Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the perfect way to start your holiday morning! It’s a savory and hearty dish that combines ground pork sausage, eggs, milk, cheese, and toasted bread cubes into a delicious, comforting breakfast bake.

With a hint of mustard powder to enhance the flavor, this casserole can be made ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities. Simply pop it in the oven in the morning for a warm, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Christmas Breakfast Casserole because it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together all the best breakfast ingredients in one easy-to-make recipe.

The combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy toasted bread creates a deliciously satisfying meal.

It’s also incredibly convenient, as it can be prepared the night before, allowing you to enjoy a warm, hearty breakfast with minimal effort on the big day.

Perfect for feeding a crowd, this casserole is a festive, stress-free way to start the holiday morning off right!

Key Ingredients:

The key ingredients in this Christmas Breakfast Casserole are ground pork sausage, which adds savory richness, and eggs, which create a fluffy, custard-like base.

Whole milk contributes to the creaminess, while toasted white bread cubes soak up all the delicious flavors.

Mild cheddar cheese melts perfectly, giving the casserole a gooey, cheesy texture.

A touch of mustard powder and kosher salt enhances the overall flavor, bringing a subtle kick to this hearty breakfast dish.

Together, these ingredients create a comforting, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for holiday mornings.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb ground pork sausage

1 tsp mustard powder

½ tsp kosher salt

4 large eggs beaten

2 C whole milk

6 slices white bread toasted and cut into cubes

1 C mild Cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions:

Crumble sausage into a medium skillet.

Cook over medium heat until evenly brown; drain.

In a medium bowl, mix together mustard powder, salt, eggs, and milk.

Add the sausage, bread cubes, and cheese, and stir to coat evenly.

Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cover, and bake for 45 to 60 minutes.

Uncover, and reduce temperature to 325 degrees.

Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until set.

Cut and serve.

Notes:

Make-Ahead Option: This casserole is perfect for prepping the night before. After assembling, simply cover and refrigerate it for 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and well-textured casserole when baked.

Sausage Alternatives: You can easily customize the recipe by swapping the ground pork sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage for a lighter or meat-free version.

Bread Choice: While the recipe calls for white bread, you can also use other types of bread, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or a hearty artisanal bread. Just make sure the bread is toasted, as this will help it hold up better when soaked in the egg mixture.

Cheese Variety: If you prefer a sharper flavor, feel free to use sharp cheddar cheese or a mix of different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for extra creaminess and flavor.

Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes, as oven temperatures can vary. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Serving Ideas: This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a side of crispy bacon, or even a light green salad for a complete breakfast or brunch spread.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning?

Yes, that’s one of the great things about this recipe.

You can prepare it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight.

In the morning, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed.

Can I use different types of meat, like bacon or ham, instead of sausage?

Absolutely! You can customize this casserole by using your favorite breakfast meat.

Bacon, diced ham, or even turkey sausage can be used as alternatives to pork sausage.

Can I use whole-grain bread instead of white bread for a healthier version?

Yes, you can substitute whole-grain bread for white bread if you prefer a healthier option.

It will add extra fiber and nutrients to the dish.

What can I serve with this casserole to make a complete Christmas breakfast spread?

To complete your Christmas breakfast, you can serve fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, and beverages like coffee, tea, or juice.

Consider adding a side of hash browns or roasted vegetables for extra variety.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this casserole.

Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped portions in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave.

Can I make this casserole without meat for a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this casserole by omitting the pork sausage. Instead, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for flavor and texture.

What can I use as a substitute for mustard powder if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have mustard powder, you can use prepared mustard as a substitute.

For this recipe, use about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of prepared mustard in place of 1 teaspoon of mustard powder.

Is it necessary to use whole milk, or can I use a lower-fat milk option?

While whole milk provides a creamy richness to the casserole, you can use lower-fat milk options like 2% or even skim milk if you prefer a lighter version.

Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I add additional seasonings or herbs to enhance the flavor of the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasonings to your taste.

You can add herbs like thyme or parsley, and spices like paprika or black pepper to enhance the flavor of the casserole.

What can I do if I don’t have an oven-safe 9×13-inch baking dish?

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, you can use a similar-sized oven-safe dish, such as a 3-quart casserole dish or a 9×13-inch disposable aluminum pan.

Just make sure it’s deep enough to hold the ingredients and has been properly greased.