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10 Easy Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipes

Written by

myrecipe Team

Dec 10, 20248 min
10 Easy Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipes

10 Easy Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipes

Christmas morning should be about unwrapping presents and making memories, not standing over a hot stove. The solution? Make-ahead breakfast casseroles that you assemble the night before and simply bake Christmas morning.

These 10 easy breakfast casserole recipes range from classic egg dishes to sweet French toast bakes, all designed to feed a crowd with minimal morning effort. Wake up, pop one in the oven, and enjoy a stress-free Christmas breakfast with your family.

Why Breakfast Casseroles Are Perfect for Christmas

Make-Ahead Convenience:

  • Assemble the night before
  • Just bake in the morning
  • No standing over stove
  • More time with family

Feeds a Crowd:

  • One dish serves 8-12
  • Easy to double
  • Everyone eats together
  • Minimal serving effort

Keeps Warm:

  • Stays hot in the oven
  • People can serve themselves
  • Works with flexible timing
  • Perfect for late sleepers

Versatile:

  • Sweet or savory options
  • Accommodates dietary needs
  • Pairs with simple sides
  • Can be made in disposable pans

Classic Savory Breakfast Casseroles

1. Traditional Sausage and Egg Casserole

The ultimate crowd-pleaser everyone loves.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage
  • 8 slices bread, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp dry mustard

Instructions:

  1. Brown sausage, drain
  2. Layer bread cubes in greased 9x13 pan
  3. Top with sausage and cheese
  4. Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings
  5. Pour over bread mixture
  6. Cover and refrigerate overnight
  7. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes

Make-ahead: Up to 24 hours Serves: 10-12 Variation: Use bacon instead of sausage

2. Hash Brown Breakfast Bake

Crispy potatoes with eggs and cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 30 oz frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 1 lb cooked sausage or bacon
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 12 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Layer hash browns in greased pan
  2. Top with cooked meat and cheese
  3. Whisk eggs, milk, seasonings
  4. Pour over layers
  5. Refrigerate overnight
  6. Bake at 375°F for 50-60 minutes

Popular: Kids and adults love it Hearty: Very filling Serves: 12

3. Bacon and Cheese Croissant Casserole

Buttery, flaky, and indulgent.

Ingredients:

  • 6 large croissants, torn into pieces
  • 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups Swiss or Gruyere cheese
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh chives

Instructions:

  1. Layer croissant pieces in pan
  2. Top with bacon and cheese
  3. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, mustard, seasonings
  4. Pour over croissants
  5. Press down gently
  6. Refrigerate overnight
  7. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes
  8. Garnish with chives

Elegant: Perfect for special occasions Rich: Very satisfying Serves: 8-10

4. Vegetable Quiche Casserole

Lighter option packed with vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 8 eggs
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions)
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Sauté vegetables until tender
  2. Whisk eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, flour, baking powder
  3. Stir in vegetables
  4. Pour into greased pan
  5. Refrigerate overnight
  6. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes

Vegetarian: Perfect for non-meat eaters Protein-packed: Cheese and eggs Serves: 8-10

5. Southwest Breakfast Casserole

Spicy, flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.

Ingredients:

  • 10 eggs
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can diced green chiles
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 6 flour tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper

Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Additional salsa

Instructions:

  1. Layer tortilla strips in pan
  2. Top with beans, chiles, cheese
  3. Whisk eggs, salsa, cumin, seasonings
  4. Pour over layers
  5. Refrigerate overnight
  6. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes
  7. Serve with toppings

Flavorful: Different from traditional breakfast Customizable: Adjust spice level Serves: 10

For more breakfast ideas, check our quick breakfast ideas guide.

Sweet Breakfast Casseroles

6. Overnight French Toast Casserole

Classic French toast in easy casserole form.

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf French bread, cubed
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

Topping:

  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup
  • Pecans (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Place bread cubes in greased pan
  2. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, spices
  3. Pour over bread, press down
  4. Cover and refrigerate overnight
  5. Mix topping ingredients, spread over casserole
  6. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes
  7. Serve with syrup and berries

Classic: Always a hit Sweet: Perfect for kids Serves: 10-12

7. Cinnamon Roll Casserole

All the flavor of cinnamon rolls, easier to make.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
  • 4 eggs
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Icing from cinnamon roll cans

Instructions:

  1. Cut cinnamon rolls into quarters
  2. Place in greased pan
  3. Whisk eggs, cream, cinnamon, vanilla
  4. Pour over cinnamon rolls
  5. Refrigerate overnight
  6. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes
  7. Drizzle with icing

Easy: Uses store-bought rolls Sweet treat: Like dessert for breakfast Serves: 8

8. Blueberry Cream Cheese Casserole

Sweet, creamy, and fruity.

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf white bread, cubed
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 10 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Layer half the bread in pan
  2. Dot with cream cheese cubes
  3. Sprinkle with blueberries
  4. Top with remaining bread
  5. Whisk eggs, milk, syrup, vanilla
  6. Pour over bread
  7. Refrigerate overnight
  8. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes

Fruity: Fresh flavor Creamy: Cream cheese adds richness Serves: 10-12

9. Baked Oatmeal Casserole

Healthy, hearty, and comforting.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup berries or diced apples

Instructions:

  1. Mix dry ingredients
  2. Whisk wet ingredients
  3. Combine wet and dry
  4. Stir in fruit
  5. Pour into greased pan
  6. Refrigerate overnight
  7. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes

Healthy: Whole grain option Customizable: Use any fruit Serves: 8-10

10. Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Bake

Like apple pie meets French toast.

