comforting, easy to make, and can be prepped ahead of time, making it the perfect choice for a stress-free holiday breakfast. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of hot coffee, and you’ve got the perfect start to your Christmas Day!
FAQs
1. How far in advance can I make the Christmas breakfast casserole?
You can prepare the casserole up to 8 hours before baking it, or even overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and enhances the flavor.
2. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as directed.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for mild Cheddar, you can swap it out for any cheese you prefer, such as sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
4. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, feel free to add sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the center is fully set (no longer jiggly) and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Ingredients
Adjust Servings
1 lb ground sausage | |
1 tsp mustard powder | |
1/2 tsp kosher salt | |
4 large eggs, beaten | |
2 cups whole milk | |
6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes | |
1 cup mild Cheddar cheese, shredded |
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