Easy Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Waking up to a homemade Christmas breakfast casserole turns a holiday morning into a cozy, memorable experience. This recipe makes hosting easy by letting you prep everything ahead and relax while the oven does the work. Sausage, eggs, and cheese create classic comfort food that leaves you free to soak in the excitement and laughter around the tree.

I started making this casserole because I wanted my family’s favorite flavors on Christmas without missing out on the fun. Now it is such a tradition that my kids wake up asking if it’s ready before the gifts are unwrapped.

Ingredients

• Large eggs: provide richness and help the casserole set perfectly. Look for fresh eggs with bright yolks
• Breakfast sausage: adds a classic, savory flavor with comforting spice. Go for premium links or fresh ground for best taste
• Milk: brings creaminess and helps blend everything together. Whole milk gives the richest texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese: gives sharp flavor and melty comfort. Buy blocks and grate your own for fresher taste
• Canned biscuits: create a fluffy, hearty base. Use high-quality brands with visible layers
• Red or orange bell pepper: adds festive color and sweetness. Choose ones with firm skin and bright color
• Scallions: offer fresh oniony bite and a pop of green. Fresher scallions have crisp white ends
• Fine sea salt: enhances all the flavors in the dish. Use a clean, bright-tasting salt
• Day-old bread or biscuits: helps the casserole hold together better than fresh options

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sausage:

Cook breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles. Stir often and cook for about 7 minutes until nicely browned with no pink left. Drain off all excess grease so your casserole will not be oily

Prep the Veggies:

Dice bell pepper into small, even pieces and thinly slice scallions. If using other vegetables, pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole

Cube the Biscuits:

Cut canned biscuits into one inch cubes. If using bread, slice into even cubes. Spread them out on a baking sheet to dry out for one or two hours or lightly toast in the oven for better texture

Layer the Ingredients:

Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray. Scatter the biscuit or bread cubes evenly as the base. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and veggies evenly over the top. Finally, add shredded cheddar cheese in a generous, even layer so every bite has gooey cheese

Mix the Egg Custard:

In a big bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and fine sea salt until well combined and slightly frothy. Do not overbeat or the texture will be tough

Assemble and Rest:

Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over all the casserole layers. Gently press down with a spatula to help everything soak up the liquid. If making ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight

Bake:

If chilled, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. The top will be golden and the center should be set when lightly pressed. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving for easy cutting

Bookmark

My favorite bite always has a bit of extra browned cheese on the corners. The best memories are made while waiting around the table for the casserole to cool just enough to cut

Storage Tips

Leftover casserole keeps in the fridge for up to four days. Wrap it tightly or use an airtight container. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees until hot. For longer storage, cut into portions and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake to reheat

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out sausage for chopped ham, crisp bacon, turkey sausage, or a plant-based crumble. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread or hash browns. Use any cheese blend you like – Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Swiss all taste great. Toss in a handful of spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for more flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm slices with a fresh fruit salad, warm cinnamon rolls, or holiday pastries. For a true brunch spread, offer crispy hash browns or a green salad on the side. Garnish with more scallions or fresh chopped herbs for a pretty finish

Bookmark

Cultural and Holiday Background

Breakfast casseroles became popular because they are easy to feed a crowd and adaptable to family favorites. In the Midwest, church and holiday gatherings often start with a bubbly casserole just like this. For many families, this dish means Christmas morning and togetherness

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I assemble the casserole the night before?

Yes! Prepare the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight for easy morning baking. Let it warm up 30 minutes before baking.

→ What type of bread works best?

Choose from cubed day-old bread, canned biscuits, or King's Hawaiian rolls for different flavors and textures.

→ How can I avoid a soggy casserole?

Drain cooked meats and veggies well. Use stale bread, and avoid too much milk or wet ingredients in the mixture.

→ Can the casserole be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in gluten-free bread or use hash browns as the base to accommodate special dietary needs.

→ What other proteins can I use besides sausage?

Try bacon, turkey sausage, ham, or plant-based options for delicious variations and to suit different preferences.

→ How do I know when the dish is done?

Look for a golden top and set center. For best results, the internal temperature should reach at least 160°F.