Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole for a Festive Brunch

There's nothing quite like waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of a delicious breakfast wafting through the house. I still remember the year my son, Jake, peeked into the kitchen and exclaimed, 'Is that a Christmas miracle?' as he caught a whiff of this Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole. It's the perfect dish for a festive brunch that brings everyone together, making your holiday morning even more special.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s super easy to prepare, so you can spend more time with family.
  • You can make it ahead of time, saving you stress on the big day.
  • It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for fueling a day of holiday fun.
  • Everyone loves it, making it a hit for all ages!

Pure Comfort

This Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is pure comfort food. It wraps you in warmth with every bite, reminding you of cozy family gatherings and joyful laughter. The combination of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and gooey cheese creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly holiday morning.

What You Need

  • 1 1 lb breakfast sausage – You can substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
  • 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Shallots work well too.
  • 1 1 bell pepper, diced – Any color works; use green for a sharper taste.
  • 8 8 large eggs – Egg whites can be used for a lighter version.
  • 2 2 cups milk – Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
  • ½ ½ tsp black pepper – Add more for extra kick.
  • 1 1 tsp garlic powder – Fresh minced garlic can be used instead.
  • 1 1 tsp dried oregano – Feel free to mix in other herbs.
  • 8 8 slices of bread, cubed – Use stale bread for best texture.
  • 2 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Swap with your favorite cheese.

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Total: 1 hour 5 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare it the night before.

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. The warmth will soon fill your kitchen with festive cheer.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned. The savory aroma will make your mouth water.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. It should look creamy and inviting.
  5. Stir in the cubed bread and sausage mixture until everything is well coated. The bread will soak up all those delicious flavors.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top. It should look bubbly and delicious.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The anticipation will be worth it!
  9. Slice into squares and serve warm. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Make It Perfect

  • Use stale bread for the best texture; it absorbs the egg mixture perfectly.
  • Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or cheese.
  • Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; it helps it set up nicely.
  • If you like a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeños to the sausage mixture.
  • For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk.

Mix It Up

  • Add cooked spinach and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Mix in diced ham or bacon for a meaty delight.
  • Top with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for a fresh touch.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with fresh fruit salad for a refreshing side.
  • Pair with warm cinnamon rolls for a sweet treat.
  • Accompany with a festive holiday drink like spiced apple cider.

💡 For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

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

How do I store leftovers?

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

Can I freeze this casserole?

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

What can I substitute for the sausage?

Turkey sausage or even a veggie sausage works great.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! Use your favorite cheese to change up the flavor.

Conclusion

This Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. With its hearty flavors and easy prep, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday brunch. So gather your family, whip up this delightful dish, and make some merry memories together!

Top view of a Christmas breakfast casserole with cheese

Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole for a Festive Brunch

This Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole combines fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, making it the perfect holiday brunch dish that everyone will love.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced Shallots work well too.
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced Any color works; use green for sharper taste.
  • 8 large eggs Egg whites can be used for a lighter version.
  • 2 cups milk Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
  • ½ tsp black pepper Add more for extra kick.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be used instead.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano Feel free to mix in other herbs.
  • 8 slices bread, cubed Use stale bread for best texture.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Swap with your favorite cheese.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
  5. Stir in the cubed bread and sausage mixture until everything is well coated.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until set and golden brown.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  9. Slice into squares and serve warm.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating