Wake up to a truly magical Christmas morning with this incredible christmas egg casserole recipe! Imagine a festive holiday breakfast ready to bake, letting you focus on family and gifts. This savory, easy make-ahead egg casserole combines fluffy eggs, flavorful sausage, gooey cheese, and soft bread into one perfect dish. Prepare it the night before for a stress-free Christmas morning feast.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Egg Casserole
- Effortless Holiday Morning: Prepare this delicious make-ahead Christmas egg casserole recipe the night before, saving valuable time on Christmas Day.
- Delicious Savory Flavors: A harmonious blend of sausage, eggs, and cheese creates a satisfying, crowd-pleasing taste.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences, from meats to cheeses.
- Hearty and Filling: This casserole is a substantial breakfast, providing a perfect, energizing start to your Christmas celebration.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find all the necessary items readily available at your local grocery store, making it budget-friendly.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this delightful christmas egg casserole recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a rich, flavorful, and satisfying breakfast.
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 1- 1½ cups half and half
- 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Notes & Substitutions
- Sausage: Feel free to use mild, spicy, or even maple pork sausage. Cubed ham or cooked, crumbled bacon also make excellent alternatives for this
holiday egg bake. - Dairy: If you prefer, whole milk can replace half-and-half for a slightly lighter consistency in your
Christmas breakfast casserole. - Bread: Stale bread works wonderfully. You can also use French bread, brioche, or challah for a richer texture. Ensure it’s cubed for even distribution.
- Cheese: Experiment with Swiss, mozzarella, or Colby Jack cheese. A blend of cheeses can add depth to your
make-ahead egg casserole for Christmas. - Flavor Boosts: Enhance the savory profile with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika stirred into the egg mixture.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to create this fantastic festive egg bake. Most kitchens already have these essentials ready to go.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your amazing christmas egg casserole recipe. Our straightforward guide ensures a perfect result every time, making it easy for beginners.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly. Set it aside, ready for the casserole mixture.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat. Brown it completely, then drain off any excess grease. This prevents a greasy casserole.
- Combine Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the salt, beaten eggs, and half-and-half until well combined. This forms the creamy base for your
savory Christmas casserole. - Add Solids: Stir the cooked sausage, toasted bread cubes, and shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. This even distribution helps prevent soggy spots.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, improving texture.
The USDA provides guidance on safe food handling practices for make-ahead meals, especially when freezing casseroles.
- Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Initial Bake: Bake the casserole, still covered with foil, for 50-60 minutes. The foil helps steam and cook the eggs gently without browning too quickly.
- Final Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Uncover the casserole and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. Continue baking until the casserole has set in the center and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering your Christmas egg casserole recipe is simple with these helpful hints. Avoid common pitfalls and ensure a delicious outcome.
- Prevent Soggy Casserole: Always use slightly stale or toasted bread. This prevents it from becoming mushy once it absorbs the egg mixture overnight.
- Achieve Perfect Texture: Don’t overbake your casserole. It should be set in the center, not wobbly. Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery texture.
- Even Cooking: Distribute the sausage, bread, and cheese uniformly in the dish. This ensures every bite is balanced and the casserole cooks through evenly.
- Avoid Dryness: Ensure you use enough liquid, specifically the half-and-half, so the bread cubes are adequately absorbed. This contributes to a moist and tender result.
- Golden Top: Uncover the casserole for the last portion of baking. This allows the cheese to melt and bubble, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Enjoying your amazing Christmas egg casserole recipe extends beyond baking. Learn how to serve it, store leftovers, and even create new flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty casserole with a vibrant fruit salad, refreshing mimosas, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Offer it alongside sweeter breakfast options like cinnamon rolls or pancakes for a balanced spread.
- Garnish the baked casserole with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover portions of your Christmas breakfast casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For information on safe food storage, including how long perishable foods like casseroles can be left at room temperature, refer to the USDA’s food safety guidelines.
- Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.
- Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble the casserole, then cover it very tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- Freezing (Baked): Once baked and cooled, portion the casserole into individual servings. Wrap each portion tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or oven.
Variations
- Different Meats: Experiment with crumbled bacon, finely cubed ham, or lean turkey sausage. Each adds a unique flavor to your
festive egg bake. - Add Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, sweet onions, fresh spinach, or sliced mushrooms can add color and nutrients. Cook them before adding to the mixture.
- Cheese Blends: Try combining Swiss, provolone, or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheesy experience. A mix of sharp and mild cheeses is delightful.
- Spice it Up: For a kick, include diced jalapeños (deseeded for less heat) or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the egg mixture.
- Herbs: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, or a teaspoon of dried oregano for an aromatic boost. These herbs pair wonderfully with eggs and sausage.
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, estimated for 12 servings)
Please note: Nutritional facts are estimates only and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information is for general guidance.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Total Carbs | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 17g |
FAQ
- Can I prepare this casserole entirely in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the
christmas egg casserole recipeup to 24 hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate it overnight. - What kind of bread is best to use? Slightly stale white bread is ideal, as it absorbs the egg mixture well without becoming mushy. You can also toast fresh bread lightly.
- How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer wobbly. An inserted knife or toothpick should come out clean.
- Can I use other types of meat or make it vegetarian? Yes, feel free to substitute with cooked ham, bacon, or turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra vegetables.
- How long does this casserole last in the fridge/freezer? It lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. You can freeze an unbaked casserole for 1-2 months, or baked individual portions for 2-3 months.
Conclusion
This make-ahead christmas egg casserole recipe is truly a holiday game-changer, promising both convenience and mouth-watering flavors. Imagine waking up to the aroma of a delicious, hearty breakfast, all without the morning rush. It’s the perfect solution for a festive, hassle-free Christmas breakfast that everyone will adore. Make this beloved make-ahead Christmas egg casserole recipe a new tradition in your home. Share your comments and creative variations below – we love hearing your ideas!
