Christmas Brunch
A hearty and cheesy breakfast casserole featuring sausage, eggs, and cheddar, perfect for festive Christmas brunches and satisfying a crowd with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a 2 x 9 x 13-inch ungreased pan.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground pork sausage until browned; drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt until well combined.
- Layer the cooked sausage, shredded Cheddar cheese, and plain croutons in the prepared pan.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the casserole. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground pork sausage with turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative. Additionally, using a mix of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, can enhance the dish's flavor. This recipe is similar to a Bacon And Cheese Oven Pancake in its comforting, hearty style.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Brunch casserole is perfect for serving with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. You can also offer a selection of pastries or muffins for a festive touch. For a heartier meal, pair with crispy bacon or serve alongside Margaret'S Ham for a delightful holiday spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Brunch contains roughly 769 calories, with 20g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (55% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1337mg 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it as usual. This makes it a great option for preparing ahead for holiday gatherings.
What can I substitute for croutons?
If you don’t have croutons on hand, you can use stale bread cut into cubes or even tortilla chips for a different texture. Additionally, some people prefer to use hash browns or cooked quinoa as a base for a gluten-free option, giving the casserole a unique twist.
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).