This hearty and flavorful casserole is the perfect way to start Christmas morning. With savory sausage, creamy Cheddar cheese, and a rich egg mixture soaked into toasted bread, it’s an all-in-one dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Serve warm and let the comforting flavors bring joy to your holiday breakfast table.
Why You’ll Love It
The Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a festive, hearty dish perfect for bringing everyone together on a cozy holiday morning. Packed with savory sausage, creamy eggs, toasted bread, and melty Cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be prepped the night before—making Christmas morning less stressful and more magical. Whether you’re feeding a house full of guests or simply want a comforting breakfast for your family, this casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and convenience in every bite.
Key Ingredients
Ground Sausage: Choose your favorite breakfast sausage—mild, spicy, or even maple-flavored for a touch of sweetness. Turkey sausage is a lighter alternative that still packs a punch of flavor.
Mustard Powder: This secret ingredient enhances the savory depth of the casserole. If you don’t have mustard powder, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can achieve a similar effect.
Bread: White bread is traditional, but feel free to use whole-grain, sourdough, or even brioche for added texture and flavor. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture beautifully.
Cheese: Mild Cheddar is classic, but sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, or even Pepper Jack can add a delightful twist. A blend of cheeses creates a more complex flavor.
Eggs and Milk: Whole milk provides a creamy consistency, but half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and heavy cream can make the casserole richer.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausage
Cook the Sausage:
Begin by crumbling 1 pound of ground sausage into a medium skillet.
Place the skillet over medium heat and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to break the sausage into small pieces. The sausage should be fully browned, with no pink remaining.
Drain Excess Fat:
Carefully remove the excess fat from the skillet. You can tilt the skillet slightly and spoon out the fat, or pour it into a bowl lined with paper towels for easy disposal. Removing the fat is crucial to prevent your casserole from becoming greasy.
2. Mix the Egg Mixture
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together:
4 large eggs, beaten
2 cups of whole milk
1 teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
The mustard powder adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the sausage and cheese flavors.
Add Sausage and Bread:
Stir the cooked sausage into the egg mixture.
Add 6 slices of white bread, toasted and cut into cubes. The toasted bread acts as a sponge, absorbing the egg mixture to give the casserole its hearty texture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Incorporate the Cheese:
Mix in 1 cup of shredded mild Cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt during baking, adding a rich, gooey layer of flavor throughout the casserole.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using non-stick cooking spray or a thin coating of butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Pour the Mixture:
Pour the sausage, bread, and egg mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure the casserole bakes uniformly.
Cover and Chill:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This resting period allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a cohesive and flavorful casserole.
4. Bake the Casserole
Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake Covered:
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover it. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the top begins to set and turn golden brown.
Reduce Heat and Finish Baking:
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and allows the center to fully set.
Check for Doneness:
Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Cool Slightly:
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before cutting. This allows it to set further and makes slicing easier.
Slice and Serve:
Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. It’s perfect on its own, but pairing it with a fresh fruit salad, a dollop of sour cream, or a side of crispy hash browns elevates the meal.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with other festive breakfast items. Here are some ideas to round out your holiday brunch spread:
Fresh Fruit Salad: Brighten up your plate with a mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and grapes.
Hash Browns: Crispy, golden hash browns make the perfect side for this savory dish.
Beverages: Serve with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or freshly squeezed orange juice to complete the meal.
Toppings: Offer optional garnishes like green onions, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little kick.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Make-Ahead: The casserole is designed for overnight preparation. Assemble everything the evening before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead of time, freeze the baked casserole in portions. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can also add plant-based sausage crumbles for a meatless option.
Spicy Twist: Use spicy breakfast sausage and Pepper Jack cheese for a zesty version. Add diced jalapeños for extra heat!
Gluten-Free: Replace the bread with a gluten-free variety or cubed roasted potatoes for a hearty alternative.
Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle an extra layer of cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for an irresistibly gooey finish.
Mini Casseroles: Divide the mixture into individual ramekins for single-serving casseroles. These bake more quickly and make for an elegant presentation.
Final Note
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate holiday morning dish—simple, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. The combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and cheesy goodness is a guaranteed hit. Plus, with so many variations and serving ideas, you can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Prep it the night before, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 0.5 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
Instructions
- Crumble ground sausage into a medium skillet and cook over medium heat for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, whole milk, mustard powder, and kosher salt. Stir in the cooked sausage and toasted bread cubes. Mix gently to coat. Add shredded Cheddar cheese and stir to combine.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the sausage, bread, and egg mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole, covered, for 45–60 minutes until the top begins to set and turn golden brown. Reduce the heat to 325°F (163°C) and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes. Check for doneness with a knife inserted in the center—it should come out clean.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with optional sides like fresh fruit salad or hash browns for a complete meal.
