This Christmas morning casserole is the perfect savory dish to enjoy with family during the holidays. Filled with sausage, cheddar cheese, and soft bread cubes, it’s an easy make-ahead meal that brings festive flavors to your holiday breakfast table.
There’s something magical about a hearty, savory breakfast casserole that makes mornings extra cozy. This cheesy sausage breakfast casserole is perfect for hosting a holiday brunch or preparing an easy make-ahead meal for Christmas morning.
It has layers of tender, buttery bread cubes (reminds me of my stuffing!), flavorful sausage, and a blend of sharp and creamy cheeses. I have started making this for Christmas brunch, and everyone loves it. The best part? You can prep it the night before for a fuss-free morning!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare everything the night before so you can enjoy your morning without any hassle.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Savory sausage, two kinds of cheese, and a hint of spice make this casserole irresistibly delicious.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This casserole is a hit every time, whether for a holiday breakfast, brunch, or a special weekend treat.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to make this dish your own (see tips and alternatives below).
Christmas Morning Casserole Ingredients
Country White Bread: Thick slices of this slightly chewy bread soak up the egg mixture and add a great texture.
Pork Breakfast Sausage is the savory star of the dish! Opt for loose sausage so you can crumble it as it cooks.
Melted Butter: Helps keep the bread soft and adds richness to the casserole.
Dried Sage: A warm, earthy herb that pairs beautifully with sausage.
White and Yellow Cheddar Cheese: A mix of cheeses gives the casserole creamy and sharp flavors.
Eggs & Whole Milk: This combination creates the custardy base that holds the casserole together.
Cayenne Pepper & Dry Mustard: These spices add a subtle kick and a bit of tanginess to balance the rich flavors.
Tips and Alternatives
- Switch up the sausage: If you want to change things up, try turkey or spicy Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- Cheese swap: For a unique twist, try using different cheeses, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Bread variations: You can use sourdough or brioche instead of country white bread for a different texture and flavor.
- Freezing the leftovers: This casserole freezes well if you have any leftovers! Just portion it out and store it in airtight containers.
How to Store
To store any leftover Christmas morning casserole, cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
What is a Breakfast Casserole?
A breakfast casserole is a delicious and hearty dish made by layering classic breakfast ingredients like bread, eggs, cheese, sausage, and seasonings in a baking dish and cooking it all together.
The eggs and milk form a custard-like base that holds everything together as it bakes, creating a savory, satisfying meal. It’s often prepared the night before, making it a convenient, make-ahead option for busy mornings or when hosting brunch.
More Christmas Brunch Recipes
These bite-sized, fluffy French toast puffs are lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar, making them a fun and delicious addition to any Christmas brunch.
Frittata: This light and fluffy egg dish is packed with vegetables and cheese, making it a savory and easy option for your holiday brunch.
Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a festive eggnog glaze bring the perfect holiday twist to a breakfast classic.
Orange Cranberry Muffins: These muffins combine tart cranberries and sweet orange zest, adding a fresh and vibrant flavor to your Christmas morning spread.
Wreath Fruit Platter: This festive fruit platter, arranged in the shape of a wreath, is a beautiful and healthy option that adds a colorful touch to your brunch table.
French Toast Puffs: These bite-sized, fluffy French toast puffs are lightly dusted with cinnamon sugar, making them a fun and delicious addition to any Christmas brunch.
Leave a comment below and let me know how your Christmas brunch turned out!
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Christmas Morning Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 slices white bread
- 1 lb pork breakfast sausage, loose
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- If you're going to bake right away, preheat the oven to 350°F; otherwise, preheat the oven the following day to 350°F (175°C)
- Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the loose pork breakfast sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using a wooden spoon, break up the sausage into crumble-sized pieces and cook until browned about 10 minutes.
- Add the cubed bread to a baking dish. Pour the melted butter evenly over the bread cubes.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, cayenne pepper, sage, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and cheese.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
- You can bake immediately (which I did) or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the following day.
- Bake for about 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
