Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole: The Perfect Holiday Morning Dish
The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in a hearty, delicious breakfast, and Martha Stewart’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole is just the recipe to elevate your Christmas morning. This make-ahead breakfast casserole combines eggs, savory sausage, and a delightful mix of cheese and herbs—all baked together to create a comforting and flavorful dish. Whether you’re feeding a large crowd or looking for a special treat for your family, this Christmas morning casserole is sure to be a hit.
Perfect for Christmas brunch dishes, this casserole is the ultimate fancy Christmas breakfast that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love Martha Stewart’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Here’s why this Christmas morning casserole will become a staple in your holiday celebrations:
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this casserole the night before, making it an ideal option for a Christmas make-ahead breakfast.
- Hearty and Filling: With eggs, sausage, and plenty of cheese, this casserole is filling enough to serve as the main event of your holiday breakfast or brunch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large family celebration, this casserole can be easily scaled up to feed a crowd.
- Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheese, or bread to make it your own.
Looking for more Christmas breakfast ideas? Check out our Best Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole for another crowd-pleasing option.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Martha Stewart’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole
To make this comforting casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half or milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
- 4 cups cubed bread (use sturdy white bread, challah, or French bread)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For extra flavor, you can also add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Looking for a sweet side to serve alongside? Try our Almond Cherry Cookies—they’re perfect for breakfast or brunch!
How to Make Martha Stewart’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole
This simple, make-ahead breakfast casserole comes together in just a few easy steps:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Vegetables
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pan, cooking for an additional 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Stir in the shredded cheeses until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cubed bread in the bottom of the dish. Evenly spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread. Pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure to saturate the bread completely. Gently press the bread down to ensure everything is coated in the egg mixture.
Step 4: Let It Sit or Refrigerate
For the best results, cover the casserole and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture. If you’re short on time, you can let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature before baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45–55 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and the center is set. You can check the doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
For another delicious breakfast bake, try our Greek Roasted Garlic Spinach White Pizza—it’s a savory option for your holiday brunch.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Breakfast Casserole
While the casserole itself is hearty and filling, you can serve it with some tasty sides to round out your holiday breakfast or brunch:
- Fresh fruit: Serve with a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
- Crispy bacon or sausage links: Add extra protein to make it a more substantial meal.
- Roasted potatoes: Serve alongside crispy roasted potatoes or hashbrowns for a comforting, filling meal.
- Mimosas or holiday-themed cocktails: Pair with festive drinks like mimosas or spiced cider for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
Want another delicious casserole to try? Check out our Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons—it’s a fun and comforting combo!
Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole makes excellent leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through.
If you’re looking for another casserole to freeze ahead of time, try our Crockpot Butter Chicken—it’s a rich and creamy option perfect for busy mornings.
Recipe Variations for Christmas Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is easy to customize based on your tastes:
- Vegetarian option: Skip the sausage and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
- Add more cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, try adding a mix of Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Spicy version: Add some jalapeños or chili flakes to give the casserole a little kick.
- Meat options: Swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
For another savory breakfast option, try our Mini Grilled Cheese Hawaiian Rolls—they’re easy to make and perfect for a holiday spread!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not letting it soak long enough: Make sure to let the bread soak in the egg mixture overnight for the best texture.
- Underbaking: Bake the casserole until it’s golden brown and the center is firm. If the top is getting too brown, cover with foil and continue baking until done.
- Using the wrong bread: Choose a hearty bread like French bread or challah. Avoid using sliced sandwich bread, as it won’t hold up as well.
For a different flavor combination, try our Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower—it makes a great side dish for any breakfast or brunch.
FAQs About Martha Stewart’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole
Can I make this casserole without meat?
Yes! You can make it vegetarian by adding more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, or skip the meat entirely for a lighter dish.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other breads like sourdough, brioche, or whole wheat bread.
How far in advance can I make this casserole?
You can prepare the casserole up to 1 day ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate overnight.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just bake, let it cool, and then wrap tightly to freeze. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Looking for a more filling dish? Try our Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken for a simple, yet flavorful dinner!
Final Thoughts + Share and Subscribe for More Holiday Recipes
Martha Stewart’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead dish for your holiday celebrations. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch or just looking for a special breakfast to enjoy with your family, this casserole has you covered.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with friends, save it for later, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious holiday breakfast ideas. For another crowd-pleaser, try our Christmas Morning Casserole or check out our Festive Christmas Bread for more seasonal treats!
PrintMartha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole – Make-Ahead Holiday Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Martha Stewart’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead dish for your holiday morning. It’s filled with sausage, eggs, and cheese—ideal for Christmas brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half or milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
- 4 cups cubed bread (use sturdy white bread, challah, or French bread)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Vegetables – In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pan, cooking for an additional 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture – In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Stir in the shredded cheeses until well combined.
- Step 3: Assemble the Casserole – Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cubed bread in the bottom of the dish. Evenly spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the bread. Pour the egg mixture over the top, making sure to saturate the bread completely. Gently press the bread down to ensure everything is coated in the egg mixture.
- Step 4: Let It Sit or Refrigerate – For the best results, cover the casserole and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture. If you’re short on time, you can let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature before baking.
- Step 5: Bake the Casserole – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45–55 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and the center is set. You can check the doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Letting the casserole soak overnight is key for the best texture.
- Ensure the casserole is fully baked before removing from the oven to avoid a soggy texture.
- If using a different bread, like sourdough, adjust the soaking time accordingly.
- Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies for more flavor and nutrition.




