There’s something truly magical about holiday mornings, isn’t there? The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of laughter, and the anticipation of a special breakfast bring everyone together. One of my favorite traditions is making a big, hearty Christmas breakfast casserole with turkey sausage. It’s a dish that not only fills the room with warmth but also nourishes the soul. This casserole combines fluffy eggs, savory turkey sausage, and gooey cheese, all cradled in soft bread. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your festive table, serving up to eight people, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy brunches with friends.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and flexibility. You can prep it in just 15 minutes and pop it in the oven while you sip on your morning coffee, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or herbs! Trust me, this Christmas breakfast casserole with turkey sausage will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions, just like it has in my family.
Ingredients List
To make this delightful Christmas breakfast casserole with turkey sausage, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb turkey sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 6 slices bread (cubed; I usually use a hearty white or whole grain)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded; feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheese)
These ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any holiday breakfast. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready before you start, so the process flows smoothly!
How to Prepare Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the casserole rise beautifully and ensures even cooking. You want that perfect golden-brown top, right? So, while the oven is heating, you can get everything else ready!
Combine the Ingredients
Now, let’s dive into mixing everything together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled turkey sausage with the eggs and milk. I love to whisk the eggs first until they’re nice and frothy – it really makes a difference in texture! Once that’s combined, gently stir in the cubed bread and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything is well-mixed, so every bite is packed with flavor. You want the bread to soak up all that delicious egg and milk mixture, turning this casserole into a fluffy, savory treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is also the perfect time to toss in any extra ingredients like chopped bell peppers or spinach for some added color and nutrients!
Transfer to Baking Dish
With your mixture ready, it’s time to get it into the baking dish! Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter to ensure easy release after baking. Carefully pour the casserole mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. If you’ve added any veggies, make sure they’re distributed throughout so everyone gets a taste. It should look colorful and inviting – just wait until it’s baked!
Baking Process
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and the casserole is set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This little wait time helps it firm up a bit more, making it easier to cut into perfect squares. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen while it bakes is heavenly, and it’ll definitely get everyone excited for breakfast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas breakfast casserole with turkey sausage is bound to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings for so many reasons:
- Quick and Easy Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can spend more time enjoying the festive atmosphere and less time in the kitchen.
- Feeds a Crowd: Serving up to eight people, this casserole is perfect for family brunches or gatherings with friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheese to make it uniquely yours!
- Comforting and Delicious: The combination of fluffy eggs, savory turkey sausage, and gooey cheese nestled in bread creates a warm, hearty dish that everyone will love.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, making your holiday morning stress-free!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a holiday staple for years to come!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This Christmas breakfast casserole with turkey sausage is not only delicious but also offers a decent nutritional profile that can help power your festive morning. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (1/8 of the casserole):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Calcium: 300mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on specific brands and ingredients you use. It’s a hearty way to kick off your day, especially when shared with loved ones around the table!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas breakfast casserole with turkey sausage turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you prefer a meatless option, feel free to swap the turkey sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage. Both add wonderful flavor without losing the heartiness!
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture. Cheese is where you can really make this dish your own!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to your baking time if it’s cold from the fridge!
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allowing it to cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables like diced tomatoes, spinach, or even some fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a breakfast casserole that’s not only delicious but also a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas breakfast casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. In the morning, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but be sure to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday morning!
What can I substitute for turkey sausage?
If you’re looking for alternatives to turkey sausage, don’t worry! You can use pork sausage for a richer flavor or even chicken sausage if you want to keep it light. For a meatless option, sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage work beautifully, providing that savory taste while keeping the dish hearty. Each option brings its own delicious twist!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to enhance both flavor and nutrition. Options like diced bell peppers, spinach, or even sautéed onions and mushrooms blend perfectly into this casserole. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté any firmer veggies before mixing them in, so they cook evenly and don’t add excess moisture. Your casserole will be colorful and even more delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your Christmas breakfast casserole with turkey sausage is super easy! Once the casserole has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Just cut it into squares, wrap them well in foil or freezer-safe bags, and pop them in the freezer for up to three months.
When it’s time to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheating is a breeze! You can either microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes or pop the whole casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Before serving, ensure it’s heated all the way through. Enjoy the cozy flavors all over again!
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
Christmas Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking dish
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb turkey sausage Cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 6 slices bread Cubed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese Shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey sausage, eggs, milk, bread cubes, and cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden brown.