This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a cozy blend of eggs, cheese, and sausage, all baked together to create a warm and filling dish. It’s perfect for sharing with family!
You can prepare it the night before, which means less stress in the morning. Just imagine waking up to the smell of this delicious casserole—talk about a holiday treat!
I love how it brings everyone together at the table. Plus, leftovers make a great brunch, if there are any left! Try adding your favorite veggies to mix things up. 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: The star of the casserole! They provide structure and a wonderful richness. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try swapping in silken tofu blended until smooth or use egg substitutes designed for baking.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but you can use lower-fat milk or a nondairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk. Keep in mind that cream will make it even richer if you’re treating yourself!
Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns save time and effort, but you can use fresh potatoes. Just dice them into small cubes, boil briefly, and let them cool before adding to the mixture. You could also try tater tots for a fun twist!
Sausage: Breakfast sausage adds flavor, but diced ham or bacon is great too. For a lighter variant, use turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage if you want a meatless dish.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can mix it up! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds a nice twist. For a lighter option, use a reduced-fat cheese or skip it altogether if preferred.
What’s the Best Way to Bake a Casserole Evenly?
Baking a casserole evenly is key for consistent texture. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven fully to ensure the dish starts cooking immediately.
- Use a shallow baking dish to promote even cooking. The 9×13-inch dish is perfect!
- Position it in the center of the oven—this allows for optimal heat circulation.
- Check for doneness after 45 minutes. If the top isn’t set or golden, continue baking, checking every 5 minutes.
If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking.
Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (or chopped ham or bacon)
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful breakfast casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 to 55 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 10 minutes to have this delicious dish ready to serve. You can even prepare it the night before to save time on Christmas morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking later on.
2. Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, crack the 8 eggs and add 2 cups of whole milk or half-and-half. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or the fresh chopped parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and frothy.
3. Combine Ingredients
Next, add in the thawed hash browns, 1 cup of crumbled cooked sausage, 1 cup of diced red bell pepper, 3 chopped green onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir the mixture until everything is evenly mixed and coated with the egg mixture.
4. Pour and Top
Pour the delicious mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top for that extra yummy layer!
5. Bake it Up!
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is set in the middle and the top is a lovely golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing it up and serving warm. Gather your family around and enjoy this festive breakfast treat together!
This hearty, festive casserole brings colorful red and green bell peppers and green onions for a Christmas touch, with savory sausage and bacon adding delicious flavor. The eggs and cheese bind everything into a moist, fluffy dish perfect for holiday mornings!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking it straight from the fridge the next morning.
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Yes, feel free to customize! You can use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, and switch out the sausage for ham or crispy bacon. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra veggies!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it gently in the oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole! Assemble it but do not bake. Cover it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake it as per the instructions when you’re ready to enjoy it.