It isn’t Christmas morning without Christmas morning breakfast casserole in our house. My mom discovered a similar recipe when I was growing up, and over the years, it’s morphed into this version as I’ve taken on hosting duties. Not everything about the holidays is easy, but this recipe is. Seriously, it’s one of the easiest Christmas traditions we’ve ever had. The best part? It’s a make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s perfect for busy mornings. Here’s my go-to Christmas breakfast casserole recipe that our whole family loves!
Make Memories with my Christmas Morning Casserole
For as long as I can remember, Christmas morning breakfast has included this hearty cheese strata recipe. Of course when I was growing up we didn’t call it a strata- my mom used simple ingredients like old slices of bread and called it sausage breakfast casserole. Over the years, we eventually just started calling it our Christmas casserole. Food is such a big part of my holiday memories. I barely recall what presents I received as a kid, but I’ll never forget the taste of this delicious breakfast.
Now that I host Christmas morning breakfast, I’ve put my own spin on the original recipe. It’s still easy to prepare and brings the whole family together. We enjoy this perfect breakfast casserole while sipping hot chocolate or hot cocoa, diving into our stockings, and starting the day off with smiles.
This dish is particularly meaningful now, as I strive to carry on traditions from my mom. Keeping these traditions alive helps me honor her and create new memories with my family.
This Recipe is Perfect for Christmas Morning, but can be Made any Day of the Year!
Not everything about the holidays needs to be complicated, and this casserole is proof. With just a few main ingredients—bread, eggs, cheese, and sausage—you can create a savory dish that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare. It’s ideal for holiday breakfast because:
- It can be prepped the night before, making it an overnight breakfast casserole.
- It’s a family favorite that pleases even picky eaters.
- It pairs perfectly with other holiday staples like fruit salad or cinnamon rolls.
If you’re juggling busy mornings during the holidays, this casserole is a lifesaver. It gives you more time to focus on what matters: enjoying your family, unwrapping gifts, and savoring the magic of Christmas day.
How to Make the Perfect Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole
While you can swap out different cheeses and breakfast meats, I’ve found that the best combination is aged cheddar with sage sausage over French bread.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 8 eggs
- 1/2 C. milk
- 1 C. shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb. of sage breakfast sausage
Instructions
- Butter your baking dish.
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, drain.
- Break French bread into bite size pieces and layer in baking dish.
- Sprinkle sausage over the bread.
- Whip the eggs and milk, pour over bread and sausage.
- Add cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake for 35 minutes (or until eggs set) on 350 degrees.
You can enjoy this dish any time of the year, but it will always make me think of Christmas.
Variations for Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole
One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some great ideas to try:
- Swap the breakfast sausage for turkey sausage, Chorizo sausage or crumbled bacon for a lighter option.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like gruyere or pepper jack cheese, to add unique flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the white bread with gluten-free breads.
- Serve it alongside fresh fruits or fruit salad for a balanced holiday breakfast.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture or sprinkling on herbs like parsley for a gourmet touch.
What to Serve with Breakfast Casserole
While the casserole is the star of the show, pairing it with complementary dishes elevates the experience. Here’s what I recommend:
- A steaming mug of hot chocolate or hot cocoa for a cozy vibe.
- Sweet treats like cinnamon rolls or homemade monkey bread to balance the savory flavors.
- A platter of fresh fruits for a light, refreshing contrast.
For those who love a hearty casserole but want variety, this dish is perfect to share alongside other delicious casseroles or savory dishes at a brunch spread
Pro Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole for Christmas Morning
Here are a few tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Prepare the egg casserole on Christmas Eve- this gives the bread extra time to soak up all the egg.
- Use an airtight container if you plan to store leftovers; they’ll stay fresh for a long time.
- If you’re making this as a make-ahead breakfast casserole, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese! A little extra cheese on top creates a golden, gooey finish that everyone loves.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
This casserole has become synonymous with Christmas morning breakfast in our home. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories. Whether you stick to the original recipe or put your own spin on it, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope this casserole brings joy, warmth, and a full belly to your whole family.
What’s your favorite Christmas morning breakfast tradition? Let me know in the comments below. And if you try this easy breakfast casserole recipe, don’t forget to share your results.
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Love this casserole. We usually serve it on Easter morning, because on Christmas morning everyone is too excited to sit down for a meal. :)
Good idea to do it on Easter! I may have to copy you.
We want to make Christmas breakfast a tradition in our new home (recently married and a baby), and I’ve been looking everywhere tried and true casserole. This looks delish!
Please let me know how it turns out!
This looks like the one we make every Christmas too. I usually only make it at Christmas so it’s extra special to the kids. They ask for it every year!
This would be great w/ some red and green peppers for Christmas color!
What a great idea!