Name: Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork sausage; 6 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded; 6 slices day-old bread cubed

There’s something so comforting about gathering around the table to share a warm, hearty meal, especially during the holidays. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is exactly that—filled with savory sausage, melty cheese, and soft bread soaking up all those delicious flavors. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that makes your Christmas morning feel cozy and special without lots of fuss.

A wooden spoon holds a thick slice of a layered baked dish with a golden crust. The top layer has browned, chunky pieces of sausage with a rough texture. Beneath this is a soft, yellow layer that looks like cooked egg mixed with chunks of fluffy bread, which are light brown on the edges and creamy inside. The slice is lifted above a glass baking dish filled with the same baked casserole, showing similar uneven layers of sausage, melted cheese, and bread pieces in a creamy yellow base. Everything sits on a white marbled surface, with a blurred glass of orange juice and some blueberries in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making this casserole because it takes very little effort but tastes like a festive feast. Christmas mornings can be hectic, but this dish lets you prep ahead and relax knowing a delicious meal is ready to go. Plus, the combination of sausage and sharp cheddar cheese is just unbeatable.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it the night before, making your morning super easy and stress-free.
Comfort Food Classic: The savory sausage and cheesy bread combo hits all the right cozy breakfast notes.
Feeds a Crowd: It’s perfect for family gatherings—big enough to serve 8 hungry people.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite cheeses or add veggies for a personal touch.

A rectangular clear glass baking dish holds a layered casserole placed on a round wooden board over a white marbled surface. The casserole's top layer is a mix of melted yellow and light golden cheese with crispy, browned bits scattered evenly. Underneath, chunks of light golden toasted bread and browned sausage pieces are visible, creating a textured and uneven surface that hints at multiple layers of bread and cooked sausage inside. Near the dish, there is a glass of orange juice, a white bowl filled with blueberries, two eggs, salt and pepper shakers, and a wooden spatula resting on a checkered cloth with green, white, and red squares. The scene is bright and clean, showing a homemade breakfast dish ready to be served photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe plays a star role. The rich sausage adds meaty flavor, eggs bind everything into a luscious custard, and the bread absorbs all those juices perfectly. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you shop smart and understand why each ingredient shines.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh raw ground pork sausage, six whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a small white bowl with bright yellow dry mustard powder, a small white bowl containing coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with cracked black pepper, six rustic day-old bread cubes arranged neatly, and a small white bowl heaped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground pork sausage: Look for a good-quality bulk sausage with a nice balance of seasoning; it’s the meaty backbone of this dish.
Large eggs: These are key for that silky, custardy texture that holds the casserole together.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Dry mustard: Just a sprinkle amps up the flavor without being spicy or harsh.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the savory notes without being too salty.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, for a mild kick that brightens the dish.
Day-old bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mixture really well — fresh bread might get mushy.
Sharp cheddar cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds just the right tang to balance the sausage.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite parts about this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe is how you can really make it your own. I often swap in pepper jack cheese for a bit of spice or add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for some greens. Don’t be afraid to experiment and tweak it depending on what you love or have on hand!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the sausage for a plant-based crumble or roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini—still delicious.
Different Cheeses: Try gruyere or mozzarella for a different twist on the classic cheesy flavor.
Herbs & Spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, or fresh chopped chives for added aroma and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread cubes and double-check your sausage ingredients.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Base with Bread Cubes

Start by greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish—don’t skip this step or you might have a sticky mess later! Then spread out your day-old bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Using stale bread is key because it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart, so resist the urge to use fresh bread here.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat in a skillet until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Be sure to break it apart so it cooks evenly. Drain any excess fat so your casserole isn’t greasy, then spread the sausage evenly on top of the bread cubes.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Egg Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, letting the cheese distribute evenly throughout the mixture. This custardy mixture is what makes the casserole so rich and satisfying.

Step 4: Combine and Soak

Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the sausage and bread in your dish. Then, press down gently with a fork or spoon to help the bread soak in all those wonderful flavors. Cover with foil and pop it in the fridge overnight, or let it sit for at least 2 hours—it really makes a difference.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center is set. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving—it helps everything firm up just right.

Top Tip

Having made this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. These little tips help you get that perfect texture and flavor every single time.

Choose Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread is too soft and turns to mush; the slight dryness helps absorb the custard without falling apart.
Drain the Sausage Well: Removing excess fat prevents a greasy casserole and keeps the flavors clean and balanced.
Don’t Skip the Soak: Letting the casserole rest covered in the fridge lets the bread fully absorb the egg mixture for a creamier result.
Rest Before Serving: The 10-minute cooling time keeps the casserole firm so you get perfect slices without it falling apart.

How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe

Christmas breakfast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping the casserole with fresh chopped parsley or chives. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I even sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top for that melty, golden finish.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually serve this casserole with crispy bacon or a side of fruit salad—something bright and fresh to balance the savory heaviness. Roasted breakfast potatoes or fresh avocado slices are also favorites around my table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried layering different cheeses or swirling in a bit of pesto before baking for extra flavor. You can also bake it in individual ramekins for a fancy touch at holiday brunches—it makes serving easy and feels a little luxe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep mine covered tightly with foil or in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, too! I freeze it after baking, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to retain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 325°F and warm the casserole covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover for the last 5-10 minutes to crisp up the top. It maintains that fresh-baked flavor and doesn’t get rubbery like the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole without sausage?

Absolutely! You can replace sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed veggies if you prefer. The base of eggs, bread, and cheese still creates that comforting casserole texture.

How far ahead can I prepare the casserole?

You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This helps the bread soak up the custard and improves the flavor and texture. Just make sure to keep it covered.

What type of bread works best?

Day-old or slightly stale white bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy or breaking down. Avoid very fresh bread for this reason.

Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Freezing before baking is possible but I recommend baking it first then freezing baked leftovers. This keeps the texture and flavor intact when reheated. If you freeze before baking, make sure to thaw completely before baking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheese Recipe has become a holiday tradition in my home. It’s the kind of dish you can set and forget, then gather everyone around to enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast together. I hope you try it and find it as satisfying and reliable as I do—it’s like a warm hug on a plate to start your holiday right.