Cozy Christmas Morning Sausage Casserole – Best Easy Holiday Breakfast

Posted on November 21, 2025

Christmas morning sausage casserole - featured image

The smell of sizzling sausage, melted cheese, and golden, buttery bread baking in the oven—it’s the kind of aroma that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of cocoa. The first time I made this Cozy Christmas Morning Sausage Breakfast Casserole, the whole house smelled like pure holiday magic. I remember standing by the oven, peeking through the glass, watching the top turn perfectly golden and bubbly. When I finally took that first bite—savory sausage mingling with creamy eggs and melted cheese—it was one of those moments where you just pause, sigh, and think, “This is what Christmas morning should taste like.”

Honestly, I wish I’d discovered this casserole years ago. Back when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, Christmas mornings were all about tearing into presents and waiting impatiently for breakfast. If my mom had known how easy and comforting this dish was, we’d have had it every single year. Now, it’s become a tradition in my own kitchen—something I bake on Christmas Eve night so it’s ready to pop in the oven first thing in the morning. My family can’t resist sneaking forkfuls before it even hits the table (and I can’t really blame them). It’s hearty, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent—basically, the holiday spirit baked into a casserole dish.

This Christmas sausage breakfast casserole is perfect for slow, snowy mornings, for feeding a hungry crowd, or for making ahead when you’d rather focus on the joy of the season than stand at the stove. After testing it more times than I care to admit (in the name of research, of course), it’s now a staple at our family gatherings, potlucks, and even on lazy January weekends. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug—and trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something truly special about a breakfast casserole that checks every box—easy, flavorful, comforting, and make-ahead friendly. This Cozy Christmas Morning Sausage Casserole is all of that and more. It’s been tested, tweaked, and perfected in my kitchen, and it’s exactly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to every December (and probably a few Sundays in between).

Quick & Easy: You can prep everything the night before, so all that’s left to do on Christmas morning is bake and enjoy. It’s ready in under an hour—perfect when you’ve got wrapping paper flying everywhere.
Simple Ingredients: No need for a fancy grocery list. Everything you need—sausage, eggs, bread, cheese—is likely already in your fridge or pantry.
Perfect for Holiday Mornings: Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a crowd, or just want something cozy for your family, this casserole delivers.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love it, adults love it, and even picky eaters will ask for seconds. It’s savory, satisfying, and just a little nostalgic.
Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of seasoned sausage, soft bread cubes, and a custardy egg mixture gives this casserole a rich, hearty flavor that feels like comfort in every bite.

What makes this recipe stand out from other breakfast casseroles is the balance—it’s not too heavy, not too eggy, and the texture is spot-on. The sausage adds depth, the cheese melts into gooey perfection, and the bread soaks up all that goodness without turning soggy. You know that moment when you take a bite, close your eyes, and just savor it? That’s this casserole. It’s the kind of dish that warms hearts, fills bellies, and makes your kitchen feel like the coziest place on earth.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This Christmas morning sausage casserole uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for a rich and comforting breakfast. Most are pantry staples, and you can customize them easily to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

For the Casserole Base:

1 pound (450 g) breakfast sausage – Choose mild or spicy depending on your taste. I personally love a sage sausage for a festive flavor.
8 large eggs – Room temperature eggs whisk more evenly for a smooth custard.
2 cups (480 ml) whole milk – Adds creaminess and keeps the casserole tender. You can substitute with half-and-half for extra richness.
6 cups (about 8 slices) French bread, cubed – Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture perfectly.
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
1 teaspoon salt – Balances all the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds just enough spice.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – Optional, but adds a lovely depth.
½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning – Gives a subtle herby aroma that feels festive.

Optional Add-Ins:

½ cup (60 g) diced bell peppers (for color and sweetness)
½ cup (60 g) chopped onions (for savory balance)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat)

Tip: If you prefer a lighter version, use turkey sausage and skim milk. For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free bread cubes. I’ve tried this with sourdough, brioche, and even croissants—each gives a unique twist! If you’re dairy-free, swap the milk for an unsweetened almond or oat variety and use dairy-free cheese blends. Honestly, it’s a pretty forgiving recipe, and every variation has turned out delicious in my kitchen.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy setup for this Christmas sausage breakfast casserole. Just a few basic kitchen tools and you’re good to go:

Large skillet: For browning the sausage evenly. A nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best.
Mixing bowls: One large for whisking the eggs and milk, and one small for combining dry seasonings.
Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth, lump-free egg mixture.
9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish: The perfect size for even cooking and a nice, thick casserole layer.
Rubber spatula: Great for folding ingredients together without crushing the bread cubes.
Foil: To cover the casserole while baking to prevent over-browning.

