Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe: Easy Make-Ahead Guide

Start your Christmas morning right with this make-ahead sausage casserole, perfect for feeding a holiday crowd with ease and flavor.

By Srija Burman

Aug 29, 2025

Start your Christmas morning right with this make-ahead sausage casserole, perfect for feeding a holiday crowd with ease and flavor.

Image: HearthJunction Design Team

Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole: A Beloved Holiday Tradition

There’s nothing quite like waking up on Christmas morning to the aroma of a hearty breakfast wafting from the kitchen. The Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole is a beloved classic, gracing holiday tables for generations. Its make-ahead convenience, comforting flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a staple for families celebrating together. Whether you’re hosting a bustling morning gathering or seeking an effortless holiday brunch, this casserole delivers warmth, ease, and satisfaction with every bite.

Why Choose a Breakfast Casserole for Christmas?

The holiday season is often packed with festivities and family activities. On Christmas morning, the last thing anyone wants is to be stuck in the kitchen preparing an elaborate meal. A breakfast casserole is the ultimate solution—a hearty, all-in-one dish you assemble the night before and simply bake on Christmas morning. This allows you to savor precious moments with your loved ones while still serving up a delicious, filling breakfast.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the casserole the night before and bake in the morning.
Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for large families and holiday gatherings.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with favorite cheeses, breads, or vegetables.
Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein and flavorful ingredients to power your morning.

Ingredients for Classic Sausage Breakfast Casserole

This classic recipe combines simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a savory and satisfying breakfast dish:

1 pound ground pork sausage
10 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 teaspoon salt
6 slices of day-old bread, cubed
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Optional additions: Chopped onions, bell peppers, spinach, or a pinch of black pepper for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until fully browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Prepare Bread Cubes: Cut day-old bread into bite-sized cubes. If bread is fresh, lightly toast it for a firmer texture in the casserole.
Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard powder, and salt until fully combined.
Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the bread cubes evenly. Top with the cooked sausage and then sprinkle over the shredded cheese.
Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring even coverage. Gently press down on the bread to allow it to soak up the liquid.
Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours) to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb the custard.
Bake in the Morning: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Sausage Casserole

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread holds its shape and soaks up the custard best, preventing a soggy casserole.
Cheese Choices: Cheddar is classic, but you can substitute Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a different twist.
Sausage Varieties: Try spicy Italian, turkey, or even plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach add flavor and nutrition.
Let Casserole Rest: After baking, allow casserole to set for 10 minutes to make slicing easier and neater.
Test for Doneness: The casserole is ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is nicely browned.

Storage and Make-Ahead Suggestions

Overnight Prep: Assembling the casserole the night before is key for flavor and convenience.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole, tightly wrapped, for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can easily customize it or serve it with complementary sides for a complete holiday breakfast spread:

Fresh fruit salad
Hash browns or home fries
Freshly baked muffins
Hot sauce or salsa for a kick
Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa

Popular Casserole Variations

Variation	Main Additions	Flavor Profile
Vegetarian	Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers	Hearty, earthy, and fresh
Southwestern	Chorizo, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese	Spicy and bold
Hashbrown Casserole	Hashbrowns instead of bread	Crispy, potato-forward
Gluten-Free	GF bread or omit bread, add more vegetables	Light and nutritious

Nutrition Facts

This classic breakfast casserole is a rich source of protein and calcium, but like many holiday dishes, it is also hearty in terms of calories and sodium. Here’s a sample nutrition breakdown for a typical serving (values are approximate):

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 20g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sodium: 880mg
Calcium: 220mg

Note: Nutrition values will vary based on specific brands and ingredient swaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I assemble the casserole more than one day in advance?

It’s best to assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole and thaw overnight before baking.

How can I make the casserole vegetarian?

Substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and peppers for a hearty vegetarian dish.

What type of bread works best?

Day-old white sandwich bread, French bread, or brioche are excellent options. Avoid very dense or overly crusty breads for best texture.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount or variety of cheese for a richer, cheesier casserole.

Why does the casserole need to rest after baking?

Letting the casserole rest helps it set, making slicing easier and allowing flavors to further meld.

Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Holiday Breakfast

Delegate: Ask guests to bring fruit, coffee, or baked goods to complement the casserole.
Prep Ahead: Set the table and prepare beverages the night before.
Use Disposables: For large gatherings, consider festive disposable plates for easier cleanup.
Stay Flexible: This casserole is forgiving—add a little more bread, a little less cheese, or an extra egg to suit your needs.

What Makes This Casserole Special?

The Christmas breakfast sausage casserole stands out for its comforting, familiar flavors and its ability to bring people together. The combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, melty cheese, and soft bread creates a dish that is more than just food—it’s a holiday memory in the making. This easy, no-fuss recipe allows hosts to enjoy the festivities without sacrificing a delicious breakfast.

Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this casserole is sure to bring joy to your table year after year. Happy holidays and bon appétit!

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman