Ah, the magic of Christmas morning! There’s nothing quite like the smell of a warm breakfast casserole wafting through the house, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Growing up, my family had a tradition of making a big, hearty breakfast to fuel our day of festivities, and this *Christmas breakfast casserole* was always the star of the show. It’s the perfect blend of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, all baked to golden perfection. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity—you can prepare it the night before, and when morning comes, all you have to do is pop it in the oven. Trust me, this dish will not only fill your belly but also warm your heart as you share delicious bites with your loved ones, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful *Christmas breakfast casserole*:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage: I love using a savory sausage, but feel free to choose your favorite—spicy or mild!
- 6 large eggs: These will create that fluffy texture we all crave.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use low-fat if you prefer.
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed: Day-old bread works best for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for a bit of zing!
- 1 cup diced bell pepper: Any color you like adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
- 1 cup diced onion: For that aromatic base that brings everything together.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A must for that extra layer of flavor.
- 1 tsp salt: To enhance all those tasty ingredients.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: A pinch of spice to round things out.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure your casserole bakes evenly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks—this will help it distribute throughout the casserole.
- While the sausage is sizzling, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You want this mixture to be smooth and well-combined.
- Next, add in the cubed stale bread, cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, diced bell pepper, and onion to your egg mixture. Give it a good stir until everything is coated and mixed well—this is where all those amazing flavors come together!
- Now, pour this delightful mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean!
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the casserole hold its shape when you serve it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making your Christmas morning stress-free!
- The flavors are a delightful mix of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies.
- It’s a great make-ahead option—just pop it in the oven when you wake up!
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients or leftovers.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Christmas breakfast casserole* turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few pro tips up my sleeve! First, don’t skip the stale bread—it really soaks up all those delicious flavors. If you’re in a pinch, toasting fresh bread for a few minutes can work too!
Also, make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly and drain any excess grease. This keeps your casserole from becoming too greasy. If you want to add extra veggies, go for it! Just make sure they’re diced small so they cook evenly. And remember, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing; this helps the pieces hold their shape. Lastly, if you’re making it ahead of time, just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge overnight. You’ll be so glad you did on Christmas morning!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates! Each serving of this *Christmas breakfast casserole* typically contains:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
It’s a hearty breakfast option that packs in flavor without going overboard on calories—perfect for starting your festive day!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this *Christmas breakfast casserole*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven in the morning for a fuss-free breakfast!
What can I substitute for the sausage? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey sausage or even veggies like mushrooms and spinach for a meatless version.
How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly to keep it fresh!
Can I freeze the casserole? Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s well-wrapped. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What toppings go well with this casserole? I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream or some fresh herbs on top for a pop of flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your *Christmas breakfast casserole* is super easy! Just let it cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Trust me, it still tastes amazing even after a day or two!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheating is a breeze. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also microwave individual portions; just be sure to cover them to retain moisture. Enjoy those cozy bites again!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your *Christmas breakfast casserole* experience, consider pairing it with some delightful sides! A fresh fruit salad adds a burst of color and sweetness—think juicy berries, citrus segments, and maybe even some pomegranate seeds for that festive touch. You can also whip up a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.
And don’t forget about drinks! A warm mug of spiced apple cider or freshly brewed coffee complements the flavors beautifully. You really can’t go wrong with these tasty additions to make your Christmas morning even more special!
Print
Christmas Breakfast Casserole: 7 Heartwarming Flavors
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and hearty breakfast casserole perfect for Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed bread, cooked sausage, cheese, bell pepper, and onion to the egg mixture.
- Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: christmas breakfast casserole, breakfast casserole, holiday breakfast, egg casserole
