Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that brings warmth and joy to your holiday morning. This casserole combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and creamy cheese all soaked into perfectly toasted bread cubes, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The best part is that you can prepare it the night before, allowing you to enjoy more time with your family and less time in the kitchen on Christmas morning.
My family has made this casserole a holiday tradition. The night before Christmas, after all the presents are wrapped and the house is quiet, I assemble the casserole and let it chill overnight. On Christmas morning, as the kids eagerly unwrap their gifts, the aroma of the baking casserole fills the house, adding to the festive atmosphere. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, making it the perfect addition to your holiday breakfast table.
Ingredients (Servings 6)
1 lb ground sausage
1 tsp mustard powder
½ 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
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Cook the Sausage:
Crumble the sausage into a medium skillet. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is evenly browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Drain the Sausage:
Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important to ensure the casserole doesn’t become too greasy.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, 4 beaten eggs, and 2 cups of whole milk. Whisk together until well blended.
Add the Sausage, Bread, and Cheese:
To the bowl with the egg mixture, add the cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the egg mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Chill the Casserole
Cover and Chill:
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a flavorful and cohesive casserole.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Bake Covered:
Remove the plastic wrap or foil and cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes.
Uncover and Continue Baking:
After the initial baking time, uncover the casserole and reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the casserole; it should come out clean.
Step 5: Serve
Cool Slightly and Serve:
Once the casserole is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to cut and serve.
Cut and Enjoy:
Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with your loved ones on Christmas morning.
Variations and Substitutions
Christmas Breakfast Casserole is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
Different Cheeses: Try using other types of cheese like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Healthier Version: Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage and whole grain bread instead of white bread for a healthier option.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the egg mixture for a spicy twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and convenient dish that adds a touch of warmth and joy to your holiday morning. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and fluffy eggs all soaked into toasted bread creates a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
The ability to prepare this casserole the night before allows you to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen on Christmas morning. Its versatility also means you can easily adapt it to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Christmas Breakfast Casserole with your family and friends, and create lasting holiday memories with each bite. Happy holidays and happy cooking!
