The Best Easy & Creamy Christmas Morning Casserole — A Quick, Homemade Family Favorite

Christmas Morning Casserole is the ultimate cozy, comforting breakfast that makes holiday mornings effortless and delicious. This easy, creamy casserole is a family favorite for busy mornings, blending soft bread, melty cheese, and savory sausage into a warm, golden bake that smells like the holidays.

Whether you’re hosting extended family, celebrating a quiet weekend, or looking for a quick weeknight dinner that doubles as breakfast, this casserole delivers. If you like make-ahead comfort food, check out this similar Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole recipe for more inspiration.

Background & Origin

The roots of Christmas Morning Casserole trace back to several classic dishes: strata, savory bread puddings, and Scandinavian holiday breakfasts. These one-dish bakes were designed to feed a crowd, use up stale bread, and free the cook from morning chaos — perfect for family gatherings.

Why this recipe is popular:

Feeds a crowd with minimal hands-on time.
Uses pantry staples (eggs, milk, cheese, bread).
Versatile: swap meats, cheeses, or veggies without losing soul-warming flavor.

Fun kitchen science: the casserole’s custard (eggs + milk) soaks into bread and “sets” in the oven — that tender, custardy interior contrasts with a golden, slightly crisp top. What makes this version unique is the balanced mustard powder for depth and an overnight soak that yields a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

For another traditional spin on hearty one-dish meals, you might like this traditional Christmas morning casserole that leans into classic spices and textures.

Ingredients

1 loaf of bread, cubed (day-old or slightly stale; sourdough or French bread work great) — room temperature
6 large eggs — room temperature
2 cups milk (whole milk for creamier results; can use 2% or a milk alternative)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice) — shredded for even melting
1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled (or bacon/ham) — drained
1 teaspoon mustard powder — adds savory depth
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped vegetables (1/2 cup bell peppers, onions, or spinach) — finely chopped, sautéed if you prefer softer veggies

Short notes:

Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a uniform custard.
Cube bread into 1-inch pieces so it soaks evenly.
Vegetables are optional but add color and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the bread cubes, then half the cooked sausage and half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage, and cheese.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently so all bread pieces are soaked.
Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight (or at least 2 hours) to allow the custard to fully absorb into the bread.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) about 30 minutes before baking.
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out mostly clean).

Times & Visual cues:

Overnight soak: 8–12 hours ideal; 2 hours minimum.
Baking time: ~45–50 minutes total.
Look for: a golden top, slightly puffed edges, custard that’s set but still creamy (not jiggly).
Internal temperature target: about 160°F (71°C) for set eggs.

Helpful mini-tips:

For extra browning, give it a 3–5 minute broil at the end — watch closely!
If using denser bread (like brioche), increase soaking time or add 1/4 cup more milk.
Make it meatless by swapping sausage for sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies.

For a make-ahead twist inspired by Amish-style casseroles, try a hearty stovetop prep before assembling — see this Amish-style casserole for ideas on slow-simmered fillings and comfort flavors.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

How to improve flavor:

Use a mix of cheeses (cheddar + Monterey Jack) for depth.
Brown the sausage well — caramelization = flavor.
Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire for umami.

Texture tricks:

Day-old bread soaks without falling apart.
Room-temp custard keeps the bake silky.
Avoid oversoaking — if it looks soupy after 12 hours, gently press out excess liquid.

What NOT to do:

Don’t overcrowd the pan — use the right-sized dish for even cooking.
Don’t bake at too high a temp; the center will be dry before the top browns.
Avoid shredding cheese too thickly; pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents but melts less smoothly.

Helpful shortcuts:

Use pre-cooked breakfast sausage or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Swap in frozen diced peppers/onions (thaw and drain) for convenience.

