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Ingredients for Christmas Breakfast Casserole
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. For this Christmas Breakfast Casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or vegetarian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% works best for a rich, creamy casserole)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh thyme if you have it)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
- 6 cups cubed bread (French bread, challah, or croissants work great)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Drain any excess fat, then set the sausage mixture aside.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and Dijon mustard (if using). This will be the creamy base that binds all the ingredients together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the bread: In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, arrange the cubed bread evenly on the bottom. You can use day-old bread, as it soaks up the egg mixture better, but fresh bread will work as well.
- Add the sausage: Evenly distribute the cooked sausage mixture over the bread cubes.
- Pour the egg mixture: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread and sausage layers, making sure all the bread is soaked.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, covering the casserole evenly.
Step 4: Chill (Optional, But Recommended)
If you’re making the casserole ahead of time, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive casserole. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake it right away, but the chilling step really adds to the texture.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you refrigerated the casserole overnight, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check the doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—the casserole should be firm and not runny.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or even a few extra sprigs of thyme for a festive touch. Slice it into squares and serve hot!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Breakfast Casserole
- Bread choice matters: The type of bread you use makes a big difference in texture. Sturdy breads like French bread or challah work best because they hold up to the egg mixture and create a soft, custard-like texture.
- Use a variety of cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can also use Swiss cheese, Gruyère, or a sharp blue cheese for a different twist.
- Add vegetables: For a more veggie-packed casserole, sauté some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the sausage. You can even add a bit of broccoli for some color and extra nutrition.
- Make it vegetarian: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a combination of both.
- Add some heat: If you like a little spice, you can stir in chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a bit of hot sauce into the egg mixture.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free bread variety to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Why This Christmas Breakfast Casserole Is Perfect for the Holidays
- Less Stress: Mornings can be hectic, especially on Christmas Day. Preparing the casserole the night before means you won’t have to rush around in the morning, and your kitchen will be much less chaotic.
- Feeds a Crowd: Whether you’re serving a few close family members or hosting a larger gathering, this casserole can easily feed a group and is filling enough to keep everyone satisfied for hours.
- Perfect for Brunch: If you’re having a holiday brunch, this casserole is the ideal centerpiece. It pairs well with fresh fruit, pastries, or a light salad.
- Budget-Friendly: This casserole is not only easy to make, but it’s also affordable. By using simple ingredients like eggs, sausage, bread, and cheese, you can create a dish that tastes amazing without breaking the bank.
Variations and Substitutions
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is incredibly flexible and can be customized to fit your family’s tastes:
- Sausage Substitute: If you’re not a fan of sausage, try using bacon, ham, or even chicken sausage.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, swap the sausage for a mix of sautéed vegetables, or try adding a layer of spinach and feta.
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a little cream cheese to the egg mixture for extra richness and creaminess.
Conclusion: A Christmas Morning Tradition
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a festive tradition that will bring joy to your family year after year. The combination of savory sausage, melty cheese, creamy eggs, and fluffy bread makes it the ultimate holiday breakfast. And because you can make it ahead of time, you’ll have more time to enjoy the magic of Christmas morning with your loved ones.
So next Christmas, take a break from the hustle and bustle and let this simple yet delicious casserole become your new go-to recipe. It’s sure to become a holiday favorite in your home—just like it has in ours!
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