Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Holiday comfort food made easy…

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While many enjoy something sweet on Christmas morning, this savory bread pudding is packed with golden brown goodness to start your holiday on the right foot. It’s also hearty enough to keep your kids from getting a sugar crash later in the day. Based on an old family recipe, this casserole is as easy to prepare as it is to eat, and can even be something you make with everyone at home.

While my childhood Christmases often had sweets like coffee cake or doughnuts, as I got older, my mom would incorporate more savory egg dishes like this one. It makes a great complement to the sweeter sides, and makes a great main for any brunch – whether it’s a holiday or not. Your family is sure to enjoy it, with happy full bellies all morning.

Is Christmas Breakfast Casserole Healthy?

What sets this casserole apart is not only that it’s savory, but full of protein, providing a lot of sustainable energy for your Christmas crew.

That being said, some might desire to lower the fat content, and there are some easy ways to do that. For a leaner meat option, swap pork for turkey sausage, which also might give it a more herbaceous flavor. I highly recommend getting your dairy, cage-free eggs, and organic meat at a local farmers market if possible.

Lastly, use gluten-free bread instead of regular if necessary. Overall, this meal is meant to be filling and energizing, and getting the best quality ingredients for your needs will make it even better.

Elevate Your Casserole to ‘Restaurant Status’…

Here are a few tricks to enriching and elevating your casserole to the next level… First, if you’re looking for a creamier, more decadent taste, use half and half instead of whole milk. Second, try using day-old croissant pieces instead of regular bread; this will make it fluffy, flaky, and abundant with flavor. Lastly, play with the seasonings and the kinds of cheese you use. While this recipe calls for cheddar for its sharp flavor, you could put a Mediterranean twist on it by using feta. On that note, another great way to amplify the flavor and nutrition of this dish is by tossing in a cup each of broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, onions, or another vibrant veggie that you like.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground pork sausage
6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
6 slices day-old bread, cubed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

INSTRUCTIONS

Layer

Spread bread and sausage in a baking dish.

Whisk

Combine eggs, milk, and seasonings; add cheese.

Bake

Refrigerate, then bake until golden and set.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

This casserole can be made ahead, covered, and stored in the fridge overnight. Once cooked, I recommend serving it within the next few days. When reheating, place in an oven-safe dish and bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.

Does It Have to Be Refrigerated?

Before baking, this recipe calls for refrigeration for 2 hours or overnight because it allows the liquid to be absorbed into the bread; creating that salty, creamy bread pudding we all know and love. Keep in mind that it must be cooked the next day, once everything is assembled.

How do I prevent sogginess?

If you’re using veggies in the casserole, make sure to precook them lightly on the stove before tossing into the mix, and draining any extra juices. Similarly, with the sausage, make sure to drain the grease from the meat before adding it. Both these steps should ensure the dish’s integrity.

Serving Suggestions

As a sweet side to this savory casserole, Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes are festive, warm, and delicious.

For an even sweeter (and lighter) option, Fruit Soup is a unique and fun way to get your daily servings of fiber and natural sugars that balance out this hearty dish well. Whether you go sweeter or saltier, your Christmas breakfast is sure to be a delectable one.