Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole Recipe

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

Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and provides a rich, custardy texture.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy base for the casserole.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a cheesy, melty goodness to every bite.

Cubed bread: Provides structure and absorbs the egg mixture, creating a fluffy texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

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

When preparing the bread for this casserole, consider using slightly stale bread instead of fresh. Stale bread will absorb the egg mixture better, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful casserole. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out by toasting it lightly in the oven before cubing.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage is a great alternative for those who prefer a plant-based option.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes can be used for those who are allergic to eggs or prefer a vegan option.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in casseroles.

• milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk is another dairy-free option that provides a similar consistency.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese offers a milder flavor and melts well.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a good alternative for those who avoid dairy.

• cubed bread - Substitute with cubed gluten-free bread: Gluten-free bread is essential for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a more natural alternative to regular table salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without the black specks, which some prefer for aesthetic reasons.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to reheat single servings.

• Label the freezer-safe bag or container with the date and contents. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.

• To reheat from frozen, it's best to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated casserole.

• For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe cover or another plate. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Adjust the time as needed depending on your microwave's power.

• Always check that the casserole is heated thoroughly before serving. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the casserole from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating to allow the top to crisp up.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the casserole is not heated through, continue to heat in 30-second increments until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid to help retain moisture.
  5. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the casserole is heated through and the edges are crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
  4. If needed, continue to heat in 1-2 minute increments until the casserole is warmed through and the top is crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature until it is golden brown and set.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs before mixing them with other ingredients.

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

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

• Baking dish: A greased dish where the mixture will be poured and baked.

• Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients thoroughly in the mixing bowl.

• Knife: Used to cube the bread slices.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cube the bread slices.

• Cooling rack: Used to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep ingredients ahead: Cook and crumble the sausage the night before. Store it in the fridge to save time in the morning.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Pre-cube the bread: Cube the bread the night before and store it in an airtight container.

Mix the night before: Combine all ingredients the night before and store the mixture in the fridge. Pour into the baking dish and bake in the morning.

Use a larger baking dish: A larger baking dish can help the casserole cook faster and more evenly.