Make-ahead egg, sausage, and cheese breakfast bake
Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr 5 min
Servings
10
9x13 baking dish
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
A hearty make-ahead breakfast casserole loaded with sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread cubes that you assemble the night before and bake Christmas morning. Wake up to a ready-to-bake holiday breakfast.
Cuisine: American
Category: Breakfast
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Quick Summary
65 min total time|10 servings|Easy difficulty
A hearty make-ahead breakfast casserole loaded with sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread cubes that you assemble the night before and bake Christmas morning. Wake up to a ready-to-bake holiday breakfast.
American
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This breakfast casserole is designed to be assembled on Christmas Eve and baked the next morning, so you can enjoy the festivities without kitchen stress. The overnight soak creates a custardy, French-toast-like texture.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, browned and crumbled
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 cups bread cubes (day-old)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp dry mustard
Instructions
- 1
Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- 2
Whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard together in a large bowl.
- 3
Layer bread cubes, sausage, and 1 1/2 cups cheese in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- 4
Pour egg mixture evenly over the layers. Top with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- 5
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in the center. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty start
Substitutions
Breakfast sausageDiced ham or bacon
Both work beautifully as the protein in this casserole
Cheddar cheeseGruyere or Swiss
A more refined, nutty flavor for a fancier brunch version
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Assemble the night before so all you do Christmas morning is pop it in the oven.
Add diced bell peppers or spinach for color and extra vegetables.
Preheat your pan or griddle properly. An evenly heated surface is the difference between golden perfection and uneven cooking.
Room temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones. Pull them from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (210mg) · 10 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein20g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat18g
Fiber640mg
Sugar1g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake it right away?
- Yes, but let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard. Overnight is best.
- Can I freeze it?
- Bake, cool, and freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F covered for 30 minutes.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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