Can I assemble this casserole the same day I plan to bake it?

While the overnight rest produces the best texture and flavor integration, you can make it the same day if needed. Try to give it at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator so the bread has time to absorb the egg mixture.

What's the best bread to use for this casserole?

A crusty, hearty bread like French bread, sourdough, or ciabatta works best. Slightly stale or day-old bread is perfect as it absorbs the egg mixture more effectively without becoming too soggy.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?

Absolutely! While Velveeta creates those wonderfully creamy pockets, you can substitute with fontina, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for similar meltability. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the casserole.

Is there a way to make this lighter or lower in calories?

Yes, you can use turkey sausage and turkey bacon instead of pork. Substitute the half-and-half with whole milk and use reduced-fat cheese. You can also increase the ratio of vegetables to meat for a lighter version that's still delicious.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Name: Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 8 h 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 9 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground breakfast sausage, cooked and drained; 1/2 pound bacon, small diced, cooked crispy; 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, small diced; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 3/4 cup small diced white onion; 1 cup small diced green bell pepper; 1 cup small diced red bell pepper; 4 cups small cubed crusty bread; 12 large eggs, well beaten; 2/3 cup half and half; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate holiday morning treat – loaded with savory sausage, crispy bacon, colorful peppers, and gooey cheese all soaked in a rich egg mixture. Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven while the family opens presents. It’s hearty, festive, and guaranteed to become your new Christmas morning tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this casserole the night before and simply bake it in the morning – perfect for busy holiday mornings when you’d rather be opening gifts than standing over the stove.
Crowd-Pleaser: With savory meats, bread, and cheese, this casserole satisfies everyone from picky eaters to hungry relatives who just traveled across the country.
Customizable: Use this recipe as a foundation and adapt it with your family’s favorite ingredients – swap in different meats, cheeses, or add mushrooms if that’s your thing!
Complete Meal: Protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish means less cooking and more celebrating with your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground breakfast sausage: Provides a savory, hearty base that adds tremendous flavor throughout the casserole.
Bacon: Brings that irresistible smoky crunch that makes breakfast feel special. The reserved bacon grease is liquid gold for sautéing the vegetables!
Onions and bell peppers: These aromatics add color, sweetness, and texture. The red and green peppers give a festive Christmas color scheme!
Crusty bread: Acts as the foundation that soaks up all the delicious egg mixture. Day-old bread works perfectly here as it absorbs more flavor.
Velveeta cheese: Creates pockets of creamy, melty goodness throughout the casserole. Don’t skip this – it’s what makes the texture so wonderful!
Eggs: The binding agent that brings everything together into a cohesive, fluffy casserole.
Half-and-half: Adds richness and creaminess to the egg mixture, creating a custard-like texture.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Forms that beautifully golden, slightly crispy top layer that everyone fights over.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Meat Lover’s Version

Add diced ham along with the sausage and bacon for a triple-meat extravaganza.

Southwest Twist

Mix in a small can of diced green chiles and substitute pepper jack for the cheddar cheese. Serve with salsa and avocado slices.

Veggie Delight

Skip the meat and double up on vegetables – add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a vegetarian option.

French Toast Fusion

Use cinnamon raisin bread instead of crusty bread and add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the egg mixture for a sweet-savory combination.

How to Make Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Proteins and Vegetables

Cook the sausage until browned and crumbly, then drain well. Cook the bacon until crispy, reserving 1 tablespoon of the grease. In the bacon grease, sauté the diced onions and bell peppers for 8-10 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Add the cubed bread as your first layer, followed by the cooked sausage, the sautéed peppers and onions, crispy bacon pieces, and finally the diced Velveeta cheese.

Step 3: Add the Egg Mixture

Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the baking dish. Gently press down on the top to help the bread soak up the egg mixture.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This resting period is crucial as it allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture and the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, take off the plastic wrap, and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for approximately 40 minutes until puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the casserole set up properly for cleaner slices and prevents burned mouths!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality bread matters: Use a good crusty bread like sourdough or French bread. The sturdier the bread, the better it holds up to the egg mixture.
Even distribution is key: Take time to spread each layer evenly throughout the pan to ensure every bite contains all the delicious elements.
Don’t rush the sautéing: Properly softened vegetables release more flavor and integrate better into the casserole.
Cheese placement strategy: Distributing the Velveeta throughout the middle (rather than on top) creates pockets of melty cheese throughout the casserole.
Monitor the browning: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this hearty casserole with fresh fruit, such as berries or citrus segments, to balance the richness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a wonderful accompaniment.

Holiday Brunch Menu

Create a complete Christmas brunch by adding cinnamon rolls, cranberry mimosas for the adults, and hot chocolate for the kids.

Garnishes

Offer a toppings bar with hot sauce, salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, and fresh herbs so everyone can customize their portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the ingredients continue to meld together.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Cut cooled leftovers into individual portions, wrap in plastic wrap then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place multiple portions in a covered baking dish and heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I assemble this casserole the same day I plan to bake it?

While the overnight rest produces the best texture and flavor integration, you can make it the same day if needed. Try to give it at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator so the bread has time to absorb the egg mixture.
What’s the best bread to use for this casserole?

A crusty, hearty bread like French bread, sourdough, or ciabatta works best. Slightly stale or day-old bread is perfect as it absorbs the egg mixture more effectively without becoming too soggy.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?

Absolutely! While Velveeta creates those wonderfully creamy pockets, you can substitute with fontina, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for similar meltability. Each will bring its own unique flavor profile to the casserole.
Is there a way to make this lighter or lower in calories?

Yes, you can use turkey sausage and turkey bacon instead of pork. Substitute the half-and-half with whole milk and use reduced-fat cheese. You can also increase the ratio of vegetables to meat for a lighter version that’s still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s part of creating holiday memories. The beauty of preparing it the night before means you can focus on family time while a delicious breakfast bakes to perfection. Whether it’s your first time hosting Christmas morning or a continuing tradition, this casserole delivers comfort and satisfaction when it matters most. Give it a try this holiday season, and I predict it’ll earn a permanent spot in your Christmas celebration menu!