Best Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Imagine waking up to the aroma of a delicious, savory Christmas breakfast casserole without lifting a finger. This incredible make-ahead dish makes that dream a reality for your holiday mornings. Packed with flavorful sausage, savory eggs, and cheesy goodness, it’s the perfect centerpiece for a stress-free celebration. To ensure food safety when preparing dishes with eggs in advance, it’s important to follow proper guidelines, as outlined by FDA egg safety guidelines. Prepare it the night before and simply bake when you’re ready for a fantastic feast.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This delightful Christmas breakfast casserole quickly becomes a holiday tradition. It simplifies your morning so you can enjoy family time.

• Effortless Make-Ahead: Prepare everything the night before and just pop it in the oven on Christmas morning.
• Hearty & Flavorful: Enjoy a satisfying blend of savory sausage, eggs, and cheese in every bite. A breakfast rich in protein offers numerous benefits, including sustained energy and improved satiety throughout the day, according to the American Society for Nutrition.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
• Stress-Free Holidays: Spend less time cooking and more time making memories.
• Perfect Pairing: It balances beautifully with sweet treats like cinnamon rolls or fresh fruit.

Ingredients

This simple yet satisfying Christmas breakfast casserole relies on a few pantry staples for maximum flavor. You will need:

• 1 pound ground pork sausage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 large eggs, beaten
• 1 to 1½ cups half-and-half (or whole milk)
• 6 slices white bread, lightly toasted and cut into cubes
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to customize your holiday breakfast casserole with these easy swaps. You can use maple sausage or cubed ham instead of regular ground pork sausage for a different flavor profile. For the liquid, whole milk works perfectly if you don’t have half-and-half on hand. Swap out plain white bread for challah, French bread, brioche, or Texas toast for an even richer texture. Experiment with Swiss, mozzarella, or Colby Jack cheese to discover your favorite blend.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this easy Christmas breakfast casserole recipe. Gather these items before you begin.

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl

Instructions

Making this delicious Christmas breakfast casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked dish every time.

First, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.

Next, in a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat until it is thoroughly browned. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent a soggy casserole.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, salt, and half-and-half. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This forms the creamy base for your casserole.

Now, add the cooked and drained sausage, the cubed bread, and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the egg mixture in the bowl. Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the egg mixture. This ensures every bite of your Christmas breakfast casserole is packed with flavor.

Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the covered dish in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. This crucial step allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, creating a rich, custard-like texture.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and place it, still covered, into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes.

After this initial baking time, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Carefully remove the foil covering the casserole. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. Continue baking until the casserole has fully set in the center and the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results for your Christmas breakfast casserole with these helpful hints. For the perfect texture, always use stale or lightly toasted bread cubes. This simple step helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy, preventing a mushy casserole. Be careful not to overcook the casserole, as prolonged baking can make the eggs rubbery. If you want a beautifully golden-brown and crispy top, ensure you remove the foil for the final baking stage. Always taste and adjust your seasoning before baking; you might want a pinch more salt or pepper.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Christmas breakfast casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and adapts beautifully to your needs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of your hearty breakfast bake with a side of fresh fruit, like berries or sliced oranges. Drizzle with a touch of maple syrup for a sweet contrast, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick. Complete your holiday morning meal with freshly brewed coffee or a glass of orange juice.

Storage Instructions

To prepare even further ahead, you can freeze an uncooked casserole for 1-2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Store any leftover baked portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual cooked portions for up to 2-3 months. Reheat frozen or refrigerated leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Variations

Customize your savory breakfast with endless possibilities. Add crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra protein and flavor. Incorporate sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added nutrients and color. For a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños. Don’t be afraid to try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack to switch things up.

Nutrition

Enjoying this delicious Christmas breakfast casserole can be part of a balanced diet. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 12 servings:

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

FAQ

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Absolutely! This Christmas breakfast casserole is designed to be a make-ahead dish. Prepare it the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight for the best flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Use stale or lightly toasted bread cubes to help them absorb the egg mixture without breaking down too much. Also, draining excess grease from your sausage is key.

What types of bread work best in this recipe?

While white bread is classic, challah, French bread, brioche, or Texas toast all work wonderfully. They add richness and a great texture to the casserole.

Can I add vegetables to this breakfast casserole?

Yes, feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Just ensure they are cooked and drained of any excess moisture before adding them to the mixture.

How long does Christmas Breakfast Casserole last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cooked portions also freeze well for up to 2-3 months.

Conclusion

This make-ahead Christmas breakfast casserole truly embodies the spirit of a stress-free holiday. Its ease of preparation the night before means you can wake up to a delicious, hearty meal without any fuss. Packed with savory flavors and comforting textures, it’s a dish everyone will love. We encourage you to try this recipe and make your holiday mornings simple and delicious. Happy holidays from our kitchen to yours!