Delicious Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Busy Christmas morning? Imagine waking up to the aroma of a hearty breakfast already prepared! This savory, easy christmas breakfast casserole makes that dream a reality. It offers ultimate make-ahead convenience, letting you enjoy a stress-free holiday morning with your loved ones. Get ready to discover your family’s new favorite holiday tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Effortless Make-Ahead: Prepare this delightful christmas breakfast casserole the night before. Simply pop it into the oven on Christmas morning for a truly relaxed start.
• Bursting with Flavor: Enjoy the perfect blend of savory sausage, rich eggs, and gooey cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Hearty & Satisfying: This substantial dish keeps everyone full and happy, making it ideal for a festive gathering.
• Customizable Options: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
• Crowd-P\leasing Dish: Whether it’s a small family breakfast or a large holiday brunch, this savory breakfast bake is always a hit.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll find all the common pantry staples needed for this recipe right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious christmas breakfast casserole:

• 1 pound ground pork sausage: Opt for a mild variety or maple sausage for a hint of sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste preferences.
• 6 large eggs: Beaten until smooth.
• 1-1½ cups half and half: Use whole milk for a slightly lighter option, or heavy cream for extra richness.
• 6 slices white bread: Toasted and cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • Notes & Substitutions: For the best texture, use day-old or slightly stale bread. Challah, brioche, or French bread also make excellent choices.
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded.
  • Notes & Substitutions: Swiss, mozzarella, or Colby Jack cheese are fantastic alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Equipment

You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this fantastic christmas breakfast casserole:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your amazing christmas breakfast casserole for a memorable holiday morning:

1. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Set it aside for now.
2. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Mix Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the salt, beaten eggs, and half and half until well combined. This forms the flavorful base for your casserole.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked sausage, the toasted bread cubes, and the shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Pour into Dish: Carefully transfer the entire mixture from the bowl into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
6. Chill (Make-Ahead): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate the casserole for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally, leave it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, preventing a dry result.

Following USDA guidelines for safe food handling of casseroles is crucial to prevent foodborne illness, especially with egg and meat dishes.

7. Preheat Oven: On Christmas morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Initial Bake: Place the covered casserole dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes.
9. Final Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Remove the foil from the casserole and continue to bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is beautifully golden brown.
10. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set further before you slice and enjoy your delightful christmas breakfast casserole.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Prevent Soggy Casserole: Always use stale or lightly toasted bread. This crucial step helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
• Achieve Golden Top: Uncover the dish for the last baking stage. This allows the cheese to melt and brown beautifully, giving your holiday morning bake a perfect finish.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients until they are just combined to maintain the texture of the bread cubes.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked and set.
• Evenly Distributed Ingredients: Spread the sausage, bread, and cheese mixture evenly in the dish for consistent flavor in every bite.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile christmas breakfast casserole is perfect for any holiday feast!

• Serving Suggestions: Pair your casserole with a side of fresh fruit, a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick, or even a touch of maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory twist.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze either cooked or uncooked portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
• Reheating Tips: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm through. For larger amounts, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated evenly.
• Meat Variations: Experiment with crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or a spicy Italian sausage to change up the flavor of your festive morning meal.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Enhance your casserole with sautéed bell peppers, finely diced onions, or fresh spinach for added nutrients and color.
• Cheese Alternatives: Don’t hesitate to try a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked Gouda for unique flavors.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the egg mixture if you enjoy a little heat.

For those interested in the health aspects of their meal, it’s worth noting the nutritional benefits of eggs as a key ingredient, contributing protein and essential nutrients.

Nutrition

Disclaimer: These are approximate nutritional values per serving and may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation.

FAQ

• Can I use fresh bread for this christmas breakfast casserole? While stale or toasted bread is best for texture, you can use fresh bread if you lightly toast it first to prevent sogginess.
• How long can the casserole chill in the refrigerator? You can chill this hearty breakfast bake for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 24 hours before baking.
• What if my casserole is still runny in the middle after baking? If your casserole isn’t set, cover it with foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, checking periodically. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the white bread with your favorite gluten-free bread, ensuring it’s toasted or slightly stale.
• What’s the best way to reheat individual portions? For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate until warmed through.

Conclusion

This make-ahead christmas breakfast casserole truly simplifies your holiday morning without sacrificing flavor. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, unbelievably delicious, and guarantees a stress-free start to your festive celebrations. Make this savory dish a cherished holiday tradition in your home year after year. Don’t forget to share your beautifully baked casserole creations with us!

Delicious Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This delightful casserole is perfect for a festive breakfast. Prepare it ahead of time to ensure a stress-free Christmas morning.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork sausage or maple sausage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 eggs beaten
• 1-1½ cups half and half
• 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Equipment

• 9x13 baking dish
• large skillet
• large bowl
• aluminum foil

Method

 

Preparation

1. Grease a 9x13 baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, then drain the fat.
3. In a large bowl, combine salt, beaten eggs, and half and half. Stir in the cooked sausage, bread cubes, and shredded cheese until everything is evenly coated.
4. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, cover with foil, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the covered casserole for 50-60 minutes.
6. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Uncover the casserole and continue baking for 20-30 additional minutes, or until it has set and is golden.

Notes

This casserole is perfect for making ahead; simply prepare the night before and bake in the morning for a delicious, easy breakfast. Ensure the casserole is fully set in the center before serving.