Name: Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork sausage; 6 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices day-old bread, cubed; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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.

A wooden spoon holds a thick slice of a layered baked dish with a golden crust. The top layer has browned, chunky pieces of sausage with a rough texture. Beneath this is a soft, yellow layer that looks like cooked egg mixed with chunks of fluffy bread, which are light brown on the edges and creamy inside. The slice is lifted above a glass baking dish filled with the same baked casserole, showing similar uneven layers of sausage, melted cheese, and bread pieces in a creamy yellow base. Everything sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred glass of orange juice and some blueberries in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

A rectangular clear glass baking dish holds a layered casserole placed on a round wooden board over a white marbled surface. The casserole's top layer is a mix of melted yellow and light golden cheese with crispy, browned bits scattered evenly. Underneath, chunks of light golden toasted bread and browned sausage pieces are visible, creating a textured and uneven surface that hints at multiple layers of bread and cooked sausage inside. Near the dish, there is a glass of orange juice, a white bowl filled with blueberries, two eggs, salt and pepper shakers, and a wooden spatula resting on a checkered cloth with green, white, and red squares. The scene is bright and clean, showing a homemade breakfast dish ready to be served photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh raw ground pork sausage, six whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a small white bowl with bright yellow dry mustard powder, a small white bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with cracked black pepper, six rustic day-old bread cubes arranged neatly, and a small white bowl heaped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Christmas breakfast casserole - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use a different type of sausage in this casserole?

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.

Can I assemble this casserole the same morning I want to bake it?

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.

What can I substitute for dry mustard if I don’t have any?

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.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

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!