Christmas Breakfast Casserole (Church Eggs)
A hearty overnight breakfast casserole combining eggs, bread, sausage, and cheese, perfect for festive mornings or communal brunches, offering savory flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter and cube the bread slices.
- Place the bread cubes into a large sprayed oblong pan.
- Spread cooked sausage over the bread.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, salt, pepper, and dried mustard; mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage in the pan.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 60 minutes, or longer if frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole grain bread instead of white. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage or leftover holiday meats. To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for the milk. Additionally, adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions can enhance the texture and taste, making it a delightful centerpiece for your Christmas breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Breakfast Casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a light salad, or crispy breakfast potatoes for a complete meal. For a festive touch, serve with cranberry juice or mimosas. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on top for extra flavor. Consider presenting it alongside other holiday favorites like Memaw'S Surprise for a memorable brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Breakfast Casserole (Church Eggs) contains roughly 474 calories, with 13g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1339mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for overnight preparation. After assembling it, simply cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when baked the next day.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and freeze it before baking. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions as normal.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different flavor, you can substitute Cheddar with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. Each will give the casserole a unique taste while still maintaining its creamy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).