It all started one Christmas morning when my teenager asked for a breakfast that was more than just cereal or toast. She wanted something cozy, filling, and easy to eat while the holiday excitement buzzed around us. That’s when the idea of this Christmas Breakfast Casserole first took shape in my kitchen. It wasn’t a fancy dish, but it quickly became a star in our holiday brunch rotation because it brought everyone together around the table.
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole became the answer to busy Christmas mornings. Instead of juggling pancakes and eggs on the stove while wrapping last-minute gifts or managing the morning rush, I could prepare something that baked all at once. Seeing my family dig in, sharing stories, and indeed asking for seconds made me realize this casserole wasn’t just food—it was the centerpiece of our celebration.
Over the years, I tweaked the recipe to keep it something my whole family looks forward to. The blend of hearty sausage, melted cheese, and fluffy eggs hits that perfect spot between comforting and festive. What makes this Christmas Breakfast Casserole so special is how it can be made ahead as an overnight breakfast bake, ready to pop in the oven first thing in the morning. It frees you to enjoy the holiday, not stress over breakfast.
If you’re looking for a savory breakfast casserole that delivers on flavor and simplicity, this recipe will be a winner for you. It’s reliable, tasty, and makes Christmas morning feel even more magical. I’m excited for you to try it and see how it brings your family together just like it did mine.
What You’ll Need
For this Christmas Breakfast Casserole, you’ll find simple ingredients at your regular grocery store without trouble. I like to keep the list straightforward because the flavors speak for themselves, and it saves time when you’re juggling holiday plans.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled – For the best Christmas Breakfast Casserole, I recommend using spicy or mild depending on your family’s taste. My crew prefers mild for a milder kick.
- 8 large eggs – Fresh is best here to keep the casserole light and fluffy.
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar works well, but you can swap it for a Mexican blend or mozzarella if you like.
- 3 cups of frozen hash browns, thawed – Frozen hash browns keep this Christmas Breakfast Casserole quick and easy to prep.
- 1 cup of milk – Whole milk gives the casserole a creamy texture, but you can use 2% if you want.
- 1 teaspoon of mustard powder – This adds a hint of tanginess that brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt – Adjust to your taste, especially since sausage can be salty.
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper – Just enough to give a little warmth.
Trust me, this Christmas Breakfast Casserole ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor! You can swap the sausage for cooked bacon or even a vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Some days, I’ve made a version with leftover ham diced up, and it worked great too. Preparing your sausage ahead of time makes breakfast a breeze in the morning.
If you’re curious about variations, you might also like this hashbrown breakfast casserole for when you want extra crispy potatoes. Both are family-friendly and perfect for holiday mornings.
How to Make It
Making this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is more straightforward than you might think. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a hot, hearty meal ready without standing over the stove all morning.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps cook the casserole evenly without drying it out.
- In a large skillet, cook your sausage over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and set aside. This step is where I used to mess up my Christmas Breakfast Casserole by leaving too much grease, which made the bake soggy. Now, I drain carefully to keep it just right.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eight eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. This mix forms the savory base of your casserole.
- Add the thawed hash browns and cooked sausage into the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine. You want everything coated but not mashed.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the mixture in evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top to melt and give that golden finish.
- Place your Christmas Breakfast Casserole dish in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know your breakfast casserole is ready when the eggs are set in the center and the top turns a lovely golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing while this Christmas Breakfast Casserole cooks—like all the best things about holiday mornings.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
While your Christmas Breakfast Casserole is cooking, you’ll have time to set the table, sip a cup of coffee, or check in on your holiday plans. Don’t worry if your Christmas Breakfast Casserole looks a bit puffed or browned; that’s just part of its charm!
If you want to prepare ahead, follow the same steps and refrigerate your casserole overnight, then bake it fresh in the morning. This overnight breakfast bake trick has saved me more than once. For more great ideas, take a look at this Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole.
