Christmas Breakfast Casserole – Easy Family Favorite

What makes Christmas morning magical without requiring anyone to wake up at dawn to prepare breakfast while everyone else is still in pajamas opening presents? This christmas breakfast casserole accomplishes exactly that by assembling everything the night before and simply sliding it into the oven while coffee brews, creating a hot breakfast recipe that feeds a crowd with golden eggs, savory sausage, and cheese bubbling to perfection. The genius lies in the overnight soaking that allows bread to absorb the custard completely, transforming ordinary ingredients into a cohesive, satisfying dish that tastes like hours of work despite requiring just fifteen minutes of evening preparation, letting you focus on what matters most—enjoying the holiday with loved ones.

Ingredients List

For this christmas breakfast casserole you’ll need hearty, satisfying ingredients that create the ultimate holiday morning comfort food.

• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 1 loaf French bread, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Timing

This christmas breakfast casserole requires minimal active work with convenient overnight preparation:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Refrigeration time: 8 hours or overnight
• Baking time: 45-55 minutes
• Total time: 9 hours 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Brown breakfast sausage in large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles with wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool while preparing other components.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Cut French bread into 1-inch cubes, leaving crust on for texture. Generously butter 9×13-inch baking dish and spread bread cubes evenly across bottom, creating uniform layer that will absorb custard throughout your christmas breakfast casserole.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In same skillet used for sausage, cook diced bell pepper and onion over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant. The vegetables add color, nutrition, and flavor complexity to the finished dish.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients

Sprinkle cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over bread cubes. Distribute evenly to ensure every serving gets balanced amounts of each ingredient.

Step 5: Make Custard Mixture

In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until completely smooth with no streaks remaining. The mustard adds subtle tang that enhances other flavors.

Step 6: Pour Over Bread

Slowly pour egg mixture evenly over bread and filling, ensuring all bread cubes get saturated. Press down gently with spatula to help bread absorb liquid. This soaking is crucial for proper texture in your christmas breakfast casserole.

Step 7: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing bread to fully absorb custard mixture and flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take off chill. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove cover, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake for 45-55 minutes until center is set, edges are golden, and cheese is bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Information

For a serving of this christmas breakfast casserole, you’ll receive substantial protein and energy per generous portion:

• Calories: 485 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Total fat: 30g
• Saturated fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 245mg
• Sodium: 885mg
• Potassium: 385mg
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 22% daily value
• Calcium: 35% daily value
• Iron: 15% daily value
• Vitamin C: 18% daily value

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform your christmas breakfast casserole into a lighter version with these modifications that reduce fat and calories:

• Turkey sausage substitution: Use lean turkey sausage instead of pork to reduce saturated fat by 60% while maintaining savory flavor
• Egg white option: Replace 4 whole eggs with 8 egg whites to reduce cholesterol by 760mg per recipe
• Whole grain bread: Use whole wheat or multigrain bread for increased fiber and B vitamins
• Low-fat dairy: Substitute low-fat milk and half-and-half for heavy cream to cut calories by 200 per serving
• Vegetable boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes for extra nutrients and fiber without significant calories
• Reduced cheese version: Use half the cheese and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor with less fat
• Greek yogurt addition: Mix ½ cup Greek yogurt into custard for protein boost and tangy richness
• Sweet potato layer: Add diced roasted sweet potatoes for beta-carotene and natural sweetness

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your christmas breakfast casserole experience with these ideas that complete the holiday morning feast:

• Serve with fresh fruit salad featuring winter citrus, pomegranate seeds, and mint for refreshing contrast
• Pair with mimosas or Bloody Marys for adults and hot chocolate or apple cider for children
• Accompany with cinnamon rolls or coffee cake for those who prefer sweet breakfast options
• Offer with crispy hash browns or breakfast potatoes for extra heartiness
• Present with side of sour cream and salsa for Southwestern twist on classic flavors
• Serve the christmas breakfast casserole alongside bacon strips or Canadian bacon for additional protein options
• Pair with mixed berry compote or cranberry sauce that echoes Christmas flavors
• Accompany with warm maple syrup for those who enjoy sweet-savory combination

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Master this christmas breakfast casserole by avoiding these pitfalls that can compromise texture and flavor:

• Skipping overnight soak: Insufficient soaking time leaves dry bread pockets instead of cohesive, custard-soaked casserole
• Using fresh bread: Soft, fresh bread becomes too soggy, while day-old bread maintains better structure
• Not draining sausage: Excess grease creates oily casserole instead of properly bound breakfast dish
• Baking straight from fridge: Cold casserole bakes unevenly with raw center and overcooked edges
• Overcrowding ingredients: Too many fillings prevents custard from binding everything together properly
• Underbaking the center: Jiggly middle indicates undercooked eggs that pose food safety concerns
• Cutting too soon: Slicing immediately causes casserole to fall apart rather than maintaining neat squares

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the quality of your christmas breakfast casserole with these strategies that enable convenient preparation:

• Advance assembly: Prepare entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking and refrigerate covered until Christmas morning
• Refrigerator storage: Keep baked leftovers covered for up to 4 days, reheating portions in microwave for quick meals
• Freezer preparation: Assemble unbaked casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before baking
• Individual portions: Cut leftover casserole into squares and freeze separately for convenient grab-and-go breakfasts
• Reheating method: Warm refrigerated portions in 350°F oven covered with foil for 15 minutes to restore moisture
• Make-ahead components: Cook sausage and sauté vegetables up to 2 days ahead, storing separately until assembly
• Room temperature timing: Remove from refrigerator exactly 30 minutes before baking for consistent results every time

Conclusion

This christmas breakfast casserole delivers holiday morning convenience through simple make-ahead preparation that lets families focus on celebration rather than cooking. The combination of savory sausage, melted cheese, and custardy bread creates a hot breakfast that satisfies everyone while requiring minimal effort on the busiest morning of the year.

Ready to simplify your Christmas morning? Prepare this christmas breakfast casserole on Christmas Eve for an effortless, delicious breakfast that lets you enjoy precious holiday moments. Share your favorite add-ins in the comments below and rate this recipe to help other families discover this perfect holiday morning solution.

FAQs

Can I make christmas breakfast casserole with different meats? Yes, try bacon, ham, or turkey sausage, or make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? The center should be set and not jiggly when gently shaken, with internal temperature reaching 160°F for food safety.

Can I use different types of bread? Absolutely, challah, brioche, or whole wheat work beautifully, though avoid very soft sandwich bread that becomes too mushy.

What if I don’t have overnight to refrigerate? Minimum 4 hours allows adequate soaking, though overnight produces best texture as bread fully absorbs custard mixture.

Can I add more vegetables to this christmas breakfast casserole recipe? Yes, add spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms, but don’t overload as excess moisture can make casserole watery instead of firm.

How do I prevent soggy casserole? Use day-old bread, drain sausage well, don’t add watery vegetables, and ensure adequate egg-to-liquid ratio for proper binding.