Alright, y’all. We’re about to get into a recipe so decadent, so unapologetically rich, just saying its name might add a pound. We’re talking about a Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole, Paula Deen-style. This isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of butter, cheese, and all things joyous. So, put your diet on hold until January 2nd and preheat your oven. We’re about to make a breakfast so good, it deserves its own Christmas stocking.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This casserole is the culinary equivalent of a warm, Southern hug. It’s awesome because it embraces simplicity and flavor in the most glorious way. We’re talking about a dish that is unbelievably easy, make-ahead magic. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that lets you be a present-opening, mimosa-sipping, family-engaging human on Christmas morning, instead of a slave to the stove. Plus, it features a certain golden ingredient that makes everything better. (Spoiler alert: It’s butter. The answer is always butter.)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather ’round, y’all. This is where the magic starts. Get ready for some serious flavor.
- 1 loaf white bread, torn into pieces (We’re going for soft, pillowy bread here. The kind that soaks up goodness like a dream.)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (The sharper, the better. We want that cheesy pull!)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled (Go for the sage-y, classic kind.)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (This is not the time for skim. We’re committed.)
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard (The secret flavor booster. Don’t you dare skip it.)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted (Ah, there she is. The star of the show.)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease and Layer. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Now, take a little extra butter and grease that dish like you’re trying to frost a cake with it. Trust me on this. Layer in your torn bread pieces, followed by the cooked sausage and shredded cheese.
- Whisk the Wet Goods. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it until it’s smooth and beautifully yellow.
- The Buttery Pour. Here comes the good part. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire bread, sausage, and cheese situation. Now, take that melted butter and drizzle it gloriously over the top. Yes, all of it. Embrace it.
- The Crucial Chill. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight, or for at least 4-8 hours. This is non-negotiable. It gives the bread time to become one with the custard and butter. This step is what makes it foolproof.
- Bake to Golden 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 about 20-30 minutes. Bake it uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous, golden-brown top and a center that’s firmly set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Chill: Thinking you can just mix and bake? Bless your heart. The overnight soak is what transforms this from a bread-and-egg scramble into a creamy, cohesive casserole. Don’t rush the process.
- Using a Glass Pan Straight from the Fridge: If you’re using a glass baking dish, letting it sit on the counter before baking is crucial. Putting a freezing cold glass dish into a hot oven is a one-way ticket to shattered-dish disaster town.
- Skimping on the Butter: I know, I know. It looks like a lot. But this is a Paula Deen-inspired recipe. The butter is there for a reason—flavor and that incredible crispy, golden top. Don’t hold back now.
- 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, sad casserole.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Feel free to make it your own, y’all!
- Bread Swap: Use croissants for an extra rich and flaky version. It’s a game-changer.
- Vegetarian Twist: Ditch the sausage and add in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and onions. You’ll still want all that butter and cheese, though.
- Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for Swiss and Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor, or pepper jack for a little kick.
- Add Some Heat: Throw in a can of diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce into the egg mixture for a nice little wake-up call.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I make this without an overnight soak? Well, technically yes, but the texture will be vastly different and much more “bread pudding-y.” For the best results, IMO, the soak is mandatory.
- My casserole is browning too fast! What do I do? Simply tent it with a piece of foil for the remaining bake time. No biggie!
- Can I use bacon instead of sausage? Absolutely! Use about 8-10 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon. Everything is better with bacon.
- Can I freeze this? You bet! Assemble it completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before baking.
- It’s still a little wet in the middle after the time is up! Ovens can be tricky. Just pop it back in for 5-minute increments until it’s set. Your patience will be rewarded.
- Is there a lighter version? Well, bless your heart for asking. There are probably recipes out there for that, but this isn’t one of them.
🎁 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.
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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
There you have it, folks. A Christmas breakfast casserole that’s as easy as it is delicious. It’s rich, it’s comforting, and it lets you be part of the magic instead of stuck in the kitchen. This dish is built for sharing, for laughter, and for making memories around the table.
Now go on and impress your family with this Southern-inspired masterpiece. You’ve earned every cheesy, buttery, glorious bite. Merry Christmas, y’all