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf cinnamon swirl bread, cubed
  • 3 cups diced apples
  • 8 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Layer bread and apples in pan
  2. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla
  3. Pour over bread
  4. Refrigerate overnight
  5. Make streusel, sprinkle on top
  6. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes

Seasonal: Perfect for fall/winter Comforting: Warm apple flavor Serves: 10

Make-Ahead Tips and Tricks

Prep Timeline

2-3 Days Before:

  • Shop for ingredients
  • Cook and crumble meats
  • Shred cheese
  • Cube bread (let dry overnight)

Night Before:

  • Assemble casserole completely
  • Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap
  • Refrigerate
  • Set out serving dishes

Christmas Morning:

  • Remove from fridge 20-30 minutes before baking
  • Preheat oven
  • Bake according to recipe
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Storage Guidelines

Refrigerator:

  • Assembled but unbaked: 24 hours
  • Leftover baked casserole: 3-4 days
  • Keep covered

Freezer:

  • Assembled unbaked casserole: 2-3 months
  • Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil
  • Label with baking instructions
  • Thaw in fridge 24 hours before baking

Reheating:

  • Cover with foil to prevent drying
  • Heat at 325°F until warmed through
  • Individual portions: microwave 1-2 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes

Savory Casseroles:

  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Hash browns or home fries
  • Toast or muffins
  • Bacon or sausage links

Sweet Casseroles:

  • Crispy bacon
  • Breakfast sausage
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

Both:

  • Orange juice
  • Coffee and tea
  • Hot chocolate for kids
  • Yogurt parfaits

Toppings Bar

For Savory:

  • Salsa and sour cream
  • Hot sauce
  • Sliced avocado
  • Fresh herbs

For Sweet:

  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream
  • Chopped nuts

Presentation

Make It Festive:

  • Use Christmas serving dishes
  • Garnish with fresh herbs or berries
  • Add holiday napkins
  • Set up buffet-style
  • Keep warm on warming tray

Scaling and Portioning

For Smaller Groups (4-6 people):

  • Use 8x8 or 9x9 pan
  • Cut all ingredients in half
  • Baking time: reduce by 10-15 minutes
  • Check doneness early

For Larger Groups (15-20 people):

  • Make two 9x13 pans
  • Or use hotel pan/roasting pan
  • Increase baking time slightly
  • May need two ovens

Per Person Planning:

  • Average serving: 1 cup casserole
  • 9x13 pan: 10-12 servings
  • Add 2-3 extra servings for big eaters
  • Always better to have too much

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free:

  • Use gluten-free bread
  • Check all processed ingredients
  • Most egg casseroles naturally GF
  • Use GF flour in recipes requiring it

Dairy-Free:

  • Use dairy-free milk (oat, almond, soy)
  • Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternative
  • Use dairy-free butter
  • Coconut cream for richness

Vegetarian:

  • Omit meat
  • Add extra vegetables
  • Use vegetarian sausage crumbles
  • Increase cheese for protein

Low-Carb:

  • Skip bread-based casseroles
  • Focus on egg and cheese versions
  • Add extra vegetables
  • Use hash browns sparingly

Budget-Friendly Options

Save Money:

Ingredients:

  • Buy eggs in bulk
  • Use day-old bread (ask bakery)
  • Shred your own cheese
  • Make with bacon instead of sausage

Shopping:

  • Stock up on sale items in November
  • Use store brands
  • Buy frozen vegetables
  • Check discount bread racks

Cost Breakdown:

Sausage and Egg Casserole:

  • Eggs: £2
  • Sausage: £3
  • Bread: £1.50
  • Cheese: £2.50
  • Milk: £1
  • Total: £10 (serves 10-12 = £0.80-1 per serving)

For more budget tips, see our budget grocery shopping guide.

Common Questions

Can I bake it right away instead of overnight? Yes, but the bread won't absorb the egg mixture as well. Let sit at least 30 minutes before baking.

Why is my casserole watery?

  • Too much milk in ratio
  • Didn't bake long enough
  • Didn't let rest before serving
  • Vegetables released water (drain them first)

How do I know when it's done?

  • Center should be set (not jiggly)
  • Knife inserted comes out clean
  • Internal temperature: 160°F
  • Edges pulling away from pan slightly

Can I use different types of bread? Absolutely! Try:

  • Brioche (rich and sweet)
  • Challah (fluffy and light)
  • Sourdough (tangy)
  • Whole wheat (hearty)
  • Croissants (buttery)

The Bottom Line

Christmas breakfast casseroles transform holiday morning from chaotic to calm. With one of these make-ahead recipes, you can feed your family a delicious, satisfying breakfast while still having time to enjoy gift opening and family traditions.

Choose one or two recipes from this guide based on your family's preferences (savory vs. sweet), assemble the night before, and wake up to an almost-done breakfast that just needs baking.

The beauty of breakfast casseroles is their flexibility and forgiveness—they're hard to mess up and easy to customize. Start with a basic recipe and make it your own holiday tradition.

For more holiday cooking inspiration, explore our holiday meal prep tips and christmas dinner recipes.

Merry Christmas and happy breakfasting!

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