Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish to make any holiday morning feel extra special. It’s packed with fluffy eggs, melted cheese, crispy bacon or sausage, and soft bread…

By Riley • November 28, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

Save Recipe Print Recipe

Tip: save now, cook later.

Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish to make any holiday morning feel extra special. It’s packed with fluffy eggs, melted cheese, crispy bacon or sausage, and soft bread that soaks up all the flavors. This casserole has a wonderful mix of textures—from gooey cheese to tender, savory meat, making it a great cozy start to your festive day.

I love making this casserole ahead of time so all I have to do is pop it in the oven when we’re ready to eat. It’s such a time saver when you have a house full of family or friends excited to open presents or just hang out. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add your favorite veggies or swap out meats depending on what you have on hand. I always find that the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.

Serving it warm with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad really rounds out the meal without much fuss. There’s just something comforting about gathering around a big dish like this, sharing stories, and starting the day off with good food and good company. It quickly becomes a holiday morning tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Bread: Day-old or slightly toasted bread works best. It soaks up the egg mixture without turning mushy. If you’re out of white bread, try whole wheat or sourdough—both add nice flavor and texture.

Sausage: Breakfast sausage adds great flavor and a bit of spice. You can swap it for cooked bacon, ham, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.

Cheese: Cheddar is classic here because it melts well and has a nice sharp taste. Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture and milder flavor.

Eggs and Milk: These create the custard that binds everything. Whole milk keeps the casserole rich, but you can use half-and-half for extra creaminess or a milk alternative like oat milk if needed.

Vegetables: Red bell pepper and green onions add color and freshness. You could swap for other mild veggies like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach if you like.

How Can I Get My Casserole to Stay Moist but Not Soggy?

Balancing moisture and texture is key for a great breakfast casserole. Here’s how I make sure mine turns out perfectly:

• Use day-old or toasted bread to absorb the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
• Press the egg and milk mixture gently into the bread before baking to help it soak evenly.
• Cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking to keep moisture in.
• Finish uncovered to let the top brown and the cheese bubble nicely.
• Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to firm up a bit.

These simple steps help the casserole stay creamy inside with a nice crust on top, making each bite just right!

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking dish – big enough to hold the casserole and helps it cook evenly.
• Mixing bowl – to whisk together eggs, milk, and spices easily.
• Whisk – makes blending the eggs and milk smooth and lump-free.
• Frying pan – for cooking and crumbling the sausage before adding to the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts just right.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap sausage for cooked bacon or diced ham for a different savory meat flavor.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add veggie goodness and extra color.
• Try pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for a milder or creamier taste.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a little warmth and spice.

Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Casserole:

• 8 slices of bread, cubed (preferably day-old or slightly toasted)
• 1/2 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Optional: 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then 45-50 minutes to bake. Including the resting time after baking, plan for about 1 hour total from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick.

2. Layer The Ingredients:

Start by spreading the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled sausage over the bread, then distribute the diced red bell peppers and chopped green onions on top. Finally, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the layers.

3. Make And Pour The Egg Mixture:

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in your baking dish, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the egg mixture.

4. Bake Covered Then Uncovered:

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the casserole is puffed, set, and golden brown on top.

5. Rest, Garnish, and Serve:

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before garnishing with extra chopped green onions and diced red bell pepper. Serve warm and enjoy your festive Christmas morning breakfast!

Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it covered for 35-40 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Can I Use Frozen Sausage or Other Meats?

You can use frozen sausage, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking and adding to the casserole. Alternatively, cooked bacon or ham work great as tasty substitutes.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

What Can I Use Instead of Bread?

If you want a lower-carb option, try cubed cooked potatoes or cauliflower rice instead of bread. Just keep in mind this will change the texture and cooking time slightly.