There is nothing quite like waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of a hearty Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe filling your home on a chilly holiday morning. This dish brings together layers of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, melted cheeses, and tender hash browns to create a breakfast that feels like a big, delicious hug. It’s simple enough to prepare the night before yet impressive and satisfying enough to become the star of your festive morning spread. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this casserole effortlessly combines rich flavors and cozy textures that make Christmas morning extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe, the ingredients are delightfully straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in building those luscious layers and satisfying tastes you crave. From the creaminess of the eggs and milk to the savory bite of sausage and the colorful crunch of bell peppers, every component adds its own magic to the final dish.
- 12 eggs: The fluffy base that binds the casserole together and provides protein-packed richness.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to make the eggs tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- 2 pounds hash brown potatoes: The hearty, comforting foundation that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (cooked): Brings a smoky, savory punch that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1/2 onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth for balanced flavor.
- 1/2 cup red and green bell peppers (chopped): Provides a pop of color and fresh crispness to brighten the dish.
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and a gooey, melty texture that everyone loves.
- 1 1/2 cups pepper jack cheese: Adds just the right touch of spice and creaminess to keep things interesting.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors in every layer.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle warmth and seasoning that ties it all together.
How to Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the inside of your 8-quart slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your casserole releases easily after cooking, saving you from any sticky mess and keeping the layers perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix Cheeses and Sausage Mixture
Next, combine your shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses in one bowl to create a delicious melty cheese blend. In another bowl, mix the cooked sausage with the diced onions and vibrant bell peppers. This savory mix adds a burst of flavor and texture to each layer of your casserole.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Milk
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are smooth and well combined. Add in the milk along with salt and black pepper, whisking gently until the mixture is uniform. This egg mixture will soak through the potatoes and other layers, turning everything wonderfully creamy during the slow cooking process.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part: layering! Spread about one-third of the hash brown potatoes evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle a third of the sausage and pepper mixture over the potatoes. Then scatter about one cup of the cheese blend on top. Repeat this process two more times, making sure to end with a final cheesy layer on top. This layering creates those irresistible pockets of flavor you’ll savor in every bite.
Step 5: Pour Egg Mixture and Cook
Pour your egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for approximately 8 hours. This slow, gentle cooking allows the eggs to set perfectly and all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Pro tip: you can prepare this before bed and let it cook overnight so it’s ready when you wake up!
How to Serve Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the top adds a burst of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness. If you like a bit of extra indulgence, dollops of sour cream or a few slices of avocado work wonderfully to add creaminess and vibrancy to each serving.
Side Dishes
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a side of fresh fruit salad or warm cinnamon-spiced apples makes the meal feel even more festive and balanced. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness nicely for a more varied spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the casserole directly from a beautiful slow cooker lined with a holiday-themed cloth or platter. You can also cut it into squares and serve as individual portions on colorful plates, perfect for a family-style breakfast gathering. Adding small bowls of dips and garnishes on the side lets everyone customize their plate just how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat and savor all those cozy Christmas morning vibes.
Freezing
If you want to make this Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe well in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months, making your holiday morning stress-free and delicious.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for a quick warm-up, or pop slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. The casserole retains its creamy texture and flavor with just a little reheating love.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the breakfast sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a meatless sausage alternative. The combination of cheeses, potatoes, and vegetables will still deliver plenty of flavor and comfort.
Do I have to use a slow cooker for this recipe?
While the slow cooker is perfect for hands-off, overnight cooking, you can bake the casserole in a 9×13 inch pan at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-55 minutes until set and golden on top. Just keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before and cook it in the morning?
Yes! Assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld even more. Then just start the slow cooker in the morning so it’s fresh and hot for your Christmas celebration.
What cheeses work best if I want to mix it up?
Cheddar and pepper jack make a fantastic combo, but you can experiment with mozzarella for creaminess or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for that luscious texture.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Try adding diced jalapeños or sprinkling cayenne pepper into the egg mixture to give it a spicy kick. Pepper jack cheese also adds a nice subtle heat, but customizing spice level to your taste is always encouraged.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a festive morning game-changer. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, satisfied appetites, and warm hearts. Easy to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing, it deserves a spot in your holiday traditions. I can’t wait for you to try it and make your Christmas morning just a little brighter and tastier.
Print
Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a hearty, savory dish perfect for holiday mornings or any special breakfast occasion. Made with layers of hash brown potatoes, flavorful breakfast sausage, bell peppers, onions, and a rich blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, all soaked in a seasoned egg and milk mixture, then slow-cooked to perfection. The casserole is easy to prepare and cooks overnight, making it convenient for busy holiday mornings.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds hash brown potatoes
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (cooked)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup red and green bell peppers, chopped
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of an 8-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Cheese and Sausage Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. In another bowl, mix the cooked sausage with the chopped bell peppers and onions. Set both mixtures aside.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs until fully blended. Add the milk, salt, and black pepper, whisking until combined. Set aside.
- Layer the Casserole: Place about one-third of the hash brown potatoes evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle one-third of the sausage and vegetable mixture over the potatoes. Then add approximately 1 cup of the shredded cheese blend on top. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a final cheese layer on top.
- Add Egg Mixture and Cook: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, preferably overnight. The casserole will set and develop rich flavors during this slow cooking process.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve hot and enjoy a comforting, festive breakfast casserole that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Notes
- For best results, use an 8-quart slow cooker as directed to ensure even cooking.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and cook it overnight for a ready-to-eat morning meal.
- Make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole to ensure food safety.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables or cheese types according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
