Delicious Christmas Breakfast Casserole to Warm Your Holiday Mornings

There’s something truly magical about waking up to the smell of a warm Christmas Breakfast Casserole filling the kitchen—it’s a comforting scent that instantly wraps you in holiday warmth. I still remember the first time I made this Christmas Breakfast Casserole for my family; it was a chilly Christmas morning, and the house was buzzing with excitement. The best part? This holiday breakfast casserole turned into a treasured tradition because it brought everyone together effortlessly, even on the busiest days.

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling last-minute gift wrapping and getting everyone out the door, then you know the value of an easy Christmas morning recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or heart. My Christmas Breakfast Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s that golden blend of sausage and egg casserole goodness baked overnight, so when Christmas morning rolls around, all I have to do is pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. Honestly, this overnight breakfast bake has saved me from a few too many rushed mornings, and I’ve learned a lot along the way—like don’t skip browning the sausage first! That crucial step adds a depth that I never want to miss.

Over the years, this festive brunch casserole has evolved in my kitchen, adapting to what my kids love and the little surprises I like to toss in (hello, extra cheese!). It’s not just a recipe; it’s a family moment, a staple that guests always comment on, and I love how it makes Christmas mornings feel cozy and easy. If you’re scouting for a crowd-pleaser that doubles as a warm hug on a plate, this Christmas Breakfast Casserole just might become your new holiday hero too.

And by the way, if you want to see how I pair this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with some greens, check out my cheesy green bean casserole — it’s another fan favorite for holiday meals!

Ready to dive in? Let me walk you through all you need and every step of making this Christmas Breakfast Casserole a beloved part of your holiday tradition. It’s simple, satisfying, and so worth it. Plus, if you want to peek at a popular overnight version with sausage and eggs, here’s a lovely Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole that’s inspired me too.

What You’ll Need for This Christmas Breakfast Casserole

When I’m putting together this Christmas Breakfast Casserole, I always start with simple, hearty ingredients that bring classic comfort and family smiles. Here’s my go-to list, with exact measurements to keep things easy—because honestly, the less guesswork, the better on busy holiday mornings!

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage (I prefer bulk sage sausage, but mild or spicy works depending on your taste)
  • 6 large eggs (free-range if you can, for that rich flavor)
  • 2 cups whole milk (makes the custard creamy and luscious)
  • 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French or sourdough bread hold up beautifully)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I love the tang it brings to the sausage and egg casserole)
  • 1 cup diced onion (adds a gentle sweetness)
  • 1 cup diced bell pepper (red or green, for color and crunch)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (a little secret ingredient that brightens the holiday breakfast casserole)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage (if you don’t get sausage with sage, this helps)

A quick tip when shopping for this Christmas Breakfast Casserole: the sausage is the star, so check your local butcher or the meat aisle for quality options. I usually grab my bread a day or two in advance—day-old bread makes the overnight breakfast bake soak up the custard perfectly without becoming soggy. And if you’re looking to save a buck, keep an eye out for sales on cheese and sausage near the holidays; most stores run deals you can use.

One shortcut that’s saved me countless times is using pre-chopped veggies. I’m all in for anything that shaves off prep time making Christmas Breakfast Casserole an effortless affair. Also, if you find leftovers, you can store the bread cubes and shredded cheese in airtight containers—it keeps well for a week or more, which helps when planning multiple holiday meals.

Lastly, if sausage isn’t your thing, I’ve found that ground turkey or even diced ham make great substitutes in this holiday breakfast casserole. It’s all about what your family loves! And don’t forget to peek at my friends’ recipes for inspiration—there’s this wonderful Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe that adds some neat spins.

Ingredients for Christmas Breakfast Casserole: sausage, eggs, bread cubes, cheese, onions, and peppers

Let’s Make This Christmas Breakfast Casserole Together

Alright, friend, it’s easier than you think, and I’m with you every step of the way as you make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole your own.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want your kitchen to start warming up with the smells of the holiday’s most comforting breakfast.
  2. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. This step is key—the sausage should be nicely browned but not crispy. I learned the hard way with Christmas Breakfast Casserole that rushing this stage resulted in bland bites, so give it those rich caramelized flavors.
  3. While the sausage cooks, toss your cubed bread, chopped onion, and bell pepper into a large mixing bowl. The bread is like a sponge soaking up all those savory goodies in the next steps.
  4. Drain the sausage on paper towels, then add it to the bowl with the bread and veggies. Mix gently.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and dried sage. This mixture is your custard, and it’s what binds the entire casserole into a festive brunch casserole masterpiece.
  6. Pour the custard over the bread and sausage mixture, and fold everything carefully to combine. Your mixture should be moist without drowning the bread cubes.
  7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, saving a bit to sprinkle on top before baking—that melted cheese crust is a Christmas Breakfast Casserole must-have.
  8. Grease a 9×13 baking dish, then pour the whole mixture in, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle your reserved cheese on top.
  9. Cover the dish with foil. Here’s a handy tip—if you have time, refrigerate the casserole overnight. This overnight breakfast bake allows the bread to soak up all those delicious flavors, making the morning even more magical. That’s my favorite shortcut for those busy days when you want to prep ahead.
  10. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Your home will smell like the warmest Christmas morning.

While the Christmas Breakfast Casserole is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or start brewing a fresh pot of coffee. And my little ones gather around, already dreaming about digging into this festive brunch casserole.

Don’t worry if your Christmas Breakfast Casserole looks a little different your first time. I’ve had batches come out slightly wetter or drier depending on bread freshness and milk type—that’s all normal and easy to adjust next time. And if you want to see how others do their versions or pick up a nifty tip or two, check out a few ideas on this Overnight Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole page—it’s a helpful resource with great step-by-step advice.

