This Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole is the perfect dish to enjoy with family and friends on holiday mornings. Packed with savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, it’s a comforting and delicious breakfast that’s sure to become a new tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups milk
- 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
- 8 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook Sausage
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks.
- Season: Stir in the mustard powder and salt, and continue to cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture
- Beat Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to incorporate.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange the toasted bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sausage: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread cubes.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage layer.
Step 5: Pour Egg Mixture
- Pour Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the beaten egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Check Doneness: To test for doneness, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.
Step 7: Serve
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares and serve warm.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a festive touch, if desired.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored covered in the refrigerator overnight. Simply bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Customize: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
- Substitutions: You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage for a lighter option.
- Serve with Sauce: Serve the casserole with a side of salsa, hot sauce, or maple syrup for additional flavor and variety.
This Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for holiday mornings. With its hearty combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll look forward to year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage patties or links instead of ground sausage?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage patties or links in this recipe. Simply chop or crumble them into bite-sized pieces before layering them in the casserole dish.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses in this recipe. Monterey Jack, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese would all work well in place of Cheddar.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover portions of the casserole for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or omitting the bread altogether. Simply increase the amount of sausage and cheese to compensate for the absence of bread.
Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole as you gather with loved ones to celebrate the holiday season!
