This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a festive treat that combines eggs, sausage, and tasty bread in one hearty dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd on holiday morning!
The best part? You can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It’s a holiday miracle, saving you time for gift unwrapping instead! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: This ingredient adds a hearty flavor to the casserole. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian version, you could substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage.
Eggs: The main binding agent in this casserole. Try using large eggs for best results. If you need an egg substitute, consider using 1/4 cup of silken tofu per egg or a vegan egg replacer if you want to make it plant-based.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can swap in low-fat milk, almond milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the richness may vary slightly.
Bread: Day-old bread is fantastic for this recipe as it absorbs the egg mixture without getting mushy. If you don’t have that on hand, you can use fresh bread, diced into cubes and lightly toasted to remove moisture.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to mix it up with gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a twist. If avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can give you a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Comes Out Perfectly Set?
Getting the right texture in your casserole is key. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Make sure to soak the bread in the egg mixture long enough—around 10 minutes should do the trick. This helps it absorb flavors and moisture.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around 40 minutes. It should be puffed up and golden brown on top.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.
With these tips, your Christmas Breakfast Casserole will be a delightful centerpiece for your festive morning!
How to Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Essential Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 cups cubed bread (day-old white or French bread)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Christmas Breakfast Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 to 50 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour for the whole process. You can also prep it the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight, which means all you have to do is pop it in the oven in the morning—making Christmas morning a breeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your casserole. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray so nothing sticks!
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano if you’re using it. This mixture will bind all the delicious ingredients together.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cubed bread, cooked and crumbled sausage, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine, making sure the bread is evenly coated with the mixture. Let it soak for about 10 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors!
4. Pour into Baking Dish:
After the bread has soaked, pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out a little so it’s even.
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a lovely cheesy crust as it bakes!
6. Bake It Up:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until it’s set in the middle and the top is nice and golden brown. Keep an eye on it; you want it puffed up and cooked all the way through!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This casserole is perfect for a festive Christmas breakfast, and it pairs well with fresh fruit or your favorite holiday drinks.
Enjoy this warm, cheesy, and savory delight with your loved ones, and have a wonderful holiday celebration!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While day-old white or French bread is ideal for this casserole, you can also use whole wheat bread, sourdough, or even brioche for a sweeter touch. Just make sure it’s somewhat stale so it absorbs the egg mixture well without becoming too mushy.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. It also makes a great grab-and-go breakfast option!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. This makes it a perfect make-ahead option for busy holiday mornings.
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
You can definitely customize the veggies to your liking! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great options to add some extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté any watery veggies before adding them to prevent the casserole from becoming too runny.
