So, you’ve woken up on Christmas morning. The living room looks like a toy bomb went off, the kids are on a sugar-high from raiding their stockings at 5 AM, and you’re operating on a dangerous combination of excitement and not enough coffee. The last thing you want to do is stand at the stove, playing short-order cook for a hungry, impatient crowd. Enter your new best friend: The Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole. This glorious dish is the culinary equivalent of a warm, comforting hug that does all the work for you. It’s basically a nap in food form, and you deserve it.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s be real. The bar for “success” on Christmas morning is set at “managed to open presents without someone crying.” Culinary masterpieces are not the goal. This casserole is awesome because it’s idiot-proof, make-ahead, and universally beloved. You do a little work the night before, shove it in the fridge, and then on The Big Day, you just pop it in the oven. While it bakes, you can actually participate in the fun, sip your coffee in peace, and accept compliments for being a genius. It’s the ultimate illusion of effort. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that feeds a crowd, which means fewer dishes. A win for you, a win for your family, and a win for your sanity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your squad. This is a forgiving recipe, so don’t panic if you’re missing one thing.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (The kind in a tube is perfect. No one is judging.)
- 1 medium onion, diced (Tears are just pre-seasoning for the dish.)
- 1 bell pepper, any color, diced (For a pop of color and to feel vaguely healthy.)
- 6 cups cubed bread (A day-old French or Italian loaf is ideal. Stale bread = better texture.)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Buy the pre-shredded bag. It’s Christmas, not a from-scratch cheese-making competition.)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (This is not the time for skim. Embrace the creaminess.)
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard (The secret weapon for that “what is that delicious flavor?” moment.)
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder (Don’t skip this. It’s non-negotiable.)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (Be generous.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage. In a skillet over medium heat, cook that sausage until it’s no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Let the grease drain because no one wants a swimming pool at the bottom of their casserole.
- Sauté the Veggies. In that same glorious sausage grease (see? less cleaning!), cook your diced onion and bell pepper until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. This infuses them with so much flavor. You’re welcome.
- Build the Base. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. Now, layer in your bread cubes, followed by the cooked sausage and sautéed veggies. Top it all off with that beautiful mountain of shredded cheese.
- Whisk the Magic Potion. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s all one homogenous, yellow liquid. Pro tip: whisk it really well to ensure a smooth, not-eggy, final texture.
- The Overnight Soak. This is the key step! Slowly and evenly pour the egg mixture over the entire contents of the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula to make sure every bread cube gets a little love. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This lets the bread absorb all the custardy goodness.
- Bake to Perfection. On Christmas morning, take the casserole out of the fridge while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes to take the chill off—this helps it bake evenly. Then, bake it covered with foil for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Soak: Thinking you can mix and bake immediately? Rookie mistake. The bread needs time to become one with the egg mixture. Otherwise, you’ll get dry, sad bread chunks floating in scrambled egg. Not ideal.
- Using Soggy Bread: If your bread is too fresh, it will turn to mush. Stale, sturdy bread is your friend. It holds its shape and soaks up the custard like a champ.
- Forgetting the Non-Stick Spray: You’ll spend more time chiseling your casserole out of the pan than you did opening presents. Just spray the dish. Trust me.
- Overbaking: The casserole is done when the center is just set. A little jiggle is okay—it will continue to cook as it rests. An overbaked casserole is a dry, rubbery casserole.
Alternatives & Substitutions
This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary whims.
- Vegetarian? Ditch the sausage and add in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some meatless crumbles.
- Bread Swap: Croissants instead of bread cubes? Yes, absolutely. It will be richer and more buttery. You decadent thing, you.
- Meat Lover’s Twist: Swap the sausage for cooked, chopped bacon or diced ham. Or, you know, go wild and use all three. I’m not here to stop you.
- Cheese, Please: Not a cheddar fan? Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack are all fantastic alternatives. A little pepper jack would add a nice kick!
- Gluten-Free? Use your favorite GF bread cubes. The recipe works exactly the same way.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I make this even further ahead? You bet! You can fully assemble this, cover it well, and freeze it for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
- My casserole is still wet in the middle! This usually means it needed more time. Just pop it back in the oven in 5-minute increments until it’s set. Cover the edges with foil if the top is getting too brown.
- Can I use egg whites or almond milk? Technically, yes. But the texture and richness will be different. For the best, most decadent result, stick with the whole eggs and milk. It’s a holiday, live a little.
- What should I serve with this? A simple fruit salad, a pot of strong coffee, and maybe some mimosas for the adults. That’s it. You’ve already done the hard part.
- How do I reheat leftovers? A quick spin in the microwave for a minute or two does the trick. It makes for a fantastic breakfast for the next few days—the “Boxing Day Bonus,” if you will.
🎁 Recommended Holiday Kitchen Essentials
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- 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.
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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.
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Serve Christmas drinks and punches beautifully.
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Ideal for creamy casseroles and sweet desserts — oven to table in style.
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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 secret to a calm, delicious, and memorable Christmas morning. This casserole is more than just food; it’s a strategy. A strategy for more joy, less stress, and a full belly. Now go forth, assemble your ingredients, and get ready to be the sleepy-eyed hero of the day. You’ve got this.
Now go impress someone—or just yourself—with your brilliant, make-ahead planning. You’ve earned that second mimosa.
