Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Welcome to a delightful and comforting recipe perfect for holiday mornings or a special family breakfast: the Christmas Breakfast Casserole. This hearty and satisfying dish is a great way to start a festive day, combining the savory flavors of ground sausage with the gentle tang of mustard powder and the richness of whole milk and eggs. Toasted white bread cubes add a lovely texture, while the melted mild Cheddar cheese creates a deliciously gooey topping.

This casserole is not only mouth-watering but also convenient for busy holiday mornings. You can prepare it the night before and simply bake it the next day. It serves six, making it ideal for family gatherings. Enjoy the warm, inviting aromas of this baked casserole as you open presents or spend quality time with loved ones. Let’s get started on creating this comforting and festive breakfast treat!

Ingredients:

1. 1 lb ground sausage
2. 1 tsp mustard powder
3. ½ tsp kosher salt
4. 4 large eggs, beaten
5. 2 cups whole milk
6. 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes
7. 1 cup mild Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sausage:
   • Begin by heating a medium skillet over medium heat.
   • Crumble the sausage into the skillet.
   • Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, until it’s evenly browned. This should take about 10 minutes.
   • Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease.
2. Mix the Casserole Base:
   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the mustard powder, kosher salt, beaten eggs, and whole milk until well combined.
   • Add the browned sausage, toasted bread cubes, and shredded Cheddar cheese to the egg mixture.
   • Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring that the bread cubes are thoroughly coated with the egg mixture. This helps the casserole to have a uniform texture.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
   • Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
   • Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. The casserole needs to chill for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, which results in a more cohesive dish.
4. Bake the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
   • Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats. This step helps in even baking.
   • Bake the casserole, still covered, for 45 to 60 minutes. The cooking time can vary depending on your oven and the depth of your baking dish.
   • After the initial baking, uncover the casserole and reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
   • Continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is lightly golden.
5. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into it.
   • Serve warm, cutting the casserole into squares or slices as preferred.

Additional Tips:

• Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese such as sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend for different flavors.
• Make-Ahead: This casserole is perfect for making ahead, as it requires chilling for several hours before baking.
• Storing: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty Christmas Breakfast Casserole!