Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe

Breakfast sausage: Adds a savory and hearty flavor to the casserole.

Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the dish.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Dry mustard: Adds a subtle tangy note.

Bread: Forms the base layer and adds bulk.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, delicious topping.

To ensure your casserole has a perfectly fluffy texture, make sure to thoroughly whisk the eggs and milk mixture until it is completely smooth and well combined. This will help incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter and more cohesive bake. Additionally, when layering the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese, make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the baking dish to ensure every bite is balanced with flavor.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled turkey sausage: Turkey sausage is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage - Substitute with cooked and crumbled vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage offers a plant-based alternative with a comparable taste and texture.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes are ideal for those with dietary restrictions or allergies and mimic the binding properties of eggs.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: A mixture of flaxseed meal and water can act as a vegan egg replacement, providing similar binding qualities.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in casseroles, maintaining a similar consistency.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free option that offers a creamy texture suitable for casseroles.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory depth of flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement, offering a slightly different mineral profile.

• dry mustard - Substitute with prepared mustard: Prepared mustard can be used in a slightly larger quantity to achieve a similar tangy flavor.

• dry mustard - Substitute with ground turmeric: Ground turmeric can provide a different but complementary flavor and a similar color.

• cubed bread - Substitute with cubed gluten-free bread: Gluten-free bread is essential for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

• cubed bread - Substitute with cubed cornbread: Cornbread adds a unique texture and flavor, making the casserole more interesting.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese offers a milder flavor and a similar melt.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative that melts well and provides a similar texture.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. This ensures that condensation doesn't form inside the storage container, which could make the dish soggy.
• Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from the fridge seeping in.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. To do this, first, wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the casserole with the date before placing it in the freezer. This way, you can keep track of how long it's been stored. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen casserole, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before to thaw. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes or until heated through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
• For individual servings, consider cutting the casserole into portions before freezing. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to reheat just the amount you need.
• To reheat individual portions, unwrap and place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 325°F (165°C). Cut the casserole into smaller pieces to ensure even heating. Place the pieces in the air fryer basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the casserole slices in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through.

• To maintain the casserole's moisture and flavor, consider adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating, especially when using the oven or microwave methods. This will help keep the eggs and bread from drying out.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the eggs, milk, salt, and dry mustard.

• Whisk: Essential for beating the eggs and mixing them with the milk and spices.

• Baking dish: The container where you will layer the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese, and pour the egg mixture over.

• Knife: Needed to cube the bread slices.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cubing the bread.

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

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

• Aluminum foil: Used to cover the baking dish when refrigerating overnight.

• Spatula: Helpful for spreading the sausage and cheese evenly over the bread cubes.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cook and crumble the sausage the night before to save time in the morning.

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

Pre-cubed bread: Buy pre-cubed bread or cube it the night before to streamline your morning routine.

Mix egg mixture in advance: Combine the eggs, milk, salt, and dry mustard the night before and store in the fridge.

Assemble the night before: Layer the bread cubes, sausage, and cheese in the baking dish, then pour the egg mixture over it and refrigerate overnight.