Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage: Adds a savory and hearty flavor to the casserole.

Beaten eggs: Provides structure and richness to the dish.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture and blend the ingredients together.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the dish.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a cheesy goodness.

Thawed frozen hash browns: Forms the base of the casserole, providing a crispy and tender texture.

When preparing the hash browns for this casserole, make sure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry with a paper towel. Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy. Additionally, consider browning the hash browns in a skillet with a little butter before mixing them into the casserole. This will add a delightful crispy texture and enhance the overall 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 meat-free alternative while maintaining the savory taste.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes are great for those with egg allergies or dietary restrictions.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg for a vegan alternative.

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

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture similar to cow's milk and is suitable for those avoiding dairy.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory depth of flavor while reducing the need for additional salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder flavor and can be used if you prefer a less pungent taste.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and provides a mild, creamy flavor.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a plant-based alternative that melts and tastes similar to dairy cheese.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with diced cooked potatoes: Diced cooked potatoes can be used if you prefer a chunkier texture.

• thawed frozen hash browns - Substitute with cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that adds a similar texture to the casserole.

• Allow the Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole to cool completely after baking. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the casserole soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the casserole, cut it into individual portions. This makes reheating easier and more convenient.

• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, use within this timeframe to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the casserole's integrity.

• Reheat in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.

• To keep the top crispy, you can reheat uncovered in the oven. If using the microwave, consider a quick broil in the oven afterward to achieve a golden top.

• Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can dry out the eggs and hash browns. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

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

• If you prefer a crispy top, reheat the casserole in a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of butter or olive oil, and place a portion of the casserole in the skillet. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated and crispy.

• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating and a crispy texture.

• If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a toaster oven tray, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

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

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the cooked sausage, beaten eggs, milk, salt, pepper, shredded cheese, and hash browns.

• Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs and ensuring they are well mixed with the other ingredients.

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

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper precisely.

• Baking dish: The container in which the casserole mixture is poured and baked.

• Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the ingredients together and for serving the casserole once it’s done.

• Knife: Useful for cutting the cooked sausage into smaller pieces if necessary.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for cutting the sausage or any other ingredients.

• Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cook and crumble the breakfast sausage the night before. Beat the eggs and measure out the milk and cheese in advance.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Opt for ready-made hash browns: Thawed, frozen hash browns are a quick alternative to peeling and grating potatoes.

Mix in one bowl: Combine all ingredients in one large mixing bowl to minimize cleanup time.

Grease the dish ahead: Grease the baking dish the night before to save a step in the morning.