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

Description

This Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate holiday morning dish, blending the savory flavors of sausage, crispy bacon, and sautéed veggies with cheesy goodness in a soft egg-soaked bread base. Prepared the night before, it’s easy, delicious, and perfect for entertaining your family or guests.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Proteins & Cheese

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

Vegetables

3/4 cup small diced white onion
1 cup small diced green bell pepper
1 cup small diced red bell pepper

Base

4 cups small cubed crusty bread

Egg Mixture

12 large eggs, well beaten
2/3 cup half and half
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Proteins
Cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, then drain. Dice the bacon small, cook it until crispy, and reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease for later.
Prepare the Vegetables
Heat the saved tablespoon of bacon grease in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers into the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup. Lay the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Layer the Casserole
Begin layering the cooked sausage over the bread. Top with the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture, followed by the crispy bacon. Finally, distribute the diced Velveeta evenly over the layers.
Mix the Egg Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. Carefully pour this egg mixture over the top of the casserole. Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the egg mixture.
Chill
Cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or leave it overnight for best results. This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.
Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the foil from the casserole and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean without any wet egg. If the casserole browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil while finishing baking.
Let it Rest and Serve
After baking, allow the casserole to sit for at least 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your hearty breakfast!

Notes

Save a tablespoon of bacon grease when cooking the bacon for added flavor while sautéing the vegetables.
Pressing down the bread helps it absorb the egg mixture better for a cohesive dish.
If using pre-cooked bacon, add a splash of olive oil when cooking the vegetables.
Spread the ingredients evenly across the layers for balanced flavors in every bite.
For a complete festive breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or cinnamon rolls.
If reheating leftovers, cover with foil and heat in the oven to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 375
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 725mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 210mg