Serving Ideas
My family absolutely loves eating this Christmas Breakfast Casserole hot from the oven, especially when paired with fresh fruit or a light salad. It’s filling and flavorful, perfect for a relaxed Christmas morning or a festive brunch gathering.
If you want to impress guests, serve your casserole with a side of warm buttermilk biscuits or toast with homemade jam. These sides complement the savory breakfast casserole without competing with it.
This festive breakfast recipe is great for holiday gatherings, but it works just as well for birthdays, weekend brunches, or even cozy winter weekends. When I want to make it look extra special, I sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley on top after baking. It adds a pop of color and freshness.
Leftovers? No worries! This Christmas Breakfast Casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. I usually freeze small portions for busy mornings when time is tight. You might also like this cheesy breakfast casserole if your crowd prefers something extra gooey—they go hand in hand! Check out this cheesy breakfast casserole for a fun twist.
Feedback from friends and family always includes how “comforting” and “easy to love” this casserole is. It brings people back every time, making it a dependable favorite.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it fresh on Christmas morning. This makes your holiday much smoother. The overnight breakfast bake brings out even more flavor and keeps the texture just right.
Q: What if I don’t have breakfast sausage?
A: No problem. Substitute cooked bacon, ham, or even a vegetarian sausage. You can also swap the protein with mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-packed savory breakfast casserole.
Q: How do I store leftover Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
A: Sure! Dice or shred fresh potatoes, then parboil or microwave them to soften before adding. That way, your Christmas Breakfast Casserole bakes evenly.
Q: Do I have to use cheddar cheese?
A: No, feel free to use any cheese your family likes. Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack can give your casserole a different flavor profile without changing the recipe’s success.
Q: Is this Christmas Breakfast Casserole spicy?
A: It depends on your sausage choice. Mild sausage keeps it kid-friendly, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick for grown-up taste buds.
Q: My Christmas Breakfast Casserole looks watery after baking. What happened?
A: This can happen if the sausage wasn’t drained well or if too much liquid was added. Be sure to drain cooked sausage and avoid extra milk. Also, baking time matters—make sure your casserole is baked long enough to set.
Readers ask for tips like these often, and I love sharing what I’ve learned after making this Christmas Breakfast Casserole many times. If you want another recipe with sausage and egg goodness, try this Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe, which has a slightly different spin but is just as satisfying.
The Final Word
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole has truly earned its spot in my family’s recipe collection. It reliably brings warmth, flavor, and togetherness to our table on the most special mornings. It’s a dish that fits the holiday spirit without any fuss or stress.
My Christmas Breakfast Casserole Tips:
- Always drain your sausage well. This keeps the casserole from getting soggy.
- Prepare the casserole the night before as an overnight breakfast bake to save time.
- Experiment with cheese types and meats for a twist your family will love.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed several variations that have become favorites. My husband likes it loaded with extra cheese and spicy sausage, while my kids prefer it mild with diced ham. Sometimes I swap hash browns for cubed bread to make it more like a strata, adding herbs for a fresh taste.
I hope you’ll make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole your go-to holiday brunch casserole. It’s easy enough to fit into busy mornings but special enough to make memories over. For holiday meal ideas that pair perfectly, check out the Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board to add a festive touch to your table.
Here’s to delicious meals and family moments around your table. Dive in confidently with this Christmas Breakfast Casserole and enjoy every bite!
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
This festive Christmas Breakfast Casserole combines savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread for a warm and hearty holiday morning meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups cubed French bread
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, sage, and garlic powder.
- Layer half of the cubed bread in the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage, cheese, bell pepper, and green onions evenly over the bread.
- Repeat layering with remaining bread, sausage, cheese, bell pepper, and green onions.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole layers, pressing down lightly to soak the bread.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and eggs are set.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms and diced tomatoes. Serve with fresh fruit or a side of cranberry sauce to enhance the festive flavors.