Christmas Breakfast Casserole You Can Make Ahead

Looking for a festive dish that’ll make your holiday morning a breeze? This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution! I remember one Christmas when my son, Jake, woke up at the crack of dawn, excited to see what Santa brought. I was still half-asleep, but the smell of this casserole baking in the oven had everyone gathered around the table in no time. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead, so you can enjoy the holiday without stress.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s super easy to prepare the night before.
  • You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
  • It feeds a crowd, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
  • The combination of crusty bread and cheesy goodness is irresistible.

Pure Comfort

There’s something about a warm casserole on a chilly Christmas morning that just feels like a hug. Every bite of this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is filled with cheesy goodness and hearty flavors that make you feel right at home. It’s a dish that brings family together, sparking joy and laughter, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

What You Need

  • 8 cups crusty bread, cubed – Use sourdough or French bread for extra flavor.
  • 8 large eggs – You can substitute with egg whites for a lighter version.
  • 2 cups whole milk – Almond milk works as a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Feel free to mix in mozzarella for a different taste.
  • 1 lb cooked sausage, crumbled – Turkey sausage is a great lean alternative.
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced – You can use any color bell pepper.
  • 1 onion, diced – Shallots can add a milder flavor.
  • 1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper – Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – Basil or chives can also work well.

Time to Cook

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

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. The warm air will set the stage for a delicious breakfast.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. The mixture should be frothy and inviting.
  3. Add in the crumbled sausage, diced bell pepper, onion, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed up nicely.
  4. Fold in the cubed crusty bread and shredded cheese. Make sure every piece of bread is coated in that creamy goodness.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!

Make It Perfect

  • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set.
  • Top with extra cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
  • For a fun twist, add some cooked bacon or ham into the mix.
  • Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
  • Don’t skip the fresh herbs; they add a pop of flavor!

Mix It Up

  • Try adding spinach or kale for a healthy boost.
  • Swap the sausage for diced ham or cooked bacon.
  • Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.

Perfect Partners

  • Pair with fresh fruit salad.
  • Serve with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
  • Add a side of crispy bacon for extra indulgence.

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FAQs

Can I store leftovers?

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

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Freeze before baking, and just thaw and bake when you’re ready.

What can I substitute for the bread?

You can use bagels or croissants for a different texture.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Just omit the sausage and add more veggies.

Conclusion

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is not just a meal; it's a way to bring everyone together on those special holiday mornings. With its make-ahead convenience, you can enjoy the festivities without the fuss. So, gather your loved ones, serve up this delicious casserole, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime!

Hearty breakfast casserole with bread, cheese, and sausage

Christmas Breakfast Casserole You Can Make Ahead

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a delightful dish that combines crusty bread, cheese, and savory ingredients. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for holiday gatherings, making mornings stress-free and joyful.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 8 cups cubed crusty bread Use sourdough or French bread for extra flavor.
  • 8 large eggs You can substitute with egg whites for a lighter version.
  • 2 cups cups whole milk Almond milk works as a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cups cups shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to mix in mozzarella for a different taste.
  • 1 lb cooked sausage, crumbled Turkey sausage is a great lean alternative.
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced You can use any color bell pepper.
  • 1 onion, diced Shallots can add a milder flavor.
  • 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Basil or chives can also work well.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
  3. Add in the crumbled sausage, diced bell pepper, onion, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s all mixed up nicely.
  4. Fold in the cubed crusty bread and shredded cheese.
  5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  6. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

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