Christmas Morning Sausage Casserole
This hearty, make-ahead breakfast casserole combines savory sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread into a protein-packed meal that bakes to golden perfection while you're opening gifts. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and convenience – prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and simply pop it in the oven on Christmas morning!
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Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 385kcal
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage mild or spicy, depending on preference
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 6 slices white bread cubed (substitute sourdough or whole grain for more texture)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese shredded (Gruyère makes a luxurious alternative)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika adds a delightful complexity
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard powder until well combined.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage over the bread, distributing it evenly. Top with both cheeses, ensuring even coverage.
- Pour the egg mixture carefully over the layered ingredients, making sure to moisten all the bread cubes. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika for flavor and visual appeal.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean when it's done.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, use slightly stale bread as it will better absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking with no loss of quality.
For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for pork, use whole grain bread, and opt for low-fat dairy products.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 25g | Sodium: 810mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 15mg
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