Ah, Christmas morning! The scent of evergreen, the laughter of loved ones, and the promise of joy wrapped neatly under the tree. For me, one of the most cherished rituals of the day has always been the breakfast feast. Picture this: kids still in their pajamas with mismatched socks, parents half-awake, all gathering around the table to share stories and a delicious breakfast. The star of our holiday breakfast? This delightful Christmas Breakfast Casserole, a dish that’s not only easy to whip up but also bursting with flavors that taste just like home. Inspired by family traditions and the need for a stress-free morning, this casserole has become a beloved favorite at our table, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s face it: holiday mornings can be chaotic. Between wrapping last-minute gifts, prepping for family visits, and trying to remember if you forgot to take the turkey out of the freezer, the last thing you need is a complicated breakfast. That’s where this Christmas Breakfast Casserole shines! It saves you time while delivering a scrumptious dish that feels special enough for a festive gathering. You can toss everything together the night before, let it sit in the fridge, and just pop it in the oven when you wake up.
Imagine this: a warm, cheesy casserole infused with the savory goodness of sausage or bacon—whatever floats your boat. The best part? It tastes like something you’d expect from a cozy diner, yet it’s made right in your kitchen. It brings all the holiday warmth in every bite, letting you savor precious moments with your family instead of hovering over the stove.
What It Tastes Like
Every forkful of this casserole is like a cozy hug. The creamy eggs meld beautifully with spiced sausage, fluffy bread, and gooey cheese, creating a dish that’s incredibly satisfying. Picture this: that first warm bite of comfort after a long day, your taste buds dancing from the peppery zest of the sausage, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the bread, and a hint of something sweet that rounds out all the flavors perfectly. It’s a balanced blend of savory and subtle sweetness, similar to biting into a piece of freshly baked quiche but with a hearty twist. Trust me, your taste buds will sing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 large eggs: They are the glue of the casserole, adding creaminess and protein.
- 2 cups milk: This adds richness and helps to bind everything together.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose either mild or spicy—this is where the flavor kicks in!
- 6 cups of stale bread (or cubed croissants): The heart of the casserole, soaking up all that goodness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that glorious, gooey texture that melts perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A dash of flavor that enhances the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Because what’s breakfast without a hint of oniony goodness?
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all flavors to life.
Optional Additions
Want to mix things up? Here are some tasty ideas:
- Chopped bell peppers or spinach for a pop of color and a nutritious boost.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives added right before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Crumbled feta or gouda cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor dimension.
Special Garnishes
Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha for those who crave a bit of heat—an easy way to dress up your dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s get to it! This is as uncomplicated as it gets:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): This is where the magic will happen later.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until it’s no longer pink and crumbled. Let it cool for a moment, then drain any excess grease.
- Whisk it all together: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your bread cubes, cooked sausage, and half of your cheese. Pour the egg mixture over all of this and gently mix until everything is nicely coated.
- Time to bake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, pour your mixture in, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool: Once it comes out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will make serving much easier and give you a chance to gather your family around.
- Serve and enjoy! Cut into squares and top with any garnishes of your choice. Enjoy that first bite—you deserve it!

Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative! If you’re in the mood for a southwest twist, add some diced jalapeños and swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Going for a more traditional approach? Use ham instead of sausage and throw in sautéed mushrooms. The options are truly endless, making this casserole versatile enough to fit your taste!
Serving & Storage Tips
This casserole is best enjoyed fresh right out of the oven, but don’t fret if you have leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, simply pop individual squares in the microwave for about a minute or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to maintain moisture. Leftovers also lend themselves beautifully to a hearty lunch or quick brunch later in the week. Pair with a crisp salad for a delightful midday meal!
Helpful Tips
Now, I’ve learned a few things along the way to help you avoid some common missteps:
- Don’t rush the cooling time: Leaving it to set makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Stale bread is key: Fresh bread can lead to a soggy texture. If you don’t have stale bread, cube it and toast it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes!
- Adjust the egg-to-milk ratio: If you prefer a denser dish, you could reduce the milk slightly—personal preference!
Special Equipment
Here are a couple of handy tools that can make this process smoother:
- Skillet: A non-stick one will make browning sausage easier and cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing bowls: A good set of nesting bowls is essential for whipping up your egg mixture and combining ingredients.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: The ideal size for even cooking and easy serving.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Just assemble it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, take it out while the oven preheats, then simply bake it according to the instructions.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s completely chilled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with the casserole?
It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, coffee, or even a sparkling holiday mimosa! Perfect for brightening up your festive breakfast table.
How do I know when it’s done?
The casserole is done when the center is set (no jiggle!) and the top is golden brown. You can also check it with a knife; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Conclusion
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole holds a special place in my heart, and now, hopefully, it’ll make its way to your holiday table too. Whether you’re enjoying it during a cozy morning with family or at a bustling brunch with friends, it’s bound to create joyful memories. I can already visualize it being the centerpiece of laughter and love. So, grab those ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to bake up a dish that will warm not just your stomach, but your heart as well. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—feel free to share your versions and stories in the comments! Happy cooking!
Print
Delicious Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe for Festive Mornings
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Savor a mouthwatering Christmas breakfast casserole this holiday season Perfect for festive gatherings its easy to prepare and delightful for all
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful and easy Christmas Breakfast Casserole bursting with flavors that taste just like home, perfect for your holiday morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g




