Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive, hands-off breakfast that bursts with flavor, the Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend for holiday mornings. This cozy casserole blends hearty sausage, creamy eggs, melty cheddar, and colorful veggies all soaked into tender bread cubes, then slow-cooked to perfection while you sleep. It’s the kind of breakfast that greets you with warmth and makes you feel instantly festive, turning any Christmas morning into a joyful celebration at the table without last-minute fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully, balancing savory, creamy, and fresh flavors while providing a satisfying texture and bright bursts of color. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that rich, comforting casserole you’ll want to serve year after year.

• 1 lb breakfast sausage: Adds a flavorful, savory base and a satisfying meaty texture.
• 6 large eggs: The binding agent that brings creaminess and body to the dish.
• 2 cups milk: Keeps the casserole moist and tender while melding the flavors.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness and adds a sharp tang.
• 1 cup diced hash browns: Provides a tender, starchy bite that soaks up all the delicious juices.
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color): Brightens the dish with a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1/2 cup diced onion: Lends a gentle pungency and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes with a warm, aromatic touch.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and amplifies all the other flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick of heat and complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings earthiness and subtle smokiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat): Gives a gentle spicy zing if you like a little heat.
• 8 slices of bread, cut into cubes: Creates the tender, soaked foundation that makes this casserole so satisfyingly hearty.
• Cooking spray or olive oil: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

How to Make Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot

Start off by greasing the inside of your Crockpot generously with cooking spray or olive oil. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown your crumbled breakfast sausage until it’s cooked through and starting to crisp. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy, then set the sausage aside to cool a bit. This adds a savory, meaty backbone to your dish.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs

In a large bowl, crack all six eggs and whisk them vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully combined. This step starts the creamy custard base that will bind everything together.

Step 4: Add Milk

Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring a smooth, uniform mixture that will soak into the bread cubes and marry the casserole’s flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in the Flavorful Ingredients

Time to add the shredded cheddar, diced hash browns, bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper into your egg mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every bit is evenly distributed, guaranteeing tasty bites in every spoonful.

Step 6: Fold in the Sausage

Carefully mix in the cooked sausage so that the savory chunks are spread throughout the casserole. This integration is key for that classic Christmas breakfast flavor.

Step 7: Layer the Bread and Pour

Spread the cubed bread evenly on the bottom of the prepared Crockpot. Then pour your savory egg and sausage mixture over the bread, making sure each cube gets a good soak to become luscious and tender after cooking.

Step 8: Slow Cook Overnight

Cover with your Crockpot lid and cook on low for 8 hours. This slow, gentle heat perfectly sets the eggs and melds all the flavors together, so you wake up to a piping hot, fully cooked casserole ready to feast on.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

When done, turn off the Crockpot and let the casserole sit with the lid off for about 10 minutes. This helps the casserole firm up so you can serve it in neat slices or scoops without crumble.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Your Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed warm, perhaps with some extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for that extra pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or chives add a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the rich flavors. A little extra shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream can also elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with classic breakfast sides like mixed fruit salad, crispy bacon, or even a warm batch of cinnamon rolls. A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also work wonderfully to balance everything out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini Crockpots for guests. You can also sprinkle pomegranate seeds or cranberry bits on top for a Christmas pop of red and a subtle tartness that contrasts the savory casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture and flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole after it has cooled completely. Cut into portions, wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warm throughout. Adding a little sprinkle of cheese while reheating can revive that fresh-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap breakfast sausage for other ground meats like turkey or chicken sausage to suit your preference or dietary needs. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

Do I need to thaw the hash browns before using them?

It’s best if the hash browns are thawed and drained if frozen, as excess moisture can make the casserole too soggy. Fresh diced potatoes also work perfectly.

Can I prepare this casserole without the bread?

The bread cubes provide the structure and absorb the custard mixture. Without bread, the texture will be more like a frittata, so it’s best to keep the bread in this recipe for the right consistency.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

You can omit the sausage and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Consider using vegetarian sausage alternatives as a tasty substitute to keep the savory flavor intact.

How long does it take to cook this casserole on high instead of low?

Cooking on high will reduce the time to about 4 to 5 hours, but slow cooking on low yields a better texture and flavor, making the overnight option preferable.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Crockpot Christmas Breakfast Casