So, you’ve decided your Christmas morning should involve more than just eating a sad, lonely chocolate from your Advent calendar while staring at the pile of wrapping paper you need to clean up. Wise choice. You want something delicious, something celebratory, something that says “Merry Christmas” without you having to say a single word at 7 AM before the coffee has kicked in. Enter the hero of the day: the Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm, comforting hug, and it does all the work while you’re busy being merry.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s be real for a second. On Christmas morning, your brain capacity is divided between sheer joy and utter exhaustion. The last thing you need is a recipe that requires the precision of a heart surgeon. This casserole is the opposite of that.
- It’s Idiot-Proof. We’re talking about a simple assembly job. Even if you’re still half-asleep, you can probably manage this. I believe in you.
- You Make It the Night Before. This is the real magic. While the kids are (theoretically) sleeping, you spend 15 minutes throwing things in a dish. The next morning, you just pop it in the oven. You are now a Christmas morning wizard.
- It Feeds a Crowd. Got family in town? A house full of hungry people staring at you? This casserole has your back. No one goes hungry.
- It’s Basically a Blank Canvas. Don’t like sausage? Want to add more cheese? Go for it! This recipe is incredibly forgiving, which is more than we can say for Uncle Frank’s opinions on the new sweater you got him.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your troops. Here’s what you need to create this masterpiece:
The Base:
- 1 (30 oz) bag of frozen shredded hash browns – The foundation of our operation. No need to thaw; we’re not fancy here.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage – Go for mild or spicy, depending on your tolerance for family drama at the breakfast table.
- 1 medium onion, diced – For a little bit of class.
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced – Red or green for Christmas colors, if you’re feeling thematic.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Or a cheesy blend. More cheese is always an acceptable answer.
The Custard (a fancy word for the eggy glue that holds it all together):
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk – This is key for creaminess. Don’t skimp and use water, you’re better than that.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – For that je ne sais quoi.
The Topping:
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs – This is the secret weapon for the perfect crispy top.
- 2 tbsp melted butter – Because butter makes everything better.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready? Apron optional, enthusiasm required.
- Brown the Sausage. In a skillet over medium heat, cook that sausage until it’s no longer pink. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Toss in the onion and bell pepper for the last few minutes to soften them up. Drain any excess grease (your future self will thank you).
- The First Layer. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. Dump the entire bag of frozen hash browns in and spread them out evenly. This is your crispy, potato-y foundation.
- The Good Stuff Layer. Sprinkle the cooked sausage, onion, and pepper mixture over the hash browns. Now, shower the whole thing with your two cups of shredded cheese. Don’t be shy.
- Make the Egg Mixture. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder together until it’s all one happy, uniform yellow liquid. Pro-tip: whisk it really well so you don’t end up with random white egg globs later.
- The Pour and Ignore. Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over everything in the baking dish. It will look like a lot, but the hash browns will drink it up. Now, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and shove it in the fridge. Go to bed. Dream of sugarplums.
- The Big Finish (Christmas Morning!). The next morning, take the casserole out of the fridge while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This takes about 20-30 minutes, which is just enough time for the oven to preheat and for you to have your first cup of coffee.
- Add the Crunch. In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes (or panko) with the melted butter. Sprinkle this glorious, buttery crunch all over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection. Bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown, crispy top and a center that’s fully set (no jiggling when you shake the pan). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before you cut into it. This rest time is non-negotiable if you want clean slices!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s learn from the mistakes of others (namely, me).
- Skipping the Oven Preheating. Just don’t. A cold oven leads to a sad, soggy casserole. Rookie mistake.
- Using a Tiny Baking Dish. If your dish looks like it’s about to overflow, you’ve chosen poorly. A 9×13 is the gold standard here.
- Forgetting the Topping. The buttery, crunchy topping is what elevates this from a “breakfast bake” to a “culinary experience.” Don’t you dare forget it.
- Cutting In Immediately. I know it’s hard to wait, but if you cut into it straight from the oven, it will be a soupy mess. Let it set!
Alternatives & Substitutions
Don’t have something? Don’t panic. Here are some easy swaps:
- Meat: Not a sausage fan? Use cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham. Vegetarian? Just leave it out or use a plant-based sausage crumble.
- Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or even some chopped broccoli would be fantastic in this. Just make sure to sauté them first to cook out the extra moisture.
- Cheese: Swap the cheddar for Gruyère, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack. The cheese world is your oyster.
- Gluten-Free: This is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified GF hash browns and check your sausage labels. For the topping, use certified GF cornflakes or panko.
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and cheese. For the topping, use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this without letting it sit overnight?
Absolutely! You can assemble and bake it the same day. Just let it sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes before baking so the dish isn’t ice-cold going into the oven. The overnight rest just makes the texture a bit better and your morning infinitely easier.
What if I don’t have cornflakes for the topping?
No biggie! Panko breadcrumbs are a great substitute. You could also use crushed crackers, French fried onions, or even just a little extra shredded cheese.
How long do the leftovers last?
They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or air fryer for the best texture.
Can I freeze this?
You can! Bake it, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
My casserole is still jiggly in the middle!
This means it needs more time. Just pop it back in the oven in 5-minute increments until the center is set. Ovens can be fickle beasts.
🎁 Recommended Holiday Kitchen Essentials
🍳 Here Are a Few of My Favorite Holiday Kitchen Essentials — Tools That Make Christmas Cooking Easier, Faster, and Way More Fun (From Baking Cookies to Preparing Cozy Casseroles and Festive Drinks!)
- Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Perfect for big families or meal prepping — set it, forget it, and come home to tender, juicy meals every time.
👉 Check it out on Amazon - Christmas Cookie Cutter Set
Bake adorable festive cookies that everyone will love.
👉 Get yours now on Amazon - Stand Mixer (5–6 Quart)
Makes mixing doughs and batters effortless during holiday baking.
👉 Grab it here on Amazon - Glass Punch Bowl Set
Serve Christmas drinks and punches beautifully.
👉 Shop now on Amazon - Ceramic Baking Dish Set
Ideal for creamy casseroles and sweet desserts — oven to table in style.
👉 View it on Amazon
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally love and use for my own recipes.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it. The key to a stress-free, delicious, and impressively festive Christmas morning. This casserole is more than just food; it’s a strategy. It’s the promise of a warm, satisfying meal that allows you to actually enjoy the morning instead of being chained to the stove.
Now go forth, assemble your ingredients, and get ready to be the silent, well-rested hero of Christmas breakfast. You’ve totally got this. Merry Christmas, you brilliant cook, you
