The casserole is a warm and rich dish that will evoke the perfect start for all Christmas mornings. It is made up of Mellowed breakfast sausage. Layered with melted Cheddar cheese, it’s just perfect. The egg mix soaks into the toast and this would be a terrific all-in-one, easy-to-prepare-make-ahead dish. Enjoy the warmth of the holiday morning wrapping the kitchen with favored tradition.
Why You’ll Love It
The Delight of the Christmas Morning Casserole is indeed another dish for the festive spirit that is both hearty and enjoyed together on a leisurely Christmas morning. It is married and raised up by some of the usual flavors of savory sausage, silky scrambled eggs redolent with the toasty aroma of bread, and a melted, silky Cheddar cheese. It is prepped the night before by making Christmas morning less chaotic and a little more magical. Whether you have to feed a house full of guests or just need a good way to start the day for your own family, this casserole provides warmth, taste, and comfort in every bite.
Key Ingredients
Ground Sausage: Pick mild, hot, or even maple-flavored breakfast sausage as desired. Also good is turkey sausage for a lighter dusting of the Filipino flavor.
Mustard Powder: This enhances the deep, savory essence of the casserole. If you don’t have mustard powder, try a teaspoon or a dash of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for comparable effect.
Bread: Traditionally made with white bread, it’s easily adaptable to whole-grain, sourdough, even brioche for added texture and flavor. Best with stale bread as it takes up the egg mix quite well.
Cheese: Mild Cheddar is truly a classic, but really whatever kind of cheese you have on hand would be savory. Buck the savory trend and add culture with a bit of sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, even go wild with Pepper Jack, or, spoil yourself with blended cheese.
Eggs and milk: Go for creamier feel from whole milk; however, half-and-half is also good and little thick heaviness from a mixture of milk and heavy cream makes the casserole rich.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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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 good on its own, but it is best when paired with other festive breakfast foods. Here are some of the recommendations to complete your holiday brunch smorgasbord:
Fruit Salad: A bright, colorful combination of oranges, pomegranates, and grapes will lighten up your dish.
Hash Brown: Crispy golden brown hash browns are the best companions with the savory dish.
Drinks: Serve it with a warm coffee or hot cocoa, or freshly squeezed orange juice with the rest of the meal.
Toppings: In terms of garnishes for the top, include such things as green onions or chopped parsley; also a little hot drizzle for added spicy flavor for those who can stand the excitement.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Make-Ahead: The dish is designed for overnight preparation. Put the whole thing together the evening before, cover it, and refrigerate it for bake the next morning-a much care-free affair.
Refrigeration of leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days in the fridge, reheating individual servings in the microwave or oven.
Freezing: Save some for later or for a couple days later by slicing up already eaten casserole; wrap the slices snugly in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-friendly bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best results.
Variations
Vegetarian: Use sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions instead of sausage or add plant-based sausage crumbles for a meatless option.
Spicy: Add some heat to your casserole using spicy breakfast sausage and Pepper Jack cheese. You can also throw in some diced jalapeños.
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose bread with a gluten-free kind of bread or cube roasted and skillet potatoes for a more hearty offering.
Cheese Extravaganza: Put some more grated cheese on top and bake it so that she gets a final, gooey crust in the last ten minutes of baking.
Mini Casserole: That’s how these little casseroles are done-divide the mixture into individual ramekins for single-portioned casseroles. These bake much more quickly and present quite nicely.
Final Note
This is a perfect holiday dish from the early hours of the morning: simple, tasty, and able to satiate a host of hungry guests. Any combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and cheesy goodness mix up to one surefire hit. Not to mention the best bit, is that you can easily alter or adapt the preparations and then serve this dish according to your family’s taste. Prep it the night before, throw it in the oven, and wake up to enjoy a smile on everyone’s faces-eating warm inspiration.
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.
