Ah, Christmas morning! There’s just something magical about it, isn’t there? The smell of pine from the tree, the excitement in the air, and of course, the promise of a cozy breakfast with loved ones. That’s where my *christmas breakfast casserole* comes in! It’s my go-to dish that brings everyone together around the table, full of warmth and cheer. Imagine layers of bread, savory sausage, and gooey cheese baked to perfection. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delicious tradition that kicks off the day with smiles and happy tummies. Trust me, you’ll want this on your holiday table!
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful *christmas breakfast casserole*, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
Make sure your sausage is nice and crumbled for even mixing, and don’t skimp on the cheese—it’s what makes this casserole ooey-gooey delicious! Gather these simple ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare the Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the deliciousness! This *christmas breakfast casserole* is a breeze to prepare, and trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone gathering around in no time. Follow along, and don’t worry if you make a little mess—cooking is all about having fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for getting that perfect golden finish!
- Next, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and start layering. Begin with the cubed bread, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This is the cozy base of your casserole!
- Now it’s time to sprinkle the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage over the bread. Make sure it’s distributed well so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Next, let’s add the star of the show—sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the sausage. Oh, the melty goodness!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. This mixture is going to bring everything together.
- Carefully pour this egg mixture over the layered bread, sausage, and cheese. Make sure to cover everything well!
- Now, here’s a little tip: cover your dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or even overnight. This lets the bread soak up all those flavors.
- When you’re ready, uncover the dish and bake it in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s set and has that beautiful golden color. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells irresistible!
After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will be beyond excited to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy family breakfast.
- Loaded with savory flavors from the sausage and melty cheese.
- Easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can enjoy Christmas morning stress-free.
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
- The comforting aroma fills your home, setting the perfect festive mood.
- It’s a delicious way to start the holiday with loved ones around the table!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to make your *christmas breakfast casserole* a total success! First, don’t rush the soaking time—letting the casserole sit in the fridge overnight really enhances the flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different types of bread, like sourdough or brioche, for an extra twist. Also, feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for added nutrition and color. And remember, let it cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing; this helps it set perfectly! Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values for one slice of my *christmas breakfast casserole*: about 300 calories, 20g of fat, 15g of protein, and 18g of carbohydrates. It also contains around 600mg of sodium and 2g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Can I make the Christmas breakfast casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the sausage and consider adding some delicious veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to keep it hearty and flavorful.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven!
Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes! In fact, I recommend it. Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and let it soak in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor.
What type of bread works best?
I love using white or whole wheat bread, but you can get creative with sourdough or even croissants for a unique twist!
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can! Just assemble it but don’t bake; cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your *christmas breakfast casserole* experience, I love serving it alongside fresh fruit, like a vibrant fruit salad or juicy slices of melon. It adds a refreshing contrast and a splash of color to your table! You could also whip up a batch of fluffy pancakes or golden waffles drizzled with maple syrup for that extra indulgence. And don’t forget a warm beverage—whether it’s rich hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a comforting coffee blend, they all complement the casserole beautifully. Trust me, these pairings will make your Christmas breakfast feel like a festive feast!
Print
Christmas Breakfast Casserole: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and festive breakfast casserole perfect for Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer the cubed bread.
- Spread the cooked sausage over the bread.
- Sprinkle cheese on top of the sausage.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, sausage, and cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until set and golden.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: christmas breakfast casserole
