Easy Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Christmas morning is all about joy, family, and traditions — and having a delicious, stress-free breakfast ready makes the day even more special. This easy Christmas breakfast casserole combines eggs, cheese, sausage, and bread into a festive one-dish meal that’s hearty, comforting, and simple to prepare. Perfect for making ahead on Christmas Eve, this recipe lets you enjoy a warm, satisfying breakfast without spending the morning in the kitchen.

What is a Christmas Breakfast Casserole?

A Christmas breakfast casserole is a baked dish made with layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and sausage or bacon. Often prepared the night before and baked fresh on Christmas morning, it’s a convenient, crowd-pleasing option that fuels the whole family before the festivities begin.

Other Breakfast Casserole Recipes

• Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
• Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
• Sausage Gravy Breakfast Casserole
• Bacon Egg and Cheese Casserole

Reasons to Try Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble the night before, bake in the morning.
• Feeds a crowd – Perfect for large family gatherings on Christmas morning.
• Comforting flavors – Cheesy, savory, and filling for a special breakfast.
• Minimal effort – One dish with easy preparation.
• Festive and adaptable – Customize with vegetables, meats, or holiday flavors.

Ingredients Needed to Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread, brioche, or sourdough)
• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon/ham, cooked and crumbled)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red or green bell pepper, diced (for holiday color)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/Swiss blend)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions to Prepare Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare baking dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook sausage and vegetables

Brown sausage in a skillet until cooked through. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Layer bread and sausage

Place cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. Top with sausage and vegetable mixture.

Step 4: Mix egg custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble casserole

Pour egg mixture evenly over bread and sausage. Sprinkle cheese on top.

Step 6: Refrigerate or bake

Cover and refrigerate overnight if making ahead, or bake immediately.

Step 7: Bake casserole

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until eggs are set and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley for a festive touch.

What Goes Well With Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Fresh fruit platter – Adds lightness and natural sweetness.
• Cinnamon rolls – A sweet holiday treat alongside the savory casserole.
• Hot cocoa or coffee – Classic Christmas morning beverages.
• Green salad – A lighter side dish for balance.
• Fresh orange juice – Bright and refreshing.

Key Tips for Making Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Use day-old bread – Helps absorb the egg mixture better than fresh bread.
• Prep ahead – Assemble on Christmas Eve and bake fresh in the morning.
• Cover if needed – If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.
• Season well – Each layer benefits from a light seasoning for depth.
• Add color – Use red and green bell peppers for a festive presentation.
• Rest before slicing – Allows the casserole to set for neat portions.

Creative Variations of Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Vegetarian version – Add mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini instead of meat.
• Southwestern twist – Use pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and salsa.
• Sweet and savory – Add cranberries and cream cheese cubes for a holiday flair.
• Bacon lovers’ style – Replace sausage with crispy bacon.
• Low-carb option – Swap bread for cauliflower rice or extra vegetables.

Storage Guidelines for Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze slices – Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Cool before storing – Prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Reheat properly – Always reheat before serving for the best taste.

Reheating Tips for Christmas Breakfast Casserole

• Oven method – Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave option – Heat single slices for 2–3 minutes on medium power.
• From frozen – Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until hot.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 760mg

FAQs

Can you make a Christmas breakfast casserole the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole on Christmas Eve, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it in the morning, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time since it starts cold.

Do you use fresh or day-old bread for Christmas breakfast casserole?

Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without getting too soggy. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly before layering.

Should a Christmas breakfast casserole be baked covered or uncovered?

Bake the casserole uncovered so the top turns golden and slightly crisp. If it browns too quickly before the center sets, cover loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

How do you know when a Christmas breakfast casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is ready when the eggs are firm, the cheese is melted, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. This usually takes 40–45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Final Words

This easy Christmas breakfast casserole is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with your loved ones. It’s hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare, allowing you to spend more time around the tree and less time in the kitchen.

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