Ah, Christmas morning! There’s something truly magical about waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of laughter as family gathers around the tree. And let me tell you, my *Christmas morning casserole* is the star of the show! It’s so easy to whip up, and it fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma. Imagine layers of fluffy bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese, all baked together to create a delicious, hearty dish that everyone will love. The best part? You can prep it the night before, so when you wake up, all you need to do is pop it in the oven and enjoy those precious moments with your loved ones. Trust me, this casserole will become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients List
To make my delicious *Christmas morning casserole*, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread, cubed (I love using a hearty sourdough or challah for extra flavor)
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage (feel free to choose spicy or mild, depending on your crowd)
- 8 large eggs (the fresher, the better for that rich flavor)
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can use any milk you prefer)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (I usually go for sharp cheddar, but mix it up with your favorite cheese!)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (add more if you’re using unsalted sausage)
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (this adds a lovely depth to the dish)
Make sure to cube the bread into bite-sized pieces, and shred the cheese if you haven’t already. This will help everything combine beautifully and bake evenly. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Christmas Morning Casserole
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing this scrumptious *Christmas morning casserole*! I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Prepping the Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to brown that sausage. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage, and cook it until it’s nice and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remember to break it up into crumbles as it cooks! Once it’s done, drain any excess fat and set it aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until everything is well combined. This is where the magic begins!
Assembling the Casserole
Now, grab a greased baking dish (a 9×13 inch works perfectly) and start layering! Begin by spreading the cubed bread evenly across the bottom—this is the cozy base for your casserole. Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread cubes, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, gently pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring every piece of bread gets a nice soak. Finally, you’ll want to sprinkle that shredded cheese on top—because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cheesy finish?
Baking Instructions
Pop the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden, and the center is set. If you prepared this the night before, make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking—this helps it cook evenly. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice it up and serve it warm. Trust me, your family will be raving about this casserole as they dig in!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Christmas morning casserole* turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned over the years:
- Let It Sit: If you prepare the casserole the night before, don’t skip the step of letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture evenly, which makes for a fluffier texture!
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your taste! If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture. And if you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to bump up the garlic powder.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese! While I adore sharp cheddar, a combination of mozzarella and pepper jack creates a deliciously gooey and flavorful casserole.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Want to sneak in some veggies? Sauté some chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach with the sausage for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure they’re cooked down so they don’t add excess moisture!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil for the last few minutes to prevent burning while the center finishes cooking.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to serving a *Christmas morning casserole* that your family will ask for year after year. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about my *Christmas morning casserole* is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to fit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some fun variations to inspire you:
- Cheese Lovers: Swap out the sharp cheddar for a mix of mozzarella and pepper jack for a gooey, spicy kick. Or try crumbled feta for a tangy twist!
- Veggie Delight: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sausage layer. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds lovely color and flavor.
- Protein Swap: If you’re not a fan of sausage, feel free to use diced ham, cooked bacon, or even crumbled turkey sausage. Each will give your casserole a unique flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives into the egg mixture for a burst of freshness. Dried Italian herbs can also add a delightful aroma!
- Sweet Twist: For a sweeter version, consider adding diced apples or pears to the bread layer and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the egg mixture. It’s a fun twist that pairs beautifully with maple syrup!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on your family’s preferences. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this casserole so special! Happy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of my scrumptious *Christmas morning casserole*, don’t worry! Storing and reheating it is super easy, and it’ll still taste amazing. To store, simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the casserole was in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before reheating—this helps it warm evenly. Then, cover it with foil (to prevent drying out) and place it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you like a little crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking!
Alternatively, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure it’s warmed through.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a taste of Christmas morning whenever you crave it! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for my delightful *Christmas morning casserole*. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 18g
This casserole is not only delicious but also packs a hearty dose of protein to keep you fueled for all the festive fun! Enjoy every delicious bite, guilt-free!
FAQ About Christmas Morning Casserole
Got some questions about my *Christmas morning casserole*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my go-to answers:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend preparing it the night before. Just follow the assembly instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
You bet! Simply omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add some extra cheese for that savory flavor!
What can I serve with the casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh fruit salad or some fluffy pancakes on the side. A drizzle of maple syrup on top is also a delightful touch!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can insert a knife into the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient to prepare the night before, freeing up your Christmas morning.
- Delicious layers of savory sausage, fluffy bread, and gooey cheese create a comforting dish.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd—yielding 8 hearty servings!
- Family-friendly and customizable to suit everyone’s taste buds.
- Minimal clean-up, allowing you more time to enjoy the festivities!
Christmas Morning Casserole: 5 Tips for Perfect Tradition
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious casserole perfect for Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the sausage in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Layer the bread cubes in a greased baking dish.
- Spread the cooked sausage over the bread cubes.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
Notes
- Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: christmas morning casserole
