Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole for Holiday Brunch

There's nothing quite like waking up to the smell of a warm, hearty breakfast on Christmas morning. I remember one year when my son, Jake, woke up so early he could hardly contain his excitement, and all he wanted was a big slice of my Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole. This dish is perfect for a Holiday Brunch and will warm your heart and home.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s a one-pan wonder, making clean-up a breeze.
  • You can prep it the night before, so you can enjoy the holiday morning.
  • It’s packed with flavor and filling enough to keep everyone satisfied.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking a sweat!

Pure Comfort

This Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is pure comfort food. It brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and laughter. The cheesy goodness and savory flavors are like a warm hug on a chilly holiday morning. Plus, it’s a great way to start the day with loved ones gathered around, ready to celebrate.

What You Need

  • 1 1 lb breakfast sausage – Feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
  • 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – You can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 1 1 red bell pepper, diced – Green bell pepper works too.
  • 6 6 large eggs – Egg whites can be used for a lighter version.
  • 2 2 cups milk – Almond milk or oat milk can be used as a substitute.
  • 4 4 cups cubed bread (day-old works best) – Any bread type will do, but sourdough adds great flavor.
  • 2 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Feel free to mix in some pepper jack for a kick.
  • 1 1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 1/2 tsp black pepper – Add more for extra spice.
  • 1 1 tsp garlic powder – Fresh minced garlic can also be used.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Total: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, prep the night before.

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. The warm air will soon fill your kitchen with delicious aromas.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Stir it occasionally and enjoy the savory smell wafting through your kitchen.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the veggies are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cubed bread and cooked sausage mixture to the egg mixture. Stir gently until everything is well combined and the bread is soaked.
  6. Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. The casserole should be set and slightly firm to the touch.
  9. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in with big smiles!

Make It Perfect

  • Use day-old bread for better texture; it soaks up the egg mixture perfectly.
  • Feel free to add in any leftover veggies or meats you have on hand.
  • Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; it’ll slice better.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle some herbs like thyme or parsley on top before serving.

Mix It Up

  • Swap out the cheddar for Swiss or feta cheese for a different flavor.
  • Add cooked bacon or ham for a meat lover’s twist.
  • Incorporate spinach or kale for a veggie-packed version.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Pair with warm cinnamon rolls for a sweet treat.
  • A hot cup of coffee or spiced apple cider makes the perfect beverage.

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, it freezes well! Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I substitute for the sausage?

You can use turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage.

Conclusion

This Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is a delightful way to kick off your holiday celebrations. With its hearty flavors and easy prep, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your loved ones, serve it up, and enjoy a cozy Holiday Brunch together!

Savory breakfast casserole with cheese and veggies

Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole for Holiday Brunch

This Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is a comforting dish packed with flavors, perfect for gathering around the table on a chilly holiday morning with family and friends.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 large yellow onion Diced, can substitute with shallots.
  • 6 large eggs Egg whites can be used for a lighter version.
  • 2 cups milk Almond milk or oat milk can be used as a substitute.
  • 4 cups cubed bread (day-old works best)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to mix in some pepper jack for a kick.
  • 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Add more for extra spice.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can also be used.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the veggies are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cubed bread and sausage mixture to the egg mixture. Stir gently until well combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serve warm.

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