Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole Recipe

Breakfast sausage: A seasoned sausage typically used for breakfast dishes, adding a savory and slightly spicy flavor.

Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the casserole.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a custard-like base.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

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

Bread: Cubed bread forms the base of the casserole, absorbing the egg mixture and providing texture.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully, adding a rich and creamy element.

To ensure the bread cubes absorb the egg mixture evenly, gently press down on the bread with a spatula after pouring the mixture. This helps to distribute the liquid throughout the casserole, resulting in a more uniform texture.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of breakfast sausage.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage to maintain the texture and flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the casserole.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in casseroles and has a mild flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• dry mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can provide a similar tangy flavor, though it is more moist than dry mustard.

• bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread to maintain the texture and structure of the casserole.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese can provide a milder flavor and a creamy texture, making it a good alternative.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. This ensures that condensation doesn't form inside the storage container, which can make the casserole soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to reheat single servings.
• Label the freezer bags or containers with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the casserole has been stored.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• To reheat from frozen, you have two options:
  1. Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then follow the same reheating instructions as for refrigerated casserole.
  2. Reheat directly from frozen by placing the casserole in an oven-safe dish, covering with foil, and baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes. Check to ensure it's heated through.
• For a quicker reheating option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Christmas Breakfast Sausage Casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture 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 with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy top, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray. Cover loosely with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet, cover, and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

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

• Skillet: Essential for cooking the sausage until browned.

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

• Whisk: Useful for thoroughly mixing the egg mixture.

• Baking dish: The container where you will assemble and bake the casserole.

• Knife: Handy for cubing the bread slices.

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

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk and cheese.

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

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

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

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

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

Pre-cube the bread: Cube the bread the night before and store it in an airtight container.

Mix egg mixture ahead: Combine the eggs, milk, salt, and dry mustard the night before and refrigerate.

Use a disposable baking dish: Save on cleanup time by using a disposable baking dish.