Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Cooked breakfast sausage: Adds a savory, meaty flavor and protein to the casserole.

Beaten eggs: Acts as the main binder, holding all the ingredients together.

Milk: Makes the casserole creamy and helps mix everything smoothly.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a little bit of spice and depth.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a rich, cheesy taste and a melty texture.

Thawed frozen hash browns: Provides a crispy, potato base that soaks up all the flavors.

One of the most helpful steps in this Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole Recipe is mixing the eggs, milk, and seasonings with the cooked sausage before adding the cheese and hash browns. Here’s a simple way to do it so everything blends nicely and cooks evenly:

1. Crack the eggs into a large bowl and beat them with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are fully mixed.
2. Pour in the milk slowly while stirring gently to keep the mixture smooth.
3. Add the salt and black pepper and give it another quick stir to spread the flavors.
4. Finally, fold in the cooked sausage so it’s evenly spread throughout the liquid.

Doing this step carefully helps the eggs and milk combine well with the sausage, which means the casserole will cook with a nice, even texture. If you just dump everything in without mixing, some bites might be too salty or others too bland. Plus, the eggs cook better when they’re well mixed with the milk and seasoning.

When I first made this casserole, I didn’t mix the eggs and milk well enough, and the texture was a little lumpy. After I started beating the eggs properly and stirring in the milk slowly, the casserole turned out creamy and smooth every time. Also, I like to use a big bowl so I don’t spill while stirring — it makes the whole process less messy and more fun!

• 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 profile.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage offers a plant-based alternative while maintaining the savory taste.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute or liquid egg whites: These options reduce cholesterol and fat while still providing the necessary binding and texture.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in casseroles, offering a slightly nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is creamy and neutral in flavor, making it a good non-dairy substitute.

• salt - Substitute with herb seasoning blend: Using a blend of herbs can enhance flavor without adding sodium.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

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

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with diced cooked potatoes: Diced potatoes offer a similar texture and can be seasoned to taste.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with sweet potato hash: Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweet flavor and a boost of nutrients.

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

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

• If you're planning to freeze, slice the casserole into individual portions. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.

• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date and contents. This ensures you remember what deliciousness awaits you and when it was stored.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight for best results. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the hash browns and cheese.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, use the microwave, but be mindful that the texture might be slightly different.

• If reheating from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the oven time, ensuring the casserole is thoroughly warmed.

• For a fresh twist, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before reheating to enhance the cheesy goodness.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it's warmed through. This method ensures the hash browns regain their delightful crispness.

• If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a stovetop method, cut the casserole into slices and place them in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet and let it heat for about 5 minutes, flipping once, until both sides are warmed and slightly crispy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place slices of the casserole in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a crispy top and edges, enhancing the texture of the hash browns.

• For a creative twist, transform your leftover casserole into a breakfast burrito. Reheat a portion in the microwave or on the stovetop, then wrap it in a warm tortilla with some fresh salsa and avocado.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) to ensure it cooks evenly.

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the cooked sausage, beaten eggs, milk, salt, pepper, cheese, and hash browns into a uniform mixture.

• Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs and ensuring they are well mixed with the milk and seasonings.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk and ensuring the right proportions in the recipe.

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

• Baking dish: The container in which the casserole mixture is poured and baked. It should be greased to prevent sticking.

• Spatula or spoon: Handy for stirring the ingredients together in the mixing bowl and for transferring the mixture into the baking dish.

• Cheese grater: If not using pre-shredded cheese, this tool is needed to shred the cheddar cheese.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly after baking, ensuring it sets properly before serving.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Cook and crumble the sausage the night before and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to save time on grating.

Thaw hash browns overnight: Place the hash browns in the fridge the night before to ensure they're ready to use.

Mix in one bowl: Combine all ingredients in one mixing bowl to minimize cleanup.

Pre-grease the baking dish: Grease your baking dish ahead of time to streamline the process.