Prep-ahead hacks:

Assemble the night before and refrigerate.
Freeze an unbaked casserole (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Variations & Substitutions

Make this recipe your own — here are tried-and-true variations:

Vegan: Use tofu scramble + plant-based milk + vegan cheese and vegan sausage. Press tofu to remove excess water before mixing.
Gluten-free: Swap bread for a certified gluten-free loaf or use cubed gluten-free sandwich bread.
Low-carb: Replace bread with cubed cauliflower or shredded cauliflower “rice” pressed into the dish (reduce milk slightly).
Kid-friendly: Use mild cheddar, remove mustard powder, and add diced ham or bacon bits.
Extra creamy: Swap 1/2 cup milk for heavy cream or add 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened) to the custard.
Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and pepper jack cheese.
Budget-friendly: Use day-old store bread and a blend of cheaper cheeses; bulk sausage can be portioned and frozen.

If you want a sweet holiday finish after this savory brunch, pair with a festive dessert like a chocolate yule log to keep the celebrations rolling.

Serving Suggestions

Best sides to serve with Christmas Morning Casserole:

Fresh fruit platter (citrus, berries, or grapes) — adds bright contrast.
Simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette — cuts richness.
Buttery dinner rolls or extra toast for mopping up custard.
Light roasted potatoes or hash browns for a hearty brunch spread.

Beverage pairings:

Sparkling wine or prosecco for a celebratory brunch.
Medium-bodied coffee or a cinnamon-spiced latte.
For non-alcoholic: apple cider (hot or cold) compliments the savory flavors.

How to plate beautifully:

Slice into neat squares and set on warmed plates.
Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese.
Serve family-style on a wooden board with tongs for casual hosting.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

How long it lasts in the fridge:

Refrigerate covered for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer-friendly instructions:

Freeze unbaked: Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic and foil — freeze up to 2 months.
To bake from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for ~50–60 minutes (covered then uncovered), adjusting time until center is set.

Best reheating method:

Oven: Reheat at 325°F covered for 15–20 minutes, then uncover to crisp the top.
Microwave: Reheat individual slices on medium power in 1–2 minute increments until warmed through (may lose crispness).

Meal-prep options:

Slice and portion into airtight containers for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Reheat slices as a quick lunch with a side salad.

Nutrition & Health Info

Approximate per serving (1 of 8 servings):

Calories: ~350–450 kcal (varies by cheese and sausage)
Protein: 18–25 g
Fat: 20–30 g
Carbs: 20–30 g

Lighter versions:

Use turkey sausage or lean ham, low-fat milk, and reduce cheese to cut calories and fat.
Add extra vegetables (spinach, bell pepper) to boost fiber and volume while keeping portions satisfying.

This casserole can fit into balanced meal planning when paired with fruit and a side salad.

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare Christmas Morning Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) for the best texture. You can also freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.

Q: How do I thicken or thin the custard?
A: Thicken by reducing milk or adding an extra egg; thin by adding up to 1/4 cup more milk. Adjust gently — bread will absorb some liquid during the soak.

Q: What are good ingredient substitutions?
A: Swap sausage for bacon, ham, or sautéed mushrooms. Use different cheeses (Swiss, Gruyère) for new flavor profiles.

Q: Can I double or halve the recipe?
A: Yes. Bake in proportionally sized dishes (an 11×15 for double, an 8×8 for half) and adjust baking time: more volume = longer bake.

Q: What cookware is best?
A: A 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish is ideal for even heating. Metal pans bake slightly faster and give quicker browning.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free or meat-free?
A: Yes — use plant-based milk and cheese for dairy-free, and tofu scramble or roasted veggies for meat-free versions.

Q: What sides go well with it?
A: Fresh fruit, mixed greens, roasted potatoes, and warm rolls are excellent companions.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, creamy Christmas Morning Casserole — it’s easy to make, effortless to scale, and perfect for gifting your family a stress-free holiday morning. Try the overnight method, experiment with cheeses or veggies, and let this recipe become a holiday tradition in your home.

If you make this casserole, please leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share a photo on social media — I love seeing your variations and tweaks!

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