This delightful Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole is a warm, hearty dish perfect for holiday mornings. Packed with eggs, sausage, and cheese, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
I love waking up to this yummy casserole cooking away! Just throw in the ingredients the night before, and you wake up to a tasty breakfast. It’s like a Christmas miracle in the kitchen! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: These are the star of the dish, providing protein and structure. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using silken tofu blended until smooth for an egg-free mix.
Milk: I prefer whole milk for creaminess, but you can use almond milk or any nut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened!
Day-old Bread: Sourdough or French bread works great, as they soak up the egg mixture well. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free bread, or even hash browns as a fun twist!
Breakfast Sausage: The classic choice adds flavor. You can use turkey sausage or even crumbled bacon for a different taste. For a vegetarian option, try sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. Feel free to substitute with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Cooks Evenly?
Cooking in a crockpot can be tricky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Layering Ingredients: Distributing the bread, sausage, and veggies evenly helps with cooking. Mix gently so everything melds well.
- Cooking Time: The low setting usually works best overnight, allowing the flavors to develop. If you’re in a hurry, high works too, but keep an eye on it.
- Check for Doneness: Use a knife to test if the eggs are set; they should come out clean. If not, let it cook a bit longer.
With these tips, you’ll have a glorious casserole ready for your holiday celebrations! Happy cooking!
Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Fillings:
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French bread or sourdough)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced onions
For Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then needs to cook in the crockpot for about 7 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Perfect for overnight preparation so you can wake up to a warm, hearty breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
First things first, grease the inside of your 6-quart crockpot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This will make it easy to serve later on!
2. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until everything is well blended and frothy. This creates a delicious base for your casserole.
3. Combine with Fillings:
Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Gently fold in the cubed bread, cooked sausage, diced red bell pepper, diced onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Stir carefully, so the bread cubes soak up the egg mixture but remain intact.
4. Pour & Spread:
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared crockpot, spreading it out evenly. This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly throughout.
5. Cook:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. It’s all about letting the flavors meld and the eggs set perfectly!
6. Add Cheese:
About 20 minutes before you plan to serve, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and let the cheese melt into gooey deliciousness.
7. Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the casserole from the crockpot onto a serving plate or cut it directly in the crockpot. Either way, it’s going to look fantastic!
8. Garnish & Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm. Enjoy this hearty and festive breakfast casserole that’s perfect for Christmas morning gatherings!
Can I Use Egg Substitutes in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use egg substitutes like flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. For three eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and use it in your mixture.
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to step 4, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply cook it in the crockpot as directed for a warm breakfast ready when you wake up.
What If I Don’t Have Day-Old Bread?
No worries! You can use fresh bread, but slightly toasting it first can help it hold up better in the casserole. Alternatively, consider using frozen hash browns for a fun twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm up the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
