Go Back
Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead solution for joyous holiday mornings, transforming your festive gatherings from chaotic to calm. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a standout dish, perfect for feeding a crowd without the pre-dawn prep stress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage browned and crumbled
  • 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced ham or cooked bacon Optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Medium Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the 1-inch cubes of French bread.
    1 loaf (1 pound) French bread
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and add the crumbled sausage to the bowl with the bread. If using, add the optional diced ham or cooked bacon at this stage.
    1 pound breakfast sausage, 1/2 cup diced ham or cooked bacon, 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread
  3. In the same skillet (no need to wash), add a splash of oil if needed and sauté the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add these sautéed vegetables to the bread and sausage mixture.
    1 medium onion, 1 pound breakfast sausage, 1/2 cup diced ham or cooked bacon, 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread
  4. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the bread, sausage, and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine.
    1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 pound breakfast sausage, 1 medium onion, 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread
  5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
    8 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  6. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread, sausage, and vegetable mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
    8 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 1 pound breakfast sausage, 1 medium onion, 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread
  7. For best results and a more infused flavor, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture thoroughly.
  8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you chilled the casserole overnight, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to bring it closer to room temperature.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
    1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  10. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown and puffed. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
  11. Let the Christmas Breakfast Casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set completely.

Notes

This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for best results.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat refrigerated casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.