Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

hearty breakfast casserole

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 10m
Cook Time: 1h 10m
Total Time: 1h 20m
Temp.: 350 °F
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
5.0 (1 Review)
Cooking Mode
Prevents your screen from turning off while cooking

Ingredients

Adjust servings:

For greasing the dish:

Nutritional Information

295
calories
22g
fat
8g
carbohydrates
15g
protein
140mg
cholesterol
559mg
sodium
Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Why This Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a Favorite

Alright, listen up. This Christmas breakfast casserole has been my go-to for holiday mornings ever since I started tinkering with breakfasts that pack a punch without a lot of fuss. Picture this: Browned sausage, fluffy eggs, and sharp cheese sinking into toasted bread cubes until the whole pan holds together like a warm blanket on a snowy Buffalo morning. The house fills with the sizzle of meat and the smell of melting dairy, and before long, everyone is at the table with mugs in hand.I love that it turns simple pantry stuff into something honest and filling. It is the kind of food my dad would have approved of. Nothing fancy. Just food that does the job. It fits right into my Christmas breakfast ideas, offering that hearty, stick-to-your-ribs quality without needing exotic ingredients or tricky techniques.Best part: You can put it together the night before and let it sit in the fridge while you sleep. Come morning, slide it into the oven while you brew coffee, and sanity slowly returns. It is not fancy. It works. For busy holidays, this is a win.

To make the Christmas Breakfast Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Prepare a baking dish

    1 min
    Step 1 - Christmas Breakfast Casserole

    Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside.

  2. 2

    Cook the sausage

    5 min
    Step 2 - Christmas Breakfast Casserole

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound sausage until browned. Then drain.

  3. 3

    Mix together salt, eggs, and half-and-half

    2 min
    Step 3 - Christmas Breakfast Casserole

    In a large bowl, mix together ½ teaspoon salt, 6 beaten eggs, and 1 cup half-and-half.

  4. 4

    Add the sausage, bread, and cheese

    2 min
    Step 4 - Christmas Breakfast CasseroleStep 4 - Christmas Breakfast Casserole

    Then add the cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir together until evenly coated. If the mixture seems too dry, add in 1/2 cup half-and-half.

  5. 5

    Transfer to the baking dish and chill

    2h
    Step 5 - Christmas Breakfast Casserole

    Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and chill for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

  6. 6

    Preheat the oven

    5 min

    Preheat your oven to 350 °F.

  7. 7

    Bake

    50 min
    Step 7 - Christmas Breakfast Casserole

    Bake the casserole covered for 50 to 60 minutes.

  8. 8

    Reduce the heat and continue baking

    20 min
    Step 8 - Christmas Breakfast Casserole

    Reduce the oven temperature to 325 °F. Uncover the casserole and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is set.

  9. 9

    Serve

    Step 9 - Christmas Breakfast Casserole

    Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

295
calories
22g
fat
8g
carbohydrates
15g
protein
140mg
cholesterol
559mg
sodium

What You’ll Need: Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Start with a baking dish around nine by thirteen inches. Glass or ceramic is great for even heat, but a metal pan will do if that is what you have.Grab a large skillet for browning the sausage. Cast-iron is my favorite for getting a good sear. You will want a big bowl to mix the eggs, half-and-half, and salt, plus a sharp knife and cutting board for cubing the bread. A whisk or fork works fine to beat the eggs. Have foil ready to cover the dish while it chills and starts cooking. An oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then lowered later to 325 degrees, is how I finish it so the center sets without drying out.And a spatula or big spoon for serving. Keep it simple. You do not need high-dollar gear to get this right. Solid equipment that lets the ingredients do the heavy lifting is all you need.

Secrets and Tips: Making It Right

Here is the deal about sausage. Brown it and let it get some color. Do not rush this step. Those crispy bits are where the flavor lives. Browned meat tastes like work done well. Trust me, it matters.Chill the assembled dish for at least a couple of hours and overnight if you can. Do not skip this. Why? Because you want the bread to soak up the egg mixture so the center comes out custardy, not soggy. Overnight is better. Simple as that.Use sharp Cheddar for punch. Freshly shredded if you can. Stir most of it into the mix and save a little to sprinkle on top for a browned finish. If the mixture looks dry after you toss everything together, add another half cup of the half-and-half. Moisture is what makes this sing.

Playing Around: Variations

Maple morning version Replace the plain pork sausage with maple-flavored sausage, crumble and brown it the same way. Maple plays off the sharp cheese and gives the whole pan a softer, sweeter edge. Add a few diced apples if you like a little crunch. I tried this one December two years ago, and it disappeared fast.Veggie boost If you must add greens, go with bell peppers, onions, and spinach. Sauté them first so they do not water down the casserole while it bakes. Fold them in after the sausage. It makes the pan feel lighter without losing the meal feeling. Full disclosure: I am still working on loving vegetables the way I love meat, but this is a good try.Turn up the heat Use hot Italian sausage and toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne if you want a wake-up call for your guests. It pairs surprisingly well with coffee, but tone it down if you have kids around.These small swaps keep the base intact while giving you different moods for the same dish. This Christmas breakfast casserole adapts well when you want to shift the tone without reworking the whole recipe.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Serve this hot from the oven with a scattering of fresh parsley or a spoonful of sour cream if you are feeling indulgent. Fresh fruit like orange slices or berries cuts through the richness and brightens the plate. Roasted potatoes crisped in some reserved sausage fat are a natural side and keep with my no-waste rule.If you are hosting, offer a light green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to balance things out. Muffins or cinnamon rolls are fine if you want something sweet on the side. For adults, bloody Marys are a classic pairing. This Xmas morning casserole shows up well on a brunch spread and scales without drama.

Got Questions? FAQ

Can I make this ahead? Absolutely. Assemble it the night before, cover, and chill. It actually tastes better after it has had time to rest. I have done this many times for busy mornings, and it saves the day.Can I swap the cheese? Yes. Monterey Jack will mellow things out. Gruyère adds a nutty note. Pepper Jack brings spice. Use shreddable cheeses so they melt evenly.How to make it vegetarian? Replace the sausage with a plant product you trust or a pile of mushrooms sautéed until they are meaty. Keep the volume similar so the egg and bread balance stays right. The mushrooms add umami and still make a satisfying dish.How do I know it is done? The center should be set but may jiggle a touch. The top should be golden with no pooled liquid. A knife in the center should come out clean. If you are unsure, pull it a little early and let residual heat finish it.Can I freeze leftovers? Yes. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 325-degree oven until warmed through. The bread softens a bit, but it is still good to go.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday morning, bringing family and friends together around the table. This hearty dish combines classic flavors with a touch of festive spirit, making it easy to prepare and enjoy amidst the holiday bustle. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll create a warm and satisfying breakfast that everyone will look forward to each year.

Jeff O'connor

About the author

Jeff O'connor

Jeff is a 38-year-old bachelor who prefers not to waste his time on salads and light meals. He’s a true carnivore who knows how to enjoy food to the max! Jeff will tell you how to cook rich and filling meals from scratch, bringing some real meaty decadence to your kitchen. His recipes are sure to satisfy every meat lover!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
5.0 out of 5 (1 review)
Athina
November 24, 2025
Verified

Thanks for the easy Christmas breakfast idea!

Taste of the dish
Accuracy of stated difficulty
Instruction accuracy
Would you recommend this recipe to others?
0/1000
Add photos
Upload photos of your result. This will help others see how the dish should look.

Author Information

Email will not be displayed publicly