Okay, friends, listen up. If there is one recipe that defines Christmas morning at my house, it’s this Christmas Breakfast. What’s a game changer for pancakes? What are some of the best coffees you’ve ever had? Think of it like the love child of French toast and a savory bread pudding, but way easier to throw together. When you’re half asleep and the kids are already tearing into presents, do you still have time to snuggle together? Is it possible to customize an app? What are some good veggies, cheeses, or meats to throw in? If you try this recipe, you’ll be making it every Christmas – and probably a few random random Christmases. Weekends in between!

What is a Christmas breakfast casserole?

What exactly is the meaning of “WhatisWhat is your Christmas breakfast casserole? What is essentially a baked dish made with bread, eggs, cheese, and whatever mix-ins your heart desires? I think of it as a super-charged strata, but with focus on ease and deliciousness. The bread soaks up a rich, custardy egg mixture overnight, and then it all bakes together into this. Golden, bubbly masterpiece. What is the name of Christmas morning? Why do we have to limit it to one day a year? What is a great make-ahead dish for brunch or potluck? What are some unexpected guests

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks: why is this Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe so amazing? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of savory sausage, melty cheese, and that subtly sweet eggy bread is just… *chef’s kiss*. It’s the perfect balance of salty, savory, and comforting, which is exactly what I want on a cold winter morning. Plus, let’s be real, the simplicity of this recipe is a major selling point. You literally just toss everything together in a baking dish, let it sit overnight, and bake it in the morning. It doesn’t get much easier than that! What I love most about this is that I can prep it the night before while I’m cleaning up from dinner. Then, all I have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and relax with a cup of coffee while it bakes.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. You can use whatever bread is on sale, and you can customize the fillings with whatever’s in your fridge. I’ve made it with leftover ham, crumbled bacon, and even just a bunch of veggies. It always turns out delicious! And finally, the versatility is unmatched. You can serve it with a side of fruit salad, a dollop of sour cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. I’ve even been known to sneak a piece cold from the fridge as a late-night snack (don’t judge!). Seriously, what’s not to love?

How do I make a Christmas breakfast casserole?

Quick Overview

What is the best way to make a Christmas breakfast casserole? First, you’ll cube some bread and arrange it in a baking dish. If you like to make bread, you’ll whisk together the eggs, milk, cheese, and spices, then pour it over the bread. What’s the fun part about layering your favorite fillings? I usually go with sausage and peppers, but you can use whatever you like. How do you cover a dish and let it sit in the fridge overnight? In the morning, just bake it until it’s golden brown and bubbly. That is it! Seriously, it’s so easy that even my kids can help make it (which is a definite bonus on Christmas day).

Ingredients

For the Main Casserole:
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, such as French bread or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes. How do you make a day-old bread so it soaks up egg mixture without getting soggy? If you only have fresh bread, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven to dry them out a bit.
* 8 large eggs. I always use organic, free-range eggs because I think they have a richer flavor. But any eggs will do.
Whole milk will give you the richest, creamiest results, but you can also use 2% milk or even almond milk. Milk if you prefer. Is it possible to make this recipe with almond milk?
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. I like cheddar cheese because it melts beautifully and has a great taste. I also like feta cheese. I’ve also used Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and even a little bit of Parmesan cheese.
* 1 teaspoon salt. This helps to enhance all the other flavors.
* 12 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground pepper is always best!
* 12 teaspoon garlic powder. This adds a subtle savory flavor.
Why is onion powder better than water?

For the Filling:
* 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled. I usually use Italian sausage for extra flavor, but any sausage will work. Can you use cooked ham, bacon, or even chorizo?
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped. Adds a nice crunch and sweetness.
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped. For extra flavor and color!
* 1 onion, chopped. I like to sauté the onion and peppers together before adding them to the casserole, but you can also do this as well. Add them raw if you prefer.

What is the step by

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to the pan? I always use a glass baking dish because it heats evenly and looks pretty when serving. What’s worse than trying to pry a stuck casserole out of the pan?