How I Love to Serve This Christmas Breakfast Casserole

When my Christmas Breakfast Casserole comes out of the oven, still steaming and golden, it instantly becomes the heart of our Christmas morning. My family loves this Christmas Breakfast Casserole when I serve it alongside some fresh fruit and my beloved Southern Squash Casserole—the creamy squash balances the savory sausage and egg casserole perfectly!

Over the years, I’ve realized this Christmas Breakfast Casserole is perfect for not only December 25th but also holiday brunches with friends and even New Year’s Day gatherings. It’s festive enough to feel special but simple enough to make any morning less hectic. Presentation-wise, I like to top it with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheddar to make it feel like a treat. A little color always helps brighten the table and entice those sleepy heads.

If you’re looking for side dish ideas that pair well, some crisp roasted breakfast potatoes or a bright mixed green salad add texture and freshness. For a touch of seasonal sweetness, sometimes I whip up a platter of berries or go for a warm cinnamon spiced apple compote—those flavors blend beautifully with the sausage and eggs.

Leftover Christmas Breakfast Casserole? Oh, yes! If you have extra Christmas Breakfast Casserole, I slice it into portions and reheat it gently in the microwave for a quick breakfast during the week. I’ve even turned slices into breakfast sandwiches with a little avocado and hot sauce—delicious and easy. Sometimes, just for fun, I toss in a handful of spinach or swap cheddar for pepper jack to give it a little kick when I remake it in February. Seasonal twists like these keep the Christmas Breakfast Casserole feeling fresh beyond the holidays.

Friends always ask for this Christmas Breakfast Casserole recipe after they’ve tasted it at our gatherings. They say it’s the perfect bridge between a sausage and egg casserole and an easy Christmas morning recipe that anyone can make (and trust me, they often don’t believe me how simple it is). And I love how it brings people back, year after year.

Your Christmas Breakfast Casserole Questions Answered

Q1: Can I make the Christmas Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You know what I do when my Christmas Breakfast Casserole is prepped the night before? I cover it tightly and pop it straight in the fridge. It’s the classic overnight breakfast bake that really allows the bread to soak up all those delicious custard flavors. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Q2: Can I freeze leftover Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
Yes, you can! Freeze leftovers in individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. I’ve found the sausage and egg casserole texture stays lovely and doesn’t get rubbery when reheated properly.

Q3: What’s the best sausage to use for Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
Breakfast sausage with sage is my top pick. It adds such a warm, comforting flavor to this holiday breakfast casserole. But if you want to switch it up, try some spicy Italian sausage or even smoked sausage for a smoky twist. I learned the hard way that using overly lean sausage makes the casserole dry, so a fattier variety is key.

Q4: Can I substitute the bread for something gluten-free?
Definitely! I’ve used gluten-free bread cubes with great success. Just make sure the bread isn’t too fresh and soft, or it might turn mushy in the overnight bake. Some readers have also had luck with cornbread cubes for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Q5: How do I keep my Christmas Breakfast Casserole from getting soggy?
The trick I’ve learned is to toast your bread cubes lightly before assembling. This helps them hold onto the custard without becoming a soggy mess. Also, be mindful not to pour too much custard over the bread. The perfect balance is key!

Q6: Can I add vegetables to my Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
Absolutely! I like adding onions and bell peppers, but spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great, too. Just sauté your veggies first to remove some moisture—this prevents your casserole from turning watery.

Q7: What if I don’t eat cheese or want a dairy-free Christmas Breakfast Casserole?
No problem, friend! I’ve made this recipe with dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and dairy-free cheese substitutes. While the flavor profile shifts a bit, the casserole still comes out hearty and festive.

For a bit more inspiration and answers straight from kitchen pros, check out this My Famous Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole – a tradition in my home for almost—they cover some staples and variations that folks love.

My Final Thoughts on This Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole holds a very special place in my heart because it’s more than just food—it’s a tradition, a warm gathering, and a way to make busy holiday mornings feel manageable and joyful. Whenever this casserole is baking, it signals that the day is starting with love and deliciousness, and that’s a feeling I want to share with everyone.

My Christmas Breakfast Casserole Pro Tips:
• Use day-old bread to get that perfect custardy texture without sogginess.
• Brown your sausage well to build rich flavor; don’t skip this step.
• Prep the night before—it saves so much morning stress and makes it an easy Christmas morning recipe.

We’ve tried quite a few variations over the years. For example, my husband loves the classic sausage and egg casserole version, while my daughter prefers when I sneak in some spinach and swap cheddar for pepper jack for a little extra color and zip. We even made a bacon and mushroom holiday breakfast casserole once, which was a hit with friends.

I encourage you to make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole your own holiday tradition. Tweak the ingredients, add your favorite spices, or swap proteins until it feels just right for your family. My hope is that it brings you the same comfort and happiness as it has brought mine.

If you want more cozy casseroles for your table, try my Broccoli Cheese Casserole or the linked Southern Squash Casserole above—both are perfect side companions to your Christmas Breakfast Casserole.

Finished Christmas Breakfast Casserole, golden and steaming, ready to serve and share

Here’s to joyful mornings, delicious bites, and meals shared with the people you love most. Happy cooking and Merry Christmas, dear friend!

Print

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a festive, hearty blend of eggs, sausage, and cheese baked to golden perfection, perfect for holiday mornings with family and friends.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups cubed French bread
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and sage.
  4. Add cubed bread, cooked sausage, bell peppers, green onions, and half of the cheddar cheese to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until eggs are set and top is golden brown.
  7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Serve with fresh fruit or a side of maple syrup.

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