Name: Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork sausage; 6 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded; 6 slices day-old bread cubed

There’s something about waking up to the warm, cozy aroma of baked sausage and cheese that just feels like Christmas morning. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is my go-to for holiday mornings because it’s hearty, comforting, and honestly, a total crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it your own festive tradition.

A wooden spoon holds a thick slice of a layered baked dish with a golden crust. The top layer has browned, chunky pieces of sausage with a rough texture. Beneath this is a soft, yellow layer that looks like cooked egg mixed with chunks of fluffy bread, which are light brown on the edges and creamy inside. The slice is lifted above a glass baking dish filled with the same baked casserole, showing similar uneven layers of sausage, melted cheese, and bread pieces in a creamy yellow base. Everything sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred glass of orange juice and some blueberries in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it blends simple ingredients into something surprisingly festive and filling. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with warmth and gets everyone excited for the day.

Make-ahead magic: Mix it up the night before, so you’ve got literally zero stress on Christmas morning.
Simple ingredients: No fancy shopping required—just pantry staples that come together into something special.
Family-friendly flavors: Mild but rich, it hits that sweet spot everyone enjoys from kids to grandparents.
Versatile and forgiving: Don’t worry about exact measurements—there’s room to tweak it to your tastes and what you have around.

A rectangular clear glass baking dish holds a layered casserole placed on a round wooden board over a white marbled surface. The casserole's top layer is a mix of melted yellow and light golden cheese with crispy, browned bits scattered evenly. Underneath, chunks of light golden toasted bread and browned sausage pieces are visible, creating a textured and uneven surface that hints at multiple layers of bread and cooked sausage inside. Near the dish, there is a glass of orange juice, a white bowl filled with blueberries, two eggs, salt and pepper shakers, and a wooden spatula resting on a checkered cloth with green, white, and red squares. The scene is bright and clean, showing a homemade breakfast dish ready to be served photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect breakfast bake—rich, savory, and a little comforting in the best way. Here’s why these come together so nicely and a couple of tips when you’re shopping or prepping.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh raw ground pork sausage, six whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a small white bowl with bright yellow dry mustard powder, a small white bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with cracked black pepper, six rustic day-old bread cubes arranged neatly, and a small white bowl heaped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground pork sausage: Gives a hearty, savory punch with just enough fat to keep the casserole moist and flavorful. I prefer bulk sausage without casings for easy browning.
Eggs: The backbone of the custard that binds everything together—look for fresh, large eggs for a fluffy texture.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard and helps it set just right without drying out.
Dry mustard: Just a hint of tang that wakes up the flavors without overwhelming anything.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing every component to life; taste your custard mixture before baking!
Day-old bread: Cubed bread soaks up the egg mixture perfectly. Stale bread works best here—it won’t get soggy but will hold just enough moisture.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty richness that ties the sausage and custard together. I love using freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is—you can tweak it based on what you have or how festive you want to get. Over the years, I’ve tried different add-ins and found some favorites that keep things interesting.

Meat swaps: Sometimes I use breakfast sausage links or crumbled bacon instead of ground pork for a smokier taste — it’s just as delicious.
Cheese variations: Switching cheddar for pepper jack or adding some mozzarella can change the vibe without losing the cheesy goodness.
Veggie upgrades: For a pop of color, I toss in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms—just cook them first to avoid extra moisture.
Make it vegetarian: Leave out the sausage and use a bit of smoked paprika and extra cheese for flavor — just as tasty without the meat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Base with Bread Cubes

Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish really well—that way, nothing sticks and clean-up’s easy. Then spread your cubed, day-old bread evenly across the bottom. I like to use slightly stale sandwich bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces so it soaks up the egg mixture perfectly without turning mushy.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Cook the ground pork sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully browned, breaking it up into nice crumbles as you go. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat—too much grease will weigh down your casserole and make it greasy. Spread the sausage over the bread layer in the baking dish evenly.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until everything is combined and smooth. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese so it’s evenly distributed—this cheese loves to melt right into the custard as it bakes.

Step 4: Combine and Soak

Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the sausage and bread. Use a fork to gently press down, making sure the bread cubes soak up the custard and sausage juices to create a cohesive bake. This step helps avoid dry edges and keeps every bite tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Chill Overnight (or At Least 2 Hours)

Cover your casserole with foil and pop it in the fridge overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours. This resting time lets the bread soak fully and the flavors mingle, which is a total game changer for texture and taste.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. The top should be golden and the center set—not wobbly. Let it sit 10 minutes after baking so it firms up a bit for perfect slicing.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe truly shine. These tips save time and make sure your casserole comes out perfectly every time.

Use stale bread: Fresh bread can make the casserole soggy; stale bread soaks just the right amount of custard and holds its shape.
Don’t skip the rest time: Letting it chill overnight creates a creamier texture and enhances flavor meld—patience pays off!
Drain cooked sausage well: This avoids excess grease pooling at the bottom and keeps your casserole rich but not oily.
Cover with foil while baking: It traps moisture and ensures the casserole cooks evenly and gently, preventing the top from burning before the center is set.

How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Christmas breakfast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving—it brightens up the whole dish and adds a little color contrast that makes it pop on the plate. A light dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can be fun options too, depending on your crowd.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad to cut through the rich flavors, and sometimes we add a side of roasted breakfast potatoes or simple cinnamon-spiced apples for that festive touch. Hot coffee or spiced tea are a no-brainer to have on hand.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins for pretty single servings or sprinkle some pomegranate seeds on top for a festive burst of color and flavor. You could also serve it buffet-style with small utensil tongs so guests can serve themselves easily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’s great for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover portions successfully by wrapping them well in foil and then placing in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—it’s a perfect surprise breakfast on a busy morning.

Reheating

I warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until heated through to avoid drying. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make it a bit rubbery—oven reheating keeps the texture closest to fresh-baked.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for the casserole?

Absolutely! While day-old white sandwich bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard without getting soggy, you can experiment with whole wheat, sourdough, or even brioche for a richer flavor. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale so it holds up during baking.

Can I prepare this casserole on the morning of Christmas?

You can prepare and bake it on the morning of, but it really shines when assembled the night before and allowed to soak overnight. This resting step makes the texture creamier and the flavors deeper, plus it cuts down on morning prep stress — a total win when you have guests.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

The best method is reheating leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F covered loosely with foil. This helps heat the casserole evenly and retains moisture. Microwaving works for quick reheats but can sometimes make the texture less ideal.

Can I add vegetables to this Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe?

Yes! Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach is a great way to sneak in some greens. Just be sure to cook them beforehand to remove excess moisture, so your casserole bakes up perfectly without getting watery.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe has become my go-to for holiday mornings not just because it’s delicious, but because it brings the family together around a warm, newly baked dish with minimal morning fuss. I really hope you give it a try and it finds a cozy spot in your own holiday traditions—there’s something special about sharing a simple, hearty breakfast that tastes like comfort and celebration all at once.