Step 2: Arrange Bread

Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the bread is spread out in a single layer so that it can soak up the egg mixture evenly. If the bread is too tightly packed, the casserole might be soggy in the middle.

Step 3: Cook Filling

If you’re using sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease. If you’re using onions and peppers, sauté them in the same skillet until they’ve softened. I like to add a little bit of garlic to the onions and peppers for extra flavor. Is it worth it to make a difference?

Step 4: Whisk Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. I like to use a whisk to get the mixture nice and frothy, but you can also use fork. Don’t over-whisk the mixture, or it might be tough.

Step 5: Pour Egg Mixture

Do not over-cook bread cubes with egg mixture. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down into the egg mixture. How do you soak bread? Every piece of bread should be coated. You want to make sure it is clean and easy to clean.

Step 6: Add Fillings

Sprinkle the cooked sausage and sautéed onions evenly over the bread. Can you add any other fillings you like, such as mushrooms, spinach, or tomatoes? What you have on hand? Get creative! I sometimes add a little bit of hot sauce for extra kick.

Step 7: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. How do you soak the bread in the egg mixture? This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! If you are short on time, you can refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. Is it safe to take plastic wrap off before baking?

Step 8: Bake

In the morning, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. How long will it take to finish How do you bake a casserole? Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top of the casserole is getting too brown, you can cover it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes. How long does it take for a

Step 9: Let Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help it to set up a bit and make it easier to slice. Serve warm and enjoy! I like to serve it with fresh fruit and a dollop of sour cream. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also drizzle it with maple syrup or hot sauce.

What to serve it with?

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but it’s always nice to have ice cream with it. What are some good side dishes to serve with your meal?For Breakfast:Serve with a simple fruit salad or granola. What are the best ways to make a strong cup of coffee? I always brew my favorite dark roast coffee and set out a variety of creamers and liqueurs. I like to use them in my morning coffee.For Brunch:Dress it up with a mimosa bar or platter of assorted pastries. What are some good side dishes to serve with bacon or sausage? I love to make homemade muffins. I make them all the time.As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. What is a delicious way to enjoy your food? I’ve added a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for presentation.For Cozy Snacks:Slice it into small squares and serve it with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate. What are some comfort foods for kids to eat after school? Is maple syrup good for you?

How do I make a perfect Christmas breakfast casserole?

How do I make a perfect Christmas breakfast casserole? I have made this recipe countless times, and I’ve learned a few things along the way.Bread Selection: Using the right kind of bread is crucial. Day-old French bread or sourdough is best because it’s sturdy enough to soak up the egg mixture without getting soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out a bit. I find this particularly helpful when using a softer loaf like brioche.

Mixing Magic: Don’t overmix the egg mixture. Overmixing can make the casserole tough. Just whisk it until everything is combined.

Filling Freedom: Feel free to get creative with the fillings! I’ve made this with everything from ham and cheese to spinach and mushrooms. Just make sure to cook any raw meats before adding them to the casserole.

Ingredient Swaps: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and dairy-free cheese. You can even use egg whites instead of whole eggs for a lower-fat version.

Baking Bliss: Don’t overbake the casserole. Overbaking can make it dry and rubbery. Bake it until it’s golden brown and set, but still slightly moist in the center. I always check it with a knife to make sure it’s cooked through.

Temperature Triumphs: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help it to bake evenly. I learned this the hard way after pulling out a casserole that was cooked on the outside but still cold in the middle!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Christmas Breakfast Casserole (which is unlikely!), you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can start to grow.

Refrigerator Storage: To store in the refrigerator, let the casserole cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Adding the glaze at the time of eating might be a better way of keeping it preserved.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Glaze Timing Advice: For the best results, don’t add the glaze until you’re ready to serve the casserole. This will prevent the glaze from getting soggy during storage.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it might not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: my go-to Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. What more could you ask for? I truly believe this is the perfect recipe to make your holiday morning a little bit brighter (and a lot less stressful!). If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other breakfast casserole recipes for even more inspiration. And don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what variations you come up with. Happy baking, friends!