Christmas Breakfast Casserole: A Hearty Start to Your Holiday Morning

There’s something special about waking up on Christmas morning, the house filled with the smell of breakfast, and the warmth of family gathered around the table. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to begin your holiday celebrations. Hearty, filling, and easy to prepare in advance, it’s an ideal dish for those busy mornings when you want to spend more time with loved ones and less time cooking. What makes this casserole stand out is its ability to combine the comforting flavors of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, crispy vegetables, and melted cheese into one delicious bite. It’s a versatile recipe that works just as well for holiday gatherings as it does for any special occasion or weekend brunch. The best part? It’s a one-dish wonder, so you don’t have to worry about multiple pans or extra cleanup!

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This casserole brings everything together in a beautifully simple way. The eggs create a rich, custardy base, while the sausage adds depth with its savory, spiced flavor. The vegetables—bell peppers and onions—offer a subtle crunch and sweetness that perfectly balance the richness of the eggs and cheese. Meanwhile, the bread acts as a sturdy foundation, soaking up the egg mixture and turning golden brown as it bakes, adding texture and heartiness to the dish. The final touch of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese provides a gooey, indulgent finish that makes each bite irresistible.

Whether you’re preparing it for a big Christmas breakfast or just want to enjoy a comforting start to the day, this casserole is sure to become a holiday favorite. Its versatility makes it a great dish to tweak and customize to your taste, with endless options for ingredient substitutions and variations.

Ingredients: A Blend of Comforting Flavors

The ingredients in this Christmas Breakfast Casserole are simple yet flavorful. The beauty of this dish lies in how well the flavors meld together, creating a satisfying experience with every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground chicken sausage or turkey sausage: For a leaner option, chicken or turkey sausage works wonderfully. You can also use traditional pork sausage for a richer flavor, or even try a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative.
• 8 large eggs: Eggs are the foundation of any breakfast casserole. They provide structure and richness to the dish while absorbing the flavors from the sausage and vegetables.
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Milk helps create the creamy custard texture for the casserole. Whole milk gives a richer flavor, but 2% works just as well if you prefer a lighter option.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sausage. It also melts wonderfully, creating a gooey layer on top.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella brings a mild, creamy flavor and helps create that lovely stretchiness when you serve the casserole.
• 1 bell pepper, diced: A bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch. You can use any color you prefer, but red, yellow, or orange peppers offer a vibrant pop of color.
• 1 small onion, diced: The onions soften as they cook and bring a savory depth to the dish. They pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the bell pepper.
• 3 cups cubed bread (French or sourdough): The bread is what gives the casserole its hearty, filling texture. It soaks up the egg mixture and becomes tender as it bakes. Sourdough adds a tangy kick, while French bread offers a softer, milder flavor.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: A dash of garlic powder adds a warm, savory undertone to the casserole.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Onion powder complements the diced onions, giving the dish a well-rounded flavor.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Paprika brings a subtle smokiness and warmth, making the casserole even more comforting.
• Salt and pepper to taste: These simple seasonings help enhance all the flavors in the dish, ensuring everything tastes balanced and savory.
• 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking veggies: Olive oil is ideal for sautéing the bell pepper and onion, adding richness and helping to soften the vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Breakfast Casserole

Making this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a breeze, and the best part is that it can be prepared in advance, leaving you with more time to enjoy your holiday morning. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. This will be the dish that holds all the delicious ingredients, so make sure it’s ready to go.
2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken sausage. Cook the sausage, breaking it up as it browns, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to cool for a few minutes. Don’t worry about the leftover oil and bits in the skillet; they’ll add flavor to the vegetables.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and onion. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they’re softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. The vegetables should become tender and slightly caramelized, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole. Once cooked, remove them from heat and set them aside.
4. Whisk the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. This mixture will create the rich, custardy base for the casserole.
5. Assemble the casserole: Now it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by spreading the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. The bread will act as the base, soaking up the egg mixture and giving the casserole its hearty texture. Next, layer the cooked sausage on top of the bread, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the sausage and vegetables.
6. Add the egg mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring that the bread is well-soaked with the egg mixture. You want the bread to absorb all the creamy goodness of the eggs, so make sure it’s fully covered. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create a delicious, melty layer as the casserole bakes.
7. Refrigerate or bake: If you’re making the casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and makes the casserole even more flavorful. If you’re ready to bake it immediately, let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
8. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. If you’ve refrigerated the casserole overnight, it may take an additional 10 minutes to bake through completely. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the casserole—it should come out clean when the casserole is ready.
9. Serve and garnish: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into squares. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to cut. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Customizing Your Christmas Breakfast Casserole

One of the best things about this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is its versatility. While the classic version is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas for ingredient substitutions and variations:

• Meat options: You can use any type of breakfast sausage for this recipe, from turkey sausage to pork sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative if you prefer a meatless dish. If you want to add extra flavor, try using chorizo or adding crumbled bacon to the mix.
• Cheese variety: While cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combination, feel free to get creative with your cheeses. Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick, while Gruyère or Swiss cheese can bring a nutty, rich flavor. A combination of aged cheddar and goat cheese would also make for a deliciously tangy twist.
• Vegetable add-ins: If you’re looking to pack even more flavor into the casserole, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. These vegetables would add more texture and make the casserole even more satisfying.
• Bread substitutions: If you prefer a different bread, you can swap out the French or sourdough bread for whole wheat, brioche, or even a gluten-free bread for a variation that suits your dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a warm mug of holiday spiced cider for a festive breakfast experience. You could also offer a side of cranberry sauce or a light salad to balance the richness of the casserole.

Conclusion

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate holiday breakfast dish, combining savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and vegetables in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste, and the make-ahead option ensures more time for family and less time in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a hearty, filling breakfast, this casserole is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. Its rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures are the perfect way to start the day and create lasting memories with your loved ones.