There’s something about a Christmas morning that calls for warm, comforting food that’s ready to go when you are—that’s why this Christmas Breakfast Casserole has become my go-to. A few years back, I made it on a busy holiday morning when everyone was ravenous, and it saved the day. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with that comforting savory aroma and brings everyone together around the table without fuss.
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole fits perfectly into real home cooking because it’s straightforward, uses ingredients you likely have on hand, and is so satisfying it feels like a treat without being complicated. Whether you’re hosting family or just want a cozy holiday brunch, this recipe delivers each time. Over the years, it’s become a crowd-pleaser and a tradition in my kitchen that I’m happy to pass along.
If you’re a fellow home cook eager for a dependable holiday breakfast bake that’s both festive and easy, this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is for you. It’s a reassuring recipe when you want good food without endless prep—plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak based on what your family enjoys. Read on, and I’ll share everything you need to bring this egg and sausage casserole to your table with confidence.
For more holiday breakfast ideas that pair well or offer tasty alternatives, you might want to check out the Christmas Morning Quiche I love to serve alongside or the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole for a sweeter option.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s a simple, clear list of what you’ll need to make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole come together beautifully:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
No worries if you don’t have sausage; I sometimes swap in crumbled bacon or diced ham instead. You’ll find sausage in the regular meat aisle. - 8 large eggs
Fresh eggs work best—your casserole will be fluffier. - 2 cups whole milk
You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for a richer texture. - 6 cups day-old bread cubes (white or whole wheat)
Sourdough works great, too. I like using slightly stale bread as it soaks up the custard well. - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. - 1/2 cup chopped onion
I sometimes swap with green onions for a milder flavor. - 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
This adds a subtle tang; omit if you don’t have it. - 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced bell peppers or mushrooms
Great for a little extra veggie punch.
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole keeps costs reasonable because it leans on pantry staples and simple dairy and bread. The sausage is the most expensive ingredient, but choosing turkey sausage or ham can save a few bucks. Prepping the day before means less morning fuss, which I always appreciate.
If you have leftovers, this casserole stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave—perfect for second breakfasts or easy lunches. I like to add an extra handful of cheese on top when reheating.
Let’s Make It Together:
Ready to dive in? From start to finish, this Christmas Breakfast Casserole takes about an hour and a half, with plenty of hands-off time so you can prep other holiday tasks.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture is the base of your holiday morning casserole recipe.
- In the greased baking dish, layer half the bread cubes, then sprinkle half the cooked sausage, chopped onions, any veggies you’re using, and half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage, veggies, and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers, pressing down gently to soak all the bread cubes. This egg and sausage casserole loves soaking up the custard.
- Let your Christmas Breakfast Casserole sit for 15-20 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully for a tender yet firm texture.
- Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Your kitchen will smell amazing when your Christmas Breakfast Casserole is baking—it’s one of those cozy holiday scents that make mornings feel extra special. Don’t worry if the casserole looks a little puffed up when it comes out; it will settle as it cools.
While the casserole is baking, you can set your table or prepare some fresh fruit. To save time, I sometimes prepare this Christmas Breakfast Casserole the night before and refrigerate it—just add 10 minutes to bake time if chilled.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
My favorite way to serve this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
It pairs wonderfully with tangy cranberry sauce or a side of roasted potatoes for a heartier brunch. If you’re serving it for Christmas brunch, eggs benedict-style sausage patties or even fresh baked croissants go well.
This casserole shines at any festive morning, not just Christmas. It’s perfect for family gatherings, weekend breakfasts when you want a break from cereal, or even a relaxed holiday dinner.
Presentation-wise, adding a sprinkling of fresh parsley or chives on top lifts the look without fuss. Leftover casserole? I’ve turned it into breakfast sandwiches, reheating slices with a fried egg and a slice of cheese on an English muffin.
For seasonal variation, swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms for a cozy winter twist. If you want a veggie-packed version, add chopped spinach or kale with the onions.
Friends and family often comment on how this Christmas Breakfast Casserole tastes like a special treat but with comfort food familiarity—they keep asking for more!
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. I make it the night before and let it soak in the fridge overnight. It’s best to bring it to room temperature before baking and add a bit more time to cooking. A great time-saver for busy holiday mornings.
What’s a good substitute for breakfast sausage?
If you’re not a sausage fan, diced ham, bacon, or even cooked ground turkey work wonderfully. Just cook before adding. For vegetarian options, try plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.
How do I adjust this Christmas Breakfast Casserole for more or fewer people?
This recipe serves about 8. For a smaller crowd, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch dish. For a larger group, feel free to double the recipe and use a larger baking dish or two pans.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While I recommend refrigerating leftovers only, I’ve had readers share success freezing portions. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What kind of bread works best?
Stale white bread is classic, but sourdough or whole wheat add great flavor. Avoid very soft or fresh bread—it can get too soggy.
How do I get the casserole to hold together without being dry?
The soak time before baking is key, plus not skimping on the eggs and milk mixture. Avoid overbaking—the casserole should be set but still moist.
Can I add other veggies?
Definitely! Peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli work well. Just make sure to sauté firmer veggies beforehand so they cook through.
If you’re curious, here are some readers’ favorite takes on festive morning casseroles for Christmas morning: Lil’ Luna’s make-ahead Christmas Breakfast Casserole is especially praised, and the Casual Foodist’s collection is full of inspiring ideas.
Final Thoughts:
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole has a permanent spot in my recipe collection because it reliably brings comfort and joy to holiday mornings. What’s great is how adaptable it is—you can tweak the sausage, cheese, or veggies to suit your family’s tastes while keeping it simple.
My Best Christmas Breakfast Casserole Tips:
– Don’t skip letting it soak before baking—this locks in flavor and texture.
– Cook the sausage fully to avoid extra grease in the casserole.
– Use day-old bread for best custard absorption.
I’ve tested variations with turkey sausage and smoked gouda, and the classic cheddar and pork sausage remains the most requested at family gatherings. I hope you’ll make this dish your own, enjoying the warmth of a festive morning casserole shared with those you love.
If you enjoyed this recipe, for more reliable breakfast ideas, take a look at the festive mini Christmas cakes with ganache or revisit the pumpkin spice French toast casserole for easy luxury on a busy morning. And if you want to dive deeper into savory casserole options, Lil’ Luna’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole make-ahead version is a winner you shouldn’t miss.
Wishing you cozy mornings and happy cooking with this dependable Christmas Breakfast Casserole!
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
A festive and hearty Christmas Breakfast Casserole featuring savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and fluffy bread, perfect for a cozy holiday morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or Italian)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme until well combined.
- Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage, bell peppers, green onions, and cheese evenly over the bread.
- Add the remaining bread cubes on top, then layer with the remaining sausage, vegetables, and cheese.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the casserole dish, pressing down gently to soak the bread.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or serve with fresh fruit and a side of crispy bacon.