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Get ready for the easiest holiday morning ever! This delicious Christmas breakfast casserole is a classic for a reason. It’s packed with savory sausage, fluffy bread, and cheesy goodness, all prepped the night before. Enjoy a stress-free Christmas morning with this perfect make-ahead dish.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Breakfast Casserole
This fantastic breakfast casserole offers superior flavor and incredible convenience. It combines savory sausage and gooey cheese with a rich, custardy texture that families adore. You truly prepare this entire dish ahead of time, allowing you to relax on Christmas morning. It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. This hearty and flavorful Christmas morning casserole will become a beloved tradition.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for your delightful Christmas breakfast casserole. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect holiday taste and texture.
- 8 slices of white bread, cubed (the cheaper the better)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 pounds ground sausage (I use Jimmy Dean)
- 3 cups whole milk, divided
- ¾ teaspoon dry mustard
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
Notes & Substitutions
White Bread: Inexpensive white bread works best, soaking up all the flavors beautifully. You can also use French bread or brioche for a richer texture.
Sausage: Jimmy Dean is a favorite for its balanced seasoning. Feel free to use any ground breakfast sausage, like mild or spicy, to suit your taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Grating fresh cheddar cheese melts smoothly and tastes far better than pre-shredded. Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend also works well.
Whole Milk: Whole milk provides richness and helps create a creamy custard. You can use 2% milk, but avoid skim for the best results.
Dry Mustard: This ingredient subtly enhances the savory notes of the cheese and sausage, without adding a strong mustard flavor. Don’t skip it!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The soup adds a layer of umami and helps bind the casserole, making it incredibly moist. While substitutes exist, we highly recommend sticking to the original for the intended flavor and texture of this simple breakfast casserole.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy Christmas breakfast casserole.
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your amazing Christmas breakfast casserole for a memorable holiday morning.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it’s fully cooked through and beautifully golden brown. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly.
- Evenly scatter the cubed white bread slices across the bottom of your 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Next, layer the grated cheddar cheese directly on top of the bread cubes.
- Then, distribute the cooked and drained sausage evenly over the cheese layer.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of whole milk, the 4 eggs, and the ¾ teaspoon of dry mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
- Carefully pour this milk and egg mixture evenly over the bread, cheese, and sausage layers in the casserole dish. Ensure all the bread is moistened.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator and allow it to chill overnight. This crucial step lets the bread fully absorb the egg mixture.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 300° F (150° C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, add the can of cream of mushroom soup and the remaining ½ cup of whole milk. Whisk them together until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour this creamy soup mixture evenly over the top of the chilled casserole.
- Bake the Christmas breakfast casserole for one hour, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the center is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Achieve the perfect make-ahead holiday meal with these smart tips.
- Choose inexpensive white bread; it soaks up the egg mixture best.
- Grating cheese fresh ensures a superior melt and flavor.
- Overnight chilling is crucial for the bread to absorb liquids, preventing a dry casserole.
- Do not overbake the casserole, or it will become tough and dry.
- Consider seasoning your sausage with a pinch of sage or black pepper for extra flavor before cooking.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Make-Ahead Variations
This versatile Christmas breakfast casserole is perfect for easy entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside fresh fruit salad for a light contrast.
- A side of crispy bacon or a simple green salad complements the rich casserole well.
- Pair with coffee, orange juice, or even festive mimosas.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Cover any leftover baked casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover it very tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: For individual portions, microwave until heated through. To reheat the whole casserole, cover loosely with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until warmed.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
- Overnight Prep: The beauty of this Christmas breakfast casserole is its make-ahead design. Complete all steps through pouring the egg mixture and refrigerate it overnight for optimal flavor development.
- Freezing Unbaked: Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not add the soup mixture. Cover tightly and freeze for up to one month.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen unbaked casserole in the refrigerator for 24-36 hours before baking. Add the soup mixture just before baking.
According to USDA guidelines, safe food handling for make-ahead casseroles is important to prevent foodborne illness.
Nutrition Information
This hearty Christmas breakfast casserole offers a satisfying start to your day.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 45 g |
| Protein Content | 35 g |
| Fat Content | 40 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 18 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 205 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1355 mg |
| Fiber Content | 2 g |
| Sugar Content | 8 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 23 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I bake it straight from frozen? We recommend thawing the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking for the best results and even cooking. Baking from frozen may result in uneven cooking and a longer bake time.
- Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup? While not recommended for the intended flavor, you could try a cream of chicken soup, but the taste profile of this easy breakfast casserole will change. Using a homemade white sauce is also an option, but it adds an extra step.
- Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven? This recipe is not designed for a slow cooker. The bread and egg mixture benefits from oven baking for the correct texture.
- What other ingredients can I add? Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or cooked mushrooms to the sausage layer for extra vegetables. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.
- How do I know when it’s fully cooked? The top should be golden brown and the edges bubbly. Insert a knife or a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean, indicating the eggs are set.
Conclusion
This make-ahead Christmas breakfast casserole is truly a holiday game-changer. It delivers incredible flavor, a comforting texture, and unmatched convenience, perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. Whip up this festive dish the night before and wake up to a delicious, stress-free Christmas morning. Sweet Emily encourages you to create joyful traditions with simple, delicious food.
Easy Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole dish.
- Layer the grated cheese and cooked sausage on top of the bread cubes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of milk, eggs, and dry mustard, then pour this mixture over the bread, cheese, and sausage.
- Cover the casserole dish and refrigerate it overnight.
- The next day, preheat your oven to 300°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and the remaining ½ cup of milk, then pour this mixture over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole for one hour.
