Name: Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar 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 about waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of a savory bake that makes mornings feel a little more special. This Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—hearty, cheesy, and made to feed a crowd with minimal fuss. Trust me, it’s worth waking up early to enjoy every bite.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish in a clear glass pan on a white marbled surface, with a wooden spatula holding a portion of it. The dish has three main layers: a bottom layer of light golden bread pieces that look soft and fluffy with slight crisp edges, a middle layer of brown, cooked sausage chunks scattered unevenly, and a top layer of melted yellow cheese that melts into the bread and sausage, with some parts crisped and browned. The background is softly blurred, showing hints of a white plate with dark blueberries and a glass of orange juice. The 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 Cheddar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t recommend this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe enough, especially when you want something that feels homemade but won’t have you stuck in the kitchen all morning. It’s warm, welcoming, and filled with flavors everyone seems to agree on.

Make ahead magic: You can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven first thing Christmas morning.
Perfect balance: The savory sausage paired with sharp cheddar cheese adds just the right amount of richness.
Crowd pleaser: It’s ideal for feeding family and friends—guaranteed to get rave reviews.
Simplicity meets flavor: With just a handful of ingredients, it’s approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

The image shows a clear rectangular glass baking dish filled with a layered breakfast casserole. The top layer is golden melted cheddar cheese mixed with browned sausage pieces and chunks of toasted bread. The casserole has an uneven surface with crispy browned bits around the edges, and the bread inside looks soft with some toasted spots. The baking dish sits on a wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface. Around it, there is a white bowl of blueberries on the left, a glass of orange juice above, two brown eggs in a white container to the right, a salt and pepper shaker on the bottom left, a green, white, and red checkered cloth underneath the baking dish at the bottom, and a wooden spatula on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe plays a role in building that comforting, satisfying breakfast flavor you’ll come back to year after year. Let’s break down why they’re so essential—and some tips for picking the best versions.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground pork sausage, six whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl with dry yellow mustard powder, a small white bowl with coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, six thick slices of rustic day-old bread cubed, and a small white bowl filled with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, all arranged in 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: Choose a good-quality sausage with spices you enjoy; it’s the savory backbone of the casserole.
Large eggs: They bind everything together and add a rich creaminess.
Whole milk: The fat content helps create a custardy texture in the bake.
Dry mustard: Adding that subtle tang enhances the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Kosher salt: Essential for balancing and elevating all those savory layers.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a bit of warmth and bite.
Day-old bread cubes: The bread soaks up the egg mixture, creating a soft yet structured base—leftover bread works perfectly!
Sharp cheddar cheese: The star cheese here, it adds a bright, tangy punch that complements the sausage beautifully.

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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

I like to keep this casserole classic, but honestly, this recipe is like a blank canvas that you can tweak to match your family's tastes or dietary needs. Adding your own twist keeps it from ever getting boring.

Vegetable variation: One year, I added sautéed mushrooms and spinach, which gave the casserole an earthy depth and a bit more color. It was a hit with the veggie lovers at my table.
Cheese swaps: Try swapping sharp cheddar for smoked gouda if you want a smoky hint or pepper jack for a subtle kick.
Make it gluten-free: I’ve successfully used gluten-free bread cubes without losing any of that soaking-up goodness.
Spice it up: If you want a little heat, stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne before baking adds a nice surprise.

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

Step 1: Prep the Base with Bread Cubes

First things first, grease your 9×13 baking dish well so nothing sticks. Then, spread your day-old bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Using bread that isn’t fresh helps prevent the casserole from turning mushy instead of nicely set. I usually leave my bread out overnight, or you can cube it a day ahead to dry it a bit.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium and cook the ground pork sausage until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then spread the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes. This step ensures that you get pockets of savory meaty goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese last, folding it in gently. This mixture will soak into the bread and sausage, creating that custard-like texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the sausage and bread in your baking dish. Press down gently with a fork so the bread cubes soak up the eggs well—that extra pressing step makes a big difference for texture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least two hours, but I prefer overnight. This rest lets all the flavors meld and the bread absorb the custard completely.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole covered with foil for 30 minutes to allow it to cook gently. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes so the top gets golden and a little bubbly. The center should be set but still moist. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving—that short wait makes slicing easier and lets all those flavors settle.

Top Tip

From my experience, the magic of this Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe really happens overnight. Letting it chill allows the bread to soak up all that cheesy, savory egg custard perfectly. Skipping that step usually leads to a less cohesive breakfast.

Use day-old bread: Fresh bread can get too soggy; slightly stale bread provides the best texture.
Don’t skip draining sausage fat: It prevents a greasy casserole and keeps flavors clean.
Press down the egg mixture: Make sure the bread cubes soak well so you get a custardy base rather than dry pockets.
Rest after baking: Letting the casserole sit a bit helps it set and makes serving neater.

How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe

Christmas breakfast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping the casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and a fresh bite. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or some sliced avocado on the side complements the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or fruit platter for balance. I often go for simple roasted potatoes or a fresh orange juice to lighten up the plate and keep things festive. Cinnamon rolls or fresh pastries are also crowd-pleasers if you want to up the cozy factor.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I baked this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation—perfect for brunch parties! You can also layer it with colorful veggies or swap out the bread cubes for croissant chunks to add a buttery twist. Wrapping the dish with a festive holiday ribbon gives it that extra special touch when serving to guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. The casserole holds up really well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for an easy breakfast when you’re short on time post-holiday.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. For best results, freeze it covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating. Freezing the unbaked casserole lets you prep way in advance and bake it fresh when ready.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C), covered loosely with foil, until warmed through—around 15–20 minutes. This keeps the casserole from drying out and brings back that just-baked texture better than the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well and lowers the fat content. Just brown it the same way and keep an eye on seasoning, since turkey sausage can be milder in flavor.

What bread is best for this casserole?

Day-old white or sourdough bread tends to work best because it soaks up the egg mixture without getting too mushy. Avoid very dense breads like rye or those with big holes, as they don't hold the custard as evenly.

Can I assemble this casserole the morning of serving?

You can, but I really recommend the overnight soak in the fridge. It lets the bread absorb more egg custard, making the casserole creamier and more cohesive. At least 2 hours is a good minimum if you're short on time.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set—not wobbly—when you gently shake the pan. You can also insert a knife in the center; it should come out mostly clean with maybe a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Cheddar Recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a tradition I’ve come to cherish for bringing everyone together around the table. It’s fuss-free enough to make the night before yet impressive and delicious to serve on the day. I’m confident you’ll love how it warms your kitchen and fills your family’s bellies with comfort and cheer. Give it a try—once you make it, it just might become your new holiday staple, too!