One chilly December morning, I decided it was time to try something new for Christmas morning. The kids were buzzing with excitement, and I wanted to make our celebration feel cozy without adding stress. That’s when I found a Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe that promised comfort with simplicity. I remember feeling a bit nervous—could it really live up to the hype? But as I pulled the golden casserole from the oven, the aroma wrapped around our kitchen like a warm hug. The family gathered around, eyes wide, plates ready, and the smiles said it all. This dish quickly became our holiday go-to because it brought us together, filling bellies and hearts alike.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole turned out to be so much more than just food. It was a comfort bridge between busy mornings and family moments. The sausage and egg casserole flavors combined in a way that felt familiar yet special, which was perfect for the holiday brunch ideas I needed. Since that first morning, I’ve played with the recipe—adding cheese or swapping bread types—to keep it fresh but always comforting. I’ve learned that make ahead breakfast casseroles save my sanity and free me up to enjoy more smiles and less kitchen chaos.
If you’re a fellow busy mom seeking easy Christmas morning recipes that bring calm to the hectic feast preparation, this Christmas Breakfast Casserole will feel like a warm friend. It’s approachable, satisfying, and full of that holiday magic we all crave. Let’s walk through how to get it on your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s where the magic starts for your Christmas Breakfast Casserole. Trust me, the list keeps it simple because comfort needs simplicity!
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (You can swap turkey sausage for a leaner option with no compromise on taste)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra melt)
- 4 cups cubed bread (Day-old bread works perfectly — no need for fancy bakery!)
- 1 cup milk (Whole or 2% works fine; even cream adds a richer touch)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard (Adds a subtle tang—totally optional but a flavor game-changer)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (A quick sauté adds mellow sweetness)
- Optional: chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie boost
No worries if you don’t have fresh bread – frozen cubes or even croutons have worked wonders in our Christmas Breakfast Casserole experiments. You’ll find all these ingredients at your regular grocery store without breaking the bank, making this holiday breakfast casserole budget-friendly.
Here’s a comfort hack I’ve learned: prepping the sausage and chopping veggies the night before shaves precious minutes off your morning, so you can focus on snuggling with little ones during breakfast.
My family loves the extra comfort when I sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking. It melts into golden goodness, making every bite a cozy holiday hug. For more ideas to pair with your casserole, check out my favorite green bean casserole for a dinner side that kids adore.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to dive into your Christmas Breakfast Casserole adventure? Let’s do this together, step-by-step.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is your cozy kitchen starting line.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat to avoid greasy bites. We love how the sausage adds a hearty, savory element to this holiday breakfast casserole.
- Sauté onions (and any other veggies) in the same skillet until tender. These little flavor builders bring depth to your Christmas Breakfast Casserole.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Whisking well ensures each fluffy bite of your casserole is perfectly seasoned.
- Layer the cubed bread, cooked sausage, veggies, and cheese gently in a greased casserole dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers, pressing down the bread lightly so it soaks up all that goodness.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes or until the top is golden and puffed. Your Christmas Breakfast Casserole should smell amazing by now—like holiday comfort in every whiff.
If your casserole looks a little wet when you pull it from the oven, don’t worry. It firms up as it cools, and leftover cheese and sausage bring great texture the next day. In my busy kitchen, this Christmas Breakfast Casserole usually takes about an hour total, including prep. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or enjoy a peaceful coffee moment while it bakes!
For detailed tips on layering and baking time hacks, I love the Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole guide. It’s my go-to for make ahead breakfast casserole secrets.
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family digs into this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with eager hands and big smiles.
The kids think it’s fun served with fresh fruit on the side—berries and orange slices add a pop of color and freshness. Plus, the fruit’s natural sweetness balances the savory sausage and egg casserole flavors. For little ones hesitant about eggs, pairing the casserole with a mild yogurt dip helps bridge that gap.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole shines best on cold mornings when everyone’s craving a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a treat. It’s a top pick for holiday brunch ideas but doubles as a comforting weekend breakfast through the winter season.
Presentation counts in busy families! I like to bake it in colorful ceramic dishes or sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top to make it pop.
Leftovers? Always happens, and that’s a win! We reheat slices in the toaster oven or microwave for quick snacks or after-school refuel moments. One of our cozy experiments was spinning it into mini casseroles using muffin tins—perfect for portion control and kid lunches.
If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for the Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. It’s a perfect sidekick.
Friends rave about the comforting, homestyle quality this casserole delivers every time, often asking for the recipe to take home.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Christmas Breakfast Casserole filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The hearty sausage and eggs, plus bread and cheese, make it a complete, energy-packed meal. My busiest kiddos love it because it fuels their morning school and play.
What if my picky eater won’t try this casserole?
I get it. Sometimes texture or flavor combos seem tricky to kiddos. Try sneaking in their favorite cheese or substituting sausage with diced ham or bacon. You can also serve it with fun sides like fruit or mild sauces to ease the transition.
Can I meal prep this Christmas Breakfast Casserole for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! Make ahead breakfast casserole recipes save mornings. Assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning for fresh, hot comfort. I found this tip through Lil’ Luna’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole {Make Ahead!}, and it’s saved my sanity many times.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You can! Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave for easy meals.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or plant-based sausage alternatives. The key is plenty of cheese and eggs for protein and comfort.
Is this good for holiday guests?
Definitely! Christmas Breakfast Casserole is crowd-pleaser comfort food that works for all ages. Plus, it complements other sides like cheesy broccoli or green bean casseroles. Check my Broccoli Cheese Casserole for an easy veggie side.
What drinks pair well with this casserole?
Coffee, hot cocoa, and fresh-squeezed orange juice are our favorites. They balance the meal while keeping the morning festive.
Final Thoughts:
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole perfectly fits my family’s comfort food goals because it balances heartiness with ease.
My Christmas Breakfast Casserole Comfort Hacks: prep your sausage and veggies the night before, add extra cheese on top for golden goodness, and always use day-old bread for the best texture. Those simple changes make a big difference in our holiday mornings.
We’ve tried different versions: a classic sausage and egg casserole, a veggie-friendly version for my aunt, and a cheese-heavy one my kids adore. Everyone finds their favorite, making this dish a versatile star across generations.
I hope you feel encouraged to make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole your own way. Let the cozy chaos of holiday mornings turn into treasured comfort moments. You’re not alone, and good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
For more warm, comforting ideas for your family table, visit MommiesMore’s casserole collection.
Happy cooking, fellow comfort seekers! You’ve got this.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
A festive and hearty Christmas Breakfast Casserole featuring layers of savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, perfect for holiday mornings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French or Italian)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme until well combined.
- Place the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle cooked sausage, chopped bell pepper, and onion evenly over the bread cubes.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese and drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the egg is fully set.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy your festive breakfast!
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Serve with a side of fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet contrast.