Christmas Breakfast Casserole – A Cozy Make-Ahead Holiday Morning Recipe

The twinkle lights are still glowing, the coffee pot is quietly brewing, and the smell of something rich, warm, and savory drifts from the kitchen… that’s the magic of this Christmas Breakfast Casserole. I can’t tell you how many times this dish has saved my holiday mornings—no frantic cooking, no missed moments around the tree—just a bubbling, golden casserole ready to serve the people you love most.

I promised you a recipe that’s festive, easy, and crowd-pleasing, and here it is. Anything but boring!!

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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This isn’t just breakfast—it’s a warm hug in a baking dish. It’s hearty without being heavy, indulgent but still balanced, and the definition of stress-free hosting. The magic? You assemble it the night before, so in the morning, all you do is bake, serve, and bask in compliments.

What It Tastes Like

Imagine: crispy edges of bread, custardy egg in the middle, savory sausage crumbles tucked into every bite, and a blanket of melted cheddar holding it all together. Oh, and the smell? Let’s just say the neighbors might “accidentally” drop by.

Benefits of This Recipe

Make-ahead convenience – enjoy your morning without rushing.
Customizable flavors – add veggies, swap cheeses, go spicy if you like.
Feeds a crowd – perfect for big family gatherings.
Kid-friendly – every bite is familiar and comforting.

Ingredients

1 lb ground sausage – rich, savory base.
1 tsp mustard powder – adds subtle tang.
½ tsp kosher salt – flavor enhancer.
4 large eggs, beaten – fluffy binder.
2 cups whole milk – creamy texture.
6 slices white bread, toasted & cubed – sturdy base.
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded – melty magic.

Tools You’ll Need

Medium skillet
Mixing bowls
Whisk
9×13-inch baking dish
Foil or plastic wrap

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

Vegetables: sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers.
Cheese: try Swiss, pepper jack, or Gouda.
Protein: swap sausage for cooked bacon or ham.
Spice: add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Sausage – In a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage until no pink remains. Drain.
Mix the Eggs – Whisk mustard powder, salt, eggs, and milk in a large bowl.
Combine – Stir in sausage, cubed bread, and cheese until coated.
Assemble – Pour into greased 9×13-inch dish and smooth the top.
Chill Overnight – Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.
Bake & Serve – Preheat oven to 350°F. Let casserole rest at room temp 20 minutes, then bake uncovered 45–50 minutes until golden and set.

What to Serve With It

Fresh fruit salad
Crispy bacon or hash browns
Spiced apple cider or fresh coffee

Tips for Perfect Results

Use slightly stale bread for better texture.
Letting it rest overnight deepens the flavor.
Test for doneness with a knife—should come out clean.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQ

Q: Can I assemble and bake the same day?
A: Yes, but the overnight soak gives the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—skip the sausage and add sautéed veggies.

Q: How do I reheat without drying it out?
A: Cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.

Conclusion

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition waiting to happen. It’s festive, flexible, and frees you from the kitchen so you can savor the moments that matter most. Try it once, and I promise it’ll be part of your holiday mornings forever.

✨ Love recipes with festive flair? Try my Peach & Cream Cheese Danish Bake or Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread next!

📌 If you make this, leave a review and tag me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your holiday table!