There’s something about waking up to a warm, comforting dish that sets the tone for a special morning, and this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe does exactly that. Packed with savory sausage, melty cheese, and soft bread soaked in a flavorful egg mix, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels just right for holiday mornings or any cozy brunch.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe more times than I can count, and honestly, it’s become a family tradition. It’s all about how the flavors come together effortlessly to create a hearty, welcoming breakfast everyone digs into happily – including picky eaters!
- Make-ahead convenience: You can prep it the night before, so your morning is stress-free and you wake up to a ready-to-bake dish.
- Savory and cheesy goodness: The sharp cheddar melts perfectly with the sausage, delivering rich flavor in every bite.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, making it an easy go-to for last-minute guests.
- Feeds a crowd: This recipe serves 8, so it’s perfect for family gatherings or holiday brunches.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a starring role to build that cozy, rich flavor combo. The sausage adds savory depth, while the bread soaks up the egg mixture ensuring every bite feels indulgent but balanced. Plus, the dry mustard adds a subtle zing that brings everything alive — a little trick that elevates this casserole beyond basic.
- Ground pork sausage: Use a good quality, not overly spicy sausage to keep flavors balanced and juicy.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together, creating that custardy texture that holds the casserole nicely.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess without being too heavy; you can switch to half-and-half for an even richer bite.
- Dry mustard: This little spice amps up flavor without overpowering; don’t skip it!
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally – I always recommend tasting as you go.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little warmth and subtle heat.
- Day-old bread: Slightly stale bread holds up better soaking the egg – fresh bread can get soggy.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Its tangy melt pulls the whole dish together and adds a familiar comforting touch.
Make It Your Way
This casserole feels like the perfect base for your own creative twists. I love swapping out the sausage for spicy chorizo when I want a little extra kick, or adding veggies like sautéed bell peppers and onions to sneak in some color and nutrition. You’ll find it’s forgiving and easy to customize without losing its charm.
- Variation: One Christmas, I added diced mushrooms and fresh herbs, and it gave the dish a fresh twist that guests really appreciated.
- Vegetarian swap: Try using plant-based sausage or even a medley of mushrooms and spinach to keep it hearty.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Base with Bread Cubes
First things first: grease your 9×13 inch baking dish well so nothing sticks. Then evenly spread the cubes of day-old bread at the bottom. Using day-old bread is key because it holds up nicely once soaked in the egg mixture – fresh bread tends to turn mushy and collapse.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Sausage
Heat a skillet over medium and cook the ground pork sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat for a less greasy casserole. Spread the sausage evenly over the bread cubes – this layer brings in all that savory flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until combined. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese last so it’s evenly distributed in the custard. This mixture is where the magic happens – it binds the casserole and makes sure every bite is creamy and cheesy.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Refrigerate
Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the sausage and bread in your baking dish. Gently press down with a fork or spatula so the bread soaks up the liquid well. Now, cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight or at least 2 hours – this soak time is essential for flavor and texture development.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden top and a set center that’s still moist. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps everything firm up for perfect servings.
Top Tip
Making this dish a few times taught me some handy pointers that make a big difference in the final result. Trust me on these—they’ll save you from sogginess and ensure even cooking.
- Use day-old bread: Fresh bread can collapse or turn gummy after soaking; day-old bread holds structure and texture beautifully.
- Drain the sausage: Getting rid of excess fat avoids a greasy casserole and lets the cheese shine through.
- Press the bread gently: This helps the egg soak in evenly and ensures the casserole cooks evenly without dry spots.
- Don’t skip resting before serving: Cooling for 10 minutes lets the casserole firm up making it easier to slice and enjoy.
How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top before serving—it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce works wonders too!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp fruit salad or roasted breakfast potatoes to round out the meal. I especially love serving it alongside a bright citrus vinaigrette salad or even simple fresh berries for a light contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday brunch, I’ve placed the casserole in pretty ceramic dishes and layered it with festive garnishes like pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary sprigs. It instantly ups the cozy-factor and looks stunning on the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Re-heating individual portions in the microwave works fine for a quick breakfast fix.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole before by baking it fully, letting it cool, then wrapping it securely in foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve its texture. It’s a lifesaver for planning ahead!
Reheating
To reheat, I usually cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and warm it in the oven at 325-350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the cheese melty and the casserole moist rather than rubbery like the microwave can sometimes do.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before adding.
Yes, you can assemble it a couple of hours before baking, but I recommend at least 2 hours so the bread absorbs the egg mixture well. Overnight refrigeration is ideal as it helps flavors meld beautifully.
You can substitute a small pinch of ground turmeric or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Dry mustard has a unique tang, so these are close alternatives that won’t overpower the dish.
Yes! Simply swap the bread for gluten-free bread cubes (make sure they’re a bit stale) to keep the texture right. Everything else can stay the same, and the casserole turns out just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s as comforting as a warm hug and perfectly designed for a laid-back yet festive morning. Whipping it up is straightforward, and the joy it brings to the table is truly rewarding. Honestly, sharing this with friends and family feels like creating new traditions, and I can’t recommend it enough for your next holiday gathering!
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Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for holiday mornings. Made with ground pork sausage, eggs, sharp cheddar cheese, and cubed day-old bread, it's baked to golden perfection and designed to be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 6 slices day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and evenly spread the cubed day-old bread at the bottom.
- Cook the sausage. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and spread the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
- Mix the egg batter. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Combine and soak. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage and bread in the baking dish. Press down gently with a fork to ensure the bread absorbs the egg mixture thoroughly.
- Refrigerate. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the bread to soak fully.
- Bake the casserole. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Rest before serving. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps the casserole absorb the egg mixture better without becoming soggy.
- You can substitute ground pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Make the casserole the night before to save time on busy mornings.
- For added flavor, consider adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or herbs to the sausage mixture.
- Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a richer taste, or try a blend of cheeses for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
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