Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

The magic of Christmas morning often starts with the scent of delicious food filling the air. A warm breakfast brings the family together before the excitement of gift-giving and festive activities. What better way to start the day than with a comforting, hearty Christmas breakfast casserole? It’s a dish that combines all your favorite breakfast elements—eggs, meat, cheese, and bread—into one flavorful, easy-to-serve casserole. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your immediate family, this casserole is the perfect solution for a stress-free, filling breakfast.

The Tradition of Christmas Breakfast

Breakfast on Christmas morning is an important tradition for many families. While the specific dishes may vary from region to region, the focus is always on starting the day with warmth and togetherness. In the United States, dishes like eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes are popular choices, while in other countries, pastries, breads, and even seafood can be a part of the spread. A casserole brings all of these elements together in one dish, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Choose a Breakfast Casserole for Christmas?

A breakfast casserole is a perfect Christmas morning meal for several reasons:

1. Convenience: You can prepare most of the casserole the night before, saving you time in the morning.
2. Crowd-pleaser: It feeds a large number of people without the need for multiple pots and pans.
3. Customization: You can personalize the casserole to suit different tastes, adding or omitting ingredients based on your family’s preferences.

Whether you’re looking for something savory or a sweet twist, breakfast casseroles can adapt to suit your needs. It’s an effortless way to feed a crowd while still offering a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Preparing the Base

The foundation of any good breakfast casserole is the base, which typically consists of bread or potatoes. The choice between bread and potatoes depends on your preferences and the type of texture you want in your casserole.

1. Bread Base:
   If you’re using bread, opt for a sturdy variety like white, whole-wheat, or sourdough. Cut it into cubes and layer it in the bottom of a greased casserole dish. The bread soaks up the egg mixture, creating a deliciously soft and flavorful texture.
2. Potato Base:
   If you prefer a potato-based casserole, use cubed potatoes. You can either pre-cook them or use frozen hash browns for convenience. Layer the potatoes in the casserole dish, and they’ll add a hearty, satisfying texture to the casserole.

Adding the Protein

Next, you’ll want to add your protein. Traditional breakfast casseroles often include sausage, bacon, or ham, but feel free to adjust based on your dietary preferences.

1. Sausage:
   Brown your sausage in a pan, crumbling it as it cooks. If you’re using turkey sausage, you can add some spices like sage or thyme to mimic the flavor of pork sausage.
2. Bacon or Ham:
   If you’re adding bacon, cook it until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. Ham is another excellent option—diced ham adds a wonderful saltiness and flavor to the casserole.
3. Vegetarian Options:
   If you prefer a vegetarian casserole, you can skip the meat entirely or use plant-based sausage alternatives. Vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can provide the necessary flavor and texture.

Mixing the Eggs and Dairy

To make the custard-like base, whisk together eggs, milk (or half-and-half), and a bit of mustard for extra tang. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.

For the creamiest texture, use whole milk or half-and-half. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative. Be sure to whisk thoroughly to ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Assembling the Casserole

Now it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by layering your bread or potatoes in the casserole dish. Then, add the cooked sausage or bacon and any vegetables you’re using. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers. Make sure everything is soaked well.

Top with cheese and any additional toppings, then cover the casserole with foil to keep it from drying out during the baking process.

Baking the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for about 45 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set in the middle. If you’re making the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating it overnight, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

To check if it’s done, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If not, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Creative Variations to Try

1. Sweet Breakfast Casseroles:
   Add cinnamon rolls, French toast, or fruit like berries or apples for a sweet twist on the traditional savory casserole.
2. Savory Variations:
   Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a more earthy flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta, goat cheese, or pepper jack, for a unique taste.

Tips for Customizing Your Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free bread or potatoes to create a gluten-free casserole.
• Dairy-Free Alternatives: Use almond milk or oat milk and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version of the casserole.
• Make it Spicy: Add a bit of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to give your casserole a spicy kick.

How to Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time

Making the casserole ahead of time is one of the greatest advantages of this dish. The night before Christmas, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to serve it the next morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake until golden.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your casserole with fresh fruit, such as oranges or apples, to add a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory casserole. A hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed juice complements the dish perfectly. For an extra festive touch, garnish the casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Conclusion

A Christmas breakfast casserole is not just a meal—it’s a tradition. It brings people together, offering both convenience and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a large family or enjoying a quiet morning with loved ones, this casserole will become a cherished part of your Christmas celebrations.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole without meat? Yes, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables or use a vegetarian sausage alternative.
2. How do I make the casserole fluffier? Use half-and-half instead of milk for a creamier texture, and be sure to mix the egg mixture well.
3. Can I use frozen vegetables in the casserole? Yes, frozen vegetables can be used—just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the casserole.
4. How long can I store leftovers from the casserole? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
5. Can I freeze the casserole for later use? Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual.
   Yield: 8-10

   Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

   

   Print

   The magic of Christmas morning often starts with the scent of delicious food filling the air. A warm breakfast brings the family together before the excitement of gift-giving and festive activities. What better way to start the day than with a comforting, hearty Christmas breakfast casserole? It’s a dish that combines all your favorite breakfast elements—eggs, meat, cheese, and bread—into one flavorful, easy-to-serve casserole. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just your immediate family, this casserole is the perfect solution for a stress-free, filling breakfast.

   Prep Time 15 minutes

   Cook Time 45 minutes

   Ingredients

   • For the Casserole:
   • 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage, crumbled (can use turkey sausage for a leaner option)
   • 8 large eggs
   • 2 cups (480ml) milk
   • 1 tsp salt
   • ½ tsp black pepper
   • ½ tsp garlic powder
   • 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
   • 6 cups (about 6-8 slices) day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche works well)
   • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
   • 1 small onion, finely chopped
   • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
   • 1 cup (150g) frozen or fresh spinach (optional, for added greens)
   • For Topping (Optional):
   • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
   • Hot sauce or ketchup for serving

   Instructions

   1. Preheat the Oven
      Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
      
   2. Cook the Sausage
      In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. If there's excess fat, drain it off.
      
   3. Prepare the Vegetables
      In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and spinach (if using) for 3-4 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
      
   4. Prepare the Egg Mixture
      In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano (if using) until fully combined.
      
   5. Assemble the Casserole
      Layer the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables evenly over the bread. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, making sure the bread is soaked in the egg mixture. Press down gently with a spatula to make sure everything is covered.
      
   6. Top with Cheese
      Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
      
   7. Bake
      Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
      
   8. Serve
      Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with hot sauce or ketchup if desired.

   Notes

   • Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this casserole the night before! Simply assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.
   • Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients such as mushrooms, ham, bacon, or different types of cheese to customize the casserole.
   • Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for a vegetarian version.