Christmas Brunch Casserole Recipe

Eggs: Provide the base and structure for the casserole.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Breakfast sausage: Adds a savory and hearty flavor to the dish.

Cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a rich and creamy texture.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.

Bread cubes: Provide structure and absorb the egg mixture, creating a fluffy texture.

To ensure your casserole has a perfectly fluffy texture, make sure to use day-old bread. Fresh bread can be too moist and may result in a soggy casserole. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out by toasting the bread cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes before adding them to the mixture.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the casserole.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that still provides a creamy texture.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that still offers a similar flavor profile.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a milder flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a different depth of umami flavor while still providing the necessary saltiness.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, often described as more earthy.

• cubed bread - Substitute with cubed gluten-free bread: For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free bread works well and absorbs the egg mixture similarly.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method ensures easy grab-and-go servings.
• Label the freezer-safe bag or container with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier top, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• If reheating the entire casserole, cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp up.
• Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the best quality and safety of the casserole.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Christmas Brunch Casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get crispy again.

• Microwave Method: Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. If needed, continue heating in 30-second increments until hot.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the leftover casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even warming. This method can help restore some of the original texture.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method will give you a crispy top similar to the original bake.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a toaster oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) until it is golden and set.

• Large mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, and to mix in the cooked sausage, cheese, and bread cubes.

• Whisk: Used to blend the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together smoothly.

• Baking dish: Used to hold the casserole mixture while it bakes in the oven.

• Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper precisely.

• Knife: Used to cube the bread into even pieces.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to cube the bread.

• Skillet: Used to cook and crumble the breakfast sausage before adding it to the casserole mixture.

• Spatula: Used to mix the cooked sausage, cheese, and bread cubes into the egg mixture evenly.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cook and crumble the breakfast sausage the night before.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding your own.

Pre-cube the bread: Cube the bread a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.

Mix dry ingredients: Combine the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese in a bowl the night before.

Quick assembly: In the morning, just whisk the eggs and milk, then mix with the pre-prepared dry ingredients.