Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that brings festive flavors to your holiday morning. Packed with sausage, colorful peppers, and melted cheddar, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Prepare it the night before and enjoy a delicious, stress-free breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 10 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 6 slices white bread, cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and chopped green and red bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until they are softened.
3. Step 3: Grease a large baking dish, then evenly layer the cubed bread across the bottom.
4. Step 4: Spread the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the bread layer.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the sausage and vegetables.
6. Step 6: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
7. Step 7: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight if desired, to let the flavors meld.
9. Step 9: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
10. Step 10: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the egg mixture for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Use whole wheat or sourdough bread for added texture and taste.
• Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley or chives before baking to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole completely on the morning of serving?

Yes, you can assemble and bake the casserole the same morning, but letting it soak overnight helps the bread absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a moister, more flavorful dish.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic sharpness, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend according to your preference.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for holiday mornings. A savory blend of browned breakfast sausage, sautéed peppers and onions, cubed white bread, and shredded cheddar cheese is soaked in a seasoned egg and milk mixture, then baked until golden and fluffy. Make it ahead by refrigerating overnight for a stress-free festive breakfast.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (excluding optional overnight refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 pound breakfast sausage

Dairy & Eggs

• 10 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced

Bakery

• 6 slices white bread, cubed

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and crumbly, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even texture.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté lightly until the vegetables are softened but still retain some crunch.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a large baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Evenly layer the cubed white bread on the bottom of the dish.
4. Layer Sausage and Veggies: Spread the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the layer of bread cubes.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the sausage and vegetable layer.
6. Mix Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whole milk, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
7. Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the whisked egg and milk mixture evenly over the casserole layers in the baking dish, ensuring all ingredients are well soaked.
8. Refrigerate (Optional): Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight if you want to prepare the casserole ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld.
9. Preheat Oven: The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
10. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating the eggs are fully cooked.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add herbs like parsley or chives to the egg mixture.
• Substitute whole wheat or multigrain bread for a healthier alternative.
• This casserole can be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage and increasing the amount of vegetables or adding a meat substitute.
• Make sure the casserole is fully cooled before refrigerating overnight to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Christmas breakfast, holiday casserole, egg casserole, sausage casserole, holiday brunch, make-ahead breakfast