ADVERTISEMENT
How to Make the Best Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- Begin by cooking the sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the sausage and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is browned, drain excess fat (if needed) and stir in the diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the hash browns at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly to cover the base.
- Add the sausage mixture on top of the hash browns, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the sausage mixture, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole layers in the baking dish, making sure it soaks into all the layers.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with dried parsley or fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
- Slice and serve this delicious Christmas breakfast casserole warm with a side of fresh fruit or your favorite holiday pastries!
Why This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the Best
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole can be assembled the night before Christmas and refrigerated overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want to spend more time enjoying the holiday and less time cooking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a small intimate breakfast, this casserole can feed a crowd. It’s a hearty dish that fills everyone up, leaving them satisfied and ready to enjoy the day’s festivities.
- Versatility: While this recipe includes sausage, hash browns, and cheese, it can easily be customized to fit your family’s preferences. You can add bacon, swap out the sausage for ham, or load it up with extra veggies. This casserole is a great base for experimenting with different flavors.
- Hearty and Delicious: The combination of savory sausage, creamy eggs, gooey cheese, and crispy hash browns makes this casserole irresistibly delicious. It’s the perfect comfort food to kick off Christmas morning.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Breakfast Casserole
- Use Fresh or Frozen Hash Browns: If you’re using frozen hash browns, make sure they’re completely thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. Fresh potatoes, diced and cooked until tender, are a great alternative as well.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or sprinkle in some herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic dish.
- For Extra Crispy Hash Browns: Pre-cook the hash browns in a skillet for a few minutes before layering them in the casserole dish. This will give them a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy eggs.
Conclusion: A Holiday Tradition
This Christmas breakfast casserole is truly the only recipe you’ll ever need for a festive morning meal. It’s rich, comforting, and easy to prepare, making it the perfect dish for busy holiday mornings. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or simply want to enjoy a special breakfast with your loved ones, this casserole will become a cherished tradition.
So, this holiday season, skip the stress and impress your guests with this delicious, make-ahead Christmas breakfast casserole. Your family will thank you, and you’ll create memories that will last long after the holiday season ends.
ADVERTISEMENT