If you don’t have a 9×13 dish, two smaller ones will do—just adjust baking time slightly. And if you’re planning to prepare it ahead, a glass baking dish with a fitted lid is super handy for storing overnight in the fridge. I’ve even made this in a cast-iron pan for a rustic look—it bakes beautifully and keeps warm longer.

Preparation Method

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the bread cubes: While the sausage cooks, cube your bread into bite-sized pieces. If the bread is fresh, you can toast it for a few minutes in the oven to help it absorb the egg mixture.
Layer the casserole: Spread half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the cooked sausage and half the shredded cheese over it. Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage, and cheese.
Mix the egg custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme until smooth and well combined.
Pour and soak: Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole, pressing down lightly with a spatula to make sure all the bread gets coated. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
Bake the casserole: Remove from the fridge while preheating your oven again to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Rest before serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the casserole set and makes cleaner servings.

Pro Tip: If your casserole looks a bit too pale, broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end for that perfectly bubbly, golden top. And if you’re baking straight from the fridge, add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Christmas morning sausage casserole absolutely foolproof.

Use day-old bread: It holds up better and soaks the egg mixture without turning soggy.
Let it rest after baking: This step is tempting to skip, but it makes a big difference in texture and structure.
Pre-cook add-ins: If you’re adding vegetables like onions or peppers, sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Balance the seasoning: Sausage can vary in saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt to the egg mixture.
Make it ahead: This casserole actually tastes even better when made in advance and baked the next morning.

One mistake I made early on was overbaking—it can dry out quickly if left too long. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, and check doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean but still moist. Another tip? Add a sprinkle of cheese halfway through baking for a gooey middle layer that’s downright irresistible. And if you’re cooking for a crowd, double the recipe and bake in two dishes—it reheats beautifully and keeps everyone happy.

Variations & Adaptations

One of my favorite things about this sausage breakfast casserole is how easy it is to customize.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for that savory depth.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sandwich bread or potato bread. You won’t even miss the regular version.
Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage or add diced jalapeños for a kick. A sprinkle of pepper jack cheese really brings the heat.
Holiday Deluxe: Stir in cooked bacon or diced ham for extra richness—it’s a hit at Christmas brunches.
Make It Brunch-Ready: Add a layer of caramelized onions and a handful of spinach for a slightly fancier take.

Personally, I love making a version with sweet maple sausage and a bit of shredded gouda—it’s sweet, savory, and smells amazing. You can also experiment with herbs like rosemary or sage to highlight those cozy holiday notes. The beauty of this dish is that it’s flexible enough to suit any taste or dietary need without losing that comforting feel.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Christmas morning casserole tastes best served warm, straight from the oven. I love pairing it with a side of fresh fruit salad, a pot of hot coffee, or even spiced cider for a true holiday breakfast spread. A light dusting of chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika makes it look extra festive on the table.

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 45–60 seconds, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes. You can also freeze portions—just wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking until hot.

Pro tip: The flavors deepen overnight, so sometimes the leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s just as delicious for breakfast as it is for lunch or dinner.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving of this sausage breakfast casserole (based on 8 servings) comes in around 400–450 calories, depending on your ingredients. It’s packed with protein from the sausage and eggs, plus calcium from the cheese.

Key nutrients include:

Protein: Keeps you full and energized all morning.
Calcium: From cheese and milk, great for bone health.
Iron: Found in sausage and eggs, supports energy levels.

If you’re watching your intake, you can lighten it up by using turkey sausage, reduced-fat cheese, and skim milk. It’s naturally low in sugar and can easily be made gluten-free or dairy-free. Honestly, it strikes that perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment—just right for the holidays.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing recipe that captures the spirit of the holidays, this Cozy Christmas Morning Sausage Breakfast Casserole is it. It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor—the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings.

I love how forgiving and flexible it is—make it your own with the ingredients you love, prep it ahead, and enjoy a stress-free Christmas morning. It’s become a cherished tradition in our home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment with your favorite twist or tag your creation on social media—I can’t wait to see your version. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make this sausage casserole the night before?

Yes! In fact, it tastes better when made ahead. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning as directed.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What kind of bread works best?

Day-old French bread, sourdough, or brioche are all excellent choices because they hold up well and soak up the egg mixture perfectly.

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Yes, turkey sausage is a great lighter alternative and works beautifully in this recipe.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The casserole should be golden on top, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean. The edges will be slightly crisp, and the middle just set.