There’s something truly magical about Christmas morning, isn’t there? The excitement in the air, the twinkling lights, and the aroma of a warm *Christmas morning casserole* wafting through the house as everyone gathers around the tree. It’s become a cherished tradition in my family to start the day with a hearty breakfast that fuels us for all the festivities ahead. I mean, who doesn’t love the combination of fluffy bread, savory sausage, and gooey cheese? It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, making those precious moments even more special. Trust me, this casserole is going to be a hit!

Ingredients for Christmas Morning Casserole

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious Christmas morning casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 slices of bread, cubed
• 1 pound of cooked sausage, crumbled
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of mustard powder

Feel free to get creative! You can mix things up by adding your favorite type of cheese or even some colorful veggies like bell peppers or onions if you want a little extra flavor and texture. The best part? Most of these ingredients are things you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Isn’t that convenient?

How to Prepare Christmas Morning Casserole

Preparing this Christmas morning casserole is a breeze and the best part? It can be prepped ahead of time! Let’s dive into the steps so you can have a delicious breakfast ready to go. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven will help everything cook evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. You want every delicious bite to come out perfectly!
2. Next, layer the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. This creates a cozy base for all the flavorful goodness that’s about to come.
3. Then, sprinkle the crumbled cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese over the bread. Oh, the cheese oozing into the bread is just heavenly!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder until it’s nice and frothy. This mixture is what brings everything together.
5. Now, pour that egg mixture evenly over the layers in your baking dish, making sure to soak all the bread cubes. Trust me, this is where the magic happens!
6. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you’re feeling organized. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
7. When you’re ready to bake, pop that dish in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until it’s set and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!

And just like that, your Christmas morning casserole is ready to be devoured! Can’t wait for you to taste this.

Tips for Success with Your Christmas Morning Casserole

To make your Christmas morning casserole truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of bread—sourdough or brioche can add a delightful twist. If you want a lighter version, you can swap out whole milk for skim milk or even a non-dairy alternative. For a flavor boost, consider adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the egg mixture. And here’s a little secret: letting it sit overnight in the fridge not only saves you time in the morning but also allows the flavors to deepen. Trust me, you’ll love the results!

Nutritional Information

Curious about the nutritional breakdown of this scrumptious Christmas morning casserole? Here are the estimated values per serving, which is about one slice:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 22g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Fiber: 1g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose to use. But hey, with those delicious layers of sausage and cheese, who’s counting? Enjoy every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Morning Casserole

• Quick Preparation: This casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prep it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you sleep. Just pop it in the oven in the morning and relax!
• Feeds a Crowd: With eight hearty servings, it’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of savory sausage, gooey cheese, and fluffy bread creates a mouthwatering breakfast that everyone will rave about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! If sausage isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with cooked bacon, ham, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure whatever meat you choose is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can! In fact, I highly recommend it. Just assemble everything, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes your morning so much easier!

What if I don’t have mustard powder?
No worries! If you don’t have mustard powder on hand, you can simply leave it out. Alternatively, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard mixed into the egg mixture can also add a lovely flavor kick.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, onions, or even spinach can be wonderful additions. Just remember to sauté them first if they’re dense, so they don’t release too much moisture into your casserole.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll want to look for a golden brown top and a set center—if it jiggles too much, it needs a bit more time. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing, too, which is a good sign!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers from your delicious Christmas morning casserole (which is a big „if,“ trust me), storing them properly is key to keeping that delightful flavor intact! First, let the casserole cool completely before covering it. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent it from drying out.

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from browning too much. Pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a rush, you can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, but I find the oven method keeps the texture just right. Happy reheating!