A perfect Christmas morning starts with a warm, easy casserole.
INTRODUCTION
Christmas Breakfast Casserole brings warmth to the table. It is easy to make and feeds a crowd. You can make it the night before and just bake it in the morning. The dish uses eggs, cheese, bread or hash browns, and sausage or ham. It cooks into a soft, golden bake that kids and adults will eat. If you enjoy other holiday dishes, try a rich pasta side like holiday stuffed shells to make a full holiday buffet.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is simple and fast to prepare the night before. It needs little hands-on time. It is full of familiar flavors like egg, cheese, and savory meat. You can change the cheese or the meat to make it your own. It feeds many without fuss. It warms the kitchen and the heart. It pairs well with sweet treats and simple breads for a full holiday meal, such as easy Christmas cookies for a sweet finish.
HOW TO MAKE Christmas Breakfast Casserole
This casserole builds in layers. First you mix eggs and cheese. Then you add meat and bread or hash browns. You can add vegetables for color and flavor. Cover it and chill overnight. On Christmas morning, bake until it is set and golden. The steps below are easy to follow and give a consistent result. You can use a large baking dish so the center cooks evenly.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 9×13 inch baking dish or similar baking pan.
- Large mixing bowl.
- Whisk or fork.
- Knife and cutting board.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Aluminum foil or cling wrap for overnight chill.
- Oven mitts and serving spatula.
You can make small pans for a few people, or one large pan for a crowd. If you like to serve a side of hot sauce or salsa, set small bowls on the side. For a full holiday table adding savory bites is nice, such as cranberry meatballs as a quick snack while the bake cooks.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
eggs, cheese, sausage or ham, bread or hash browns, vegetables (optional), different cheeses (optional)
- Eggs — 8 to 12 large eggs depending on pan size.
- Cheese — 2 to 3 cups shredded cheddar, Swiss, or a mix.
- Sausage or ham — 1 to 2 pounds cooked and chopped.
- Bread or hash browns — 4 to 6 cups cubed bread or frozen hash browns.
- Vegetables (optional) — onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, lightly cooked.
- Different cheeses (optional) — try pepper jack, mozzarella, or Gruyere for a change.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Milk or cream — 1 to 2 cups for a creamier custard (optional).
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and cheese.
- Layer the sausage or ham at the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of bread or hash browns.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers.
- If desired, add vegetables and additional cheeses on top.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- On Christmas morning, bake uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve warm and enjoy with family and friends.
HOW TO SERVE Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Serve the casserole hot from the oven. Use a large spatula to cut squares. Offer hot sauce, ketchup, or fresh salsa on the side. A small bowl of sour cream or yogurt is nice for those who want a cool bite. Fresh fruit or a fruit salad brightens the plate. House-made coffee or hot cocoa makes this a full morning meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat single pieces in the microwave for a quick bite.
To freeze: bake the casserole fully, cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven until hot in the center. Or freeze the unbaked casserole after assembly and thaw in the fridge overnight before baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve with warm rolls or toast and a simple salad. Add a side of roasted potatoes or fresh fruit. For a full holiday spread, place this casserole with sweet pastries and other warm dishes. For dessert, a creamy pie works well; try a smooth custard pie like cinnamon vanilla custard pie for a smooth finish. Keep plates simple and let the hot casserole be the star.
VARIATIONS
- Meat variations: Use cooked bacon, ground breakfast sausage, or diced smoked ham.
- Cheese swaps: Try pepper jack for spice or Swiss for a nutty note.
- Veggie options: Sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, and onions work well. Add mushrooms for earthier flavor.
- Bread vs hash browns: Cubed day-old bread gives a custardy texture. Hash browns make it heartier and crispier on top.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or a dash of smoked paprika.
- Mini versions: Make in muffin tins for single-serve bites. Bake at the same temperature but reduce time to 18–22 minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use a dairy-free milk and dairy-free cheese. The texture will change but the bake will still hold.
Q: Can I use raw sausage?
A: It is safer to cook raw sausage first. Drain any excess fat before layering in the dish.
Q: How long can I keep the unbaked casserole in the fridge?
A: Keep it covered and chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. If you need more time, freeze the assembled dish.
Q: Can I add herbs?
A: Yes. Fresh parsley, chives, or thyme add a nice fresh note. Add herbs to the egg mix.
Q: Can kids help make this?
A: Yes. Kids can help whisk eggs, grate cheese, and layer bread. Keep sharp tools and hot items away from children.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Assemble the casserole the night before to save time on Christmas morning. Grease the pan, layer meat, bread, and pour the egg mix. Cover with foil and chill. In the morning, remove the foil and bake uncovered. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking so it sets and is easier to serve. If you freeze the unbaked casserole, move it to the fridge the night before to thaw gently. Label and date any frozen pans so you know when you made them.
Conclusion
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a simple, warm, and reliable start to a holiday morning. For more inspiration on casseroles and easy breakfast ideas, see Breakfast Casserole from Tastes Better From Scratch. If you want a make-ahead holiday version with helpful notes, check out Christmas Breakfast Casserole make-ahead from Lil’ Luna.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and cheese.
- Layer the sausage or ham at the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of bread or hash browns.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layers.
- If desired, add vegetables and additional cheeses on top.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- On Christmas morning, bake uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve warm and enjoy with family and friends.