The Best Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Get ready for the easiest holiday morning ever! This delightful savory christmas casserole takes the stress out of feeding your family on a busy Christmas morning. Prepare it entirely the night before, then simply bake it fresh when you wake up. It’s truly the best make-ahead christmas casserole recipe, allowing you to focus on family and festivities instead of cooking. This hearty breakfast will become a beloved tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This versatile christmas casserole quickly becomes a holiday favorite for so many reasons.

• Stress-Free Mornings: Prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven on Christmas morning. You save precious time when it matters most.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Loaded with savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, it’s a complete meal that keeps everyone full. This is a breakfast that truly fuels your holiday spirit.
• Customizable Flavors: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. Get creative with different meats, cheeses, or even a touch of spice for your perfect christmas casserole.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe scales beautifully and is perfect for feeding a small family or a larger gathering. Everyone loves a delicious, warm breakfast bake.
• More Family Time: By prepping ahead, you can enjoy more moments opening presents and making memories. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for this easy christmas casserole. Using good quality ingredients will always elevate your final dish. Freshness makes a difference in flavor and texture.

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

Notes & Substitutions

You have plenty of flexibility with this recipe to match your taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different components.

• Meat: If pork sausage isn’t your preference, substitute it with cooked and crumbled turkey sausage, diced ham, or crispy bacon. Ensure any meat you use is fully cooked and drained.
• Dairy: Whole milk works beautifully as a substitute for half-and-half, providing a slightly lighter texture. You can also use heavy cream for an even richer breakfast casserole.
• Bread: Elevate your breakfast bake by using challah, brioche, or Texas toast instead of white bread. Toasting the bread lightly helps prevent sogginess in the finished dish.
• Cheese: Feel free to swap sharp cheddar for other meltable cheeses like Swiss, Gruyere, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack. A blend of cheeses adds depth.
• Seasonings: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of black pepper to the egg mixture. These subtle additions make a big impact.

Equipment

You won’t need any special gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen essentials. This keeps the preparation simple and straightforward.

• 9×13 inch baking dish: A standard size for casseroles, ensuring even baking.
• Large skillet: For browning your sausage efficiently.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all your ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly beating the eggs and blending the dairy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping christmas casserole that everyone will adore. Remember, patience with chilling yields the best results.

1. Prepare Baking Dish: Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set it aside for now. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier later.
2. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it browns, ensuring it cooks evenly. Once fully cooked and no pink remains, drain any excess grease thoroughly. This prevents a greasy final casserole.

   For optimal food safety, it’s vital to ensure all ground meats, including pork, are cooked to the correct internal temperature. The USDA recommends ground pork safety guidelines.

3. Whisk Egg Mixture: In your large mixing bowl, combine the salt, beaten eggs, and half-and-half. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well blended and slightly frothy. This aeration helps create a lighter texture in your christmas casserole.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and drained sausage, the cubed toasted bread, and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the egg mixture in the bowl. Stir gently with a spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the egg mixture. Avoid overmixing.
5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire mixture from the bowl into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so all the bread cubes are submerged in the liquid.
6. Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally, overnight (up to 24 hours). This crucial step allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, preventing a dry or soggy texture.
7. Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to bake your christmas casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to give your oven enough time to come to temperature before putting the casserole in.
8. First Bake: Place the covered baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake the casserole, still covered with foil, for 50-60 minutes. The foil helps to steam the casserole, ensuring it cooks through without drying out.
9. Second Bake: After the initial baking time, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Carefully remove the foil from the casserole.
10. Final Bake: Continue baking the uncovered christmas casserole for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole has fully set in the center and turned golden brown on top. The center should not jiggle when gently shaken.
11. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set further, making it easier to cut into neat portions.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Achieving a perfect christmas casserole is easy with these helpful hints. These small adjustments can make a big difference in the final outcome.

Utilizing slightly stale or day-old bread is a common culinary tip that helps prevent sogginess in baked dishes. Discover the benefits of using stale bread in casseroles for optimal texture.

• Stale Bread is Best: Using slightly stale or day-old bread helps it absorb the egg mixture better without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, simply toast it lightly before cubing.
• Toast Fresh Bread: If you must use fresh bread, toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes. This extra step helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy, providing a better texture.
• Drain Sausage Thoroughly: Ensure your cooked sausage is completely drained of grease. Excess fat can make the casserole oily and less appealing. Pat it dry with a paper towel if necessary.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the egg mixture with the solid ingredients, stir just enough to coat everything. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture in your eggs.
• Adjust Baking Time: Casserole firmness is a matter of personal preference. Bake until it reaches your desired level of firmness, whether you prefer it slightly softer or very firm.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the christmas casserole rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve cleanly.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile christmas casserole is a gift that keeps on giving, from how you serve it to how you store it.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh Fruit: A colorful bowl of fresh berries, sliced oranges, or a mixed fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast.
• Maple Syrup: Offer a drizzle of warm maple syrup on the side for those who enjoy a touch of sweet and savory.
• Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce provides an optional spicy kick for heat lovers.
• Garnish: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a bright, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
• Other Sides: Consider serving with a simple green salad for a lighter touch, or even a dollop of sour cream or salsa.

Storage Instructions

• Freezing Uncooked: To freeze the uncooked christmas casserole, cover the baking dish tightly with multiple layers of foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well in the freezer for 1-2 months. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This ensures its freshness and quality.
• Freezing Leftovers: For longer storage, cut the leftover casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm through. For larger amounts, warm gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying.

Flavor Variations

• Add More Meat: Boost the savory profile with crumbled crispy bacon, diced cooked ham, or even shredded cooked chicken. Mix them in with the sausage or add them alongside for extra flavor.
• Include Veggies: Easily sneak in some extra nutrients and flavor. Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or finely diced onions are excellent additions. Cook them before adding to prevent excess moisture.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture. Adjust to your desired spice level.
• Different Cheeses: Explore other cheese varieties like Pepper Jack for a spicy twist, creamy Gruyere, or a smoky provolone. A blend of cheeses can offer complex flavors to your holiday casserole.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and standard portion sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and any substitutions made. This information is intended for general guidance only.

Serving Size: 12

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making this fantastic breakfast casserole. These tips will help you perfect your holiday spread.

• Can I use different types of bread? Yes, you can use different types of bread like challah, brioche, or Texas toast. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to absorb the egg mixture without becoming too mushy.
• How long can it chill overnight? This christmas casserole can chill for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Overnight chilling allows the flavors to truly meld together.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the sausage and instead add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also use a plant-based sausage alternative.
• How to prevent a soggy casserole? Use slightly stale or toasted bread cubes, and ensure you drain the cooked sausage thoroughly. These steps help absorb the liquid without becoming waterlogged.
• What sides pair well? Fresh fruit salad, a drizzle of maple syrup, hot sauce, or a simple green salad all make excellent accompaniments. These sides complement the rich flavors.
• Can I add vegetables? Yes, feel free to add cooked and drained vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach. Sauté them first to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavor.

Conclusion

This make-ahead christmas casserole simplifies your holiday mornings, offering a delicious and hearty meal with minimal effort on the big day. Its savory flavors and comforting warmth are perfect for gathering with loved ones. It’s a truly adaptable recipe, ready to become your family’s new favorite Christmas tradition. So, prepare this delightful dish, relax, and savor every moment of your festive celebration. Happy holidays from our kitchen to yours!