Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Indulge in the festive spirit with a hearty and delicious Christmas Breakfast Casserole! Perfect for feeding a crowd during the holiday season, this comforting dish combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, gooey cheese, and toasted bread for a memorable morning meal. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch or looking for a special treat on Christmas morning, this casserole is sure to become a new tradition. Join us as we share this mouthwatering recipe along with tips, variations, and keto-friendly options to suit all tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork sausage
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
3. Prepare the Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, mustard powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the toasted bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Pour in the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage, bread, and cheese in the baking dish.
6. Add the Milk: Gently pour the whole milk over the casserole, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly moistened.
7. Bake in the Oven: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore some tips and variations to customize this dish to your liking:

• Add Vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss to create unique flavor combinations.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapenos to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
• Try Different Meats: Swap out the pork sausage for bacon, ham, or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications you can make to adapt this recipe:

• Replace Bread with Low Carb Bread: Substitute low-carb or keto-friendly bread for the white bread to reduce the carb content of the casserole.
• Use Almond Milk: Replace the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream for a lower-carb option.
• Adjust the Ingredients: Increase the amount of eggs and cheese while reducing the amount of bread to create a higher fat, lower carb version of the casserole.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

As you embark on your culinary journey, you may have some questions. Here are answers to some common queries about making Christmas Breakfast Casserole:

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it in the morning before serving.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of meat in this casserole? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use cooked bacon, diced ham, or turkey sausage instead of ground pork sausage for variety.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian? A: Yes, you can omit the sausage and add additional vegetables or meat substitutes such as tofu or vegetarian sausage crumbles.

Q: Can I customize the seasonings in this recipe? A: Of course! Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add herbs such as thyme, parsley, or chives for extra flavor.

In conclusion, Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday season. With its savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and cheesy goodness, this casserole is sure to bring joy to your breakfast table. Whether you’re enjoying it with family and friends on Christmas morning or serving it at a festive brunch gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a delightful breakfast that captures the spirit of the season!