Name: Christmas Sausage Breakfast Casserole 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 magical about waking up to a warm, comforting breakfast that fills the kitchen with cozy aromas. This Christmas Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is just that kind of delight — perfect for gathering your loved ones around the table and starting the holiday day on a high note.

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 Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe has become my go-to for holiday mornings because it’s both satisfying and fuss-free. You get layers of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, hearty bread, and melty cheese all baked together — it’s like breakfast meets comfort food in the best way!

Make-ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.
Family Friendly: Everyone loves it, from kids to adults, making holiday mornings less hectic.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff needed — just everyday pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tang of sharp cheddar mixed with savory sausage and the subtle kick from dry mustard is a winner every time.

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

This recipe is a lovely blend of simple, comforting flavors that work together effortlessly. Each ingredient has its role, from the sausage’s richness to the bread soaking up all that custardy goodness. Here are some notes to help you choose what works best for your casserole.

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, flavorful sausage (I use a mildly seasoned one) — it’s the star protein here and gives the dish savory depth.
Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together, creating a fluffy, custardy texture when baked.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard; you can swap with half-and-half for extra richness.
Dry mustard: Just a teaspoon adds a subtle tang that elevates the flavors — don’t skip it!
Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance every layer; salt balances the sausage and cheese, while pepper adds warmth.
Day-old bread: Cubed slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mixture without becoming soggy; think crusty white or sourdough.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that melty, tangy punch that makes every bite delightful.

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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 love that this Christmas Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe is super versatile — making it your own is part of the fun! Over the years, I’ve turned it into a festive canvas with little tweaks that shine.

Add some veg: I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for an earthier bite, and it’s always a hit with the family.
Spice it up: Swap the dry mustard for a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne if you like a bit of heat; the sausage’s mildness handles it well.
Cheese swaps: Gruyère or pepper jack also melt beautifully and offer a different flavor profile.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and check your sausage ingredients to keep this dish allergy-friendly.

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

Step 1: Prep the Bread Base

Start by greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking — I use a bit of butter for extra flavor. Then, evenly spread the cubed day-old bread across the bottom. The bread acts like a sponge for the custard, so using slightly stale bread helps it soak up all those lovely egg flavors without turning mushy.

Step 2: Cook and Add the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this — the browned bits add so much flavor. Once done, drain any excess fat, then spread the sausage evenly over your bread cubes.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, dry mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until combined and a bit frothy. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese so it distributes evenly throughout the custard.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the sausage and bread in your baking dish. I like to press down gently with a fork to ensure the bread soaks up as much of the custard as possible — this step makes the texture just right after baking.

Step 5: Chill Overnight for Best Flavor

Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours. This resting time lets the bread absorb the egg mixture fully, which is key to that custardy inside everyone loves.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving to make slicing easier.

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole many times and learned a few things that helped me perfect it — these tips make the process smoother and the results tastier!

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread tends to soak too much and become gummy—stale or day-old bread keeps the texture just right.
Don’t Skip the Mustard: That tiny bit of dry mustard really wakes up the flavor without being overpowering.
Press the Custard in Gently: Using a fork to press the custard into the bread helps everything bind together perfectly.
Cover While Baking Initially: Covering the casserole traps steam, keeping it moist before you uncover it to brown the top beautifully.

How to Serve Christmas Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Christmas breakfast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top right before serving — it adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh note that balances the richness nicely. Occasionally, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce works wonders if your crowd likes a little kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with simple sides like fresh fruit salad, roasted breakfast potatoes, or even a light green salad to add some freshness to the plate. If it’s Christmas morning, I like to serve it alongside warm cinnamon rolls to round out the festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a pretty presentation and easy portion control — guests love having their own personal serving. Another fun idea is to top it with a little extra cheese and bake it in muffin tins to create handy grab-and-go breakfast bites for holiday brunch on the run.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically cool the casserole completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate any leftovers. It keeps really well for up to 3 days and reheats nicely without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to save a portion for later. After baking and cooling, I cut the casserole into individual servings, wrap each in foil or plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick breakfasts during the busy season.

Reheating

To reheat, I unwrap the portions and place them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave in shorter intervals if you’re in a rush, but baking helps maintain the texture and flavor better.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Christmas Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the sausage for a plant-based sausage or add an extra cup of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What type of bread is best for this casserole?

Day-old crusty bread like sourdough, French bread, or a sturdy white bread works best because it soaks up the custard without turning into mush. Avoid super soft or very dense breads.

Can I prepare the casserole entirely in advance and bake later?

Yes! This recipe actually benefits from chilling overnight so the flavors meld, and the bread absorbs the egg mixture. Just let it bake straight from the fridge without bringing it to room temperature first.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Bake it first, cool completely, then freeze individual portions wrapped well. This way, you can enjoy homemade breakfast in minutes later on.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions because it takes the stress out of big morning meals while still delivering cozy, festive flavors that everyone raves about. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s a beautiful way to gather the people you love, nourish them, and savor those precious holiday moments.