Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe

Breakfast sausage: A flavorful ground meat that adds a savory taste to the casserole.

Eggs: These provide structure and richness to the dish.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to bind the ingredients together.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Dry mustard: Adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the sausage.

Bread cubes: Provide a base and absorb the egg mixture, creating a satisfying texture.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor and melts beautifully in the casserole.

To ensure the casserole is evenly cooked and has a delightful texture, let the egg mixture sit for about 10 minutes after pouring it over the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese. This allows the bread to absorb some of the liquid, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with turkey sausage: Lower in fat and calories, but still provides a similar flavor and texture.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: Ideal for a vegetarian option, offering a similar taste and texture.

• eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Suitable for those with egg allergies or dietary restrictions, providing similar binding properties.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: A dairy-free alternative that works well for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based options.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Another dairy-free option that has a creamy texture similar to cow's milk.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor while reducing the need for additional salt.

• dry mustard - Substitute with prepared mustard: Provides a similar tangy flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity due to the added liquid.

• bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, offering a similar texture when cubed.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: A milder flavor but still melts well, providing a similar creamy texture.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Ideal for a dairy-free option, offering a similar texture and meltability.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• If you prefer to store individual servings, cut the casserole into portions and place them in airtight containers. This makes reheating easier and faster.

• To freeze the casserole, first ensure it is fully cooled. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.

• Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions by wrapping each piece in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 20-30 minutes. If reheating individual portions, microwave on medium power until heated evenly.

• For a crispy top, you can uncover the casserole for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating in the oven.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue to heat in 30-second increments until thoroughly warmed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover casserole in the skillet, breaking it up slightly to ensure even heating.
  4. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check to ensure the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the casserole in a toaster oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Skillet: Used to cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.

• Mixing bowl: Used to beat the eggs and mix them with milk, salt, and dry mustard.

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs and mix the ingredients in the mixing bowl.

• Greased baking dish: Used to layer the bread cubes, cooked sausage, and cheese, and to pour the egg mixture over the layers.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) and used to bake the casserole for 45 minutes.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and dry mustard.

• Knife: Used to cube the bread slices.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to cube the bread slices.

• Spatula: Used to layer the ingredients in the baking dish and to ensure even distribution.

Cook sausage ahead: Brown the sausage the night before and store it in the fridge to save time in the morning.

Pre-mix egg mixture: Beat the eggs and mix with milk, salt, and dry mustard the night before. Store in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Prep bread cubes: Cube the bread the night before and store in an airtight container.

Assemble in advance: Layer the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish the night before. Pour the egg mixture over it in the morning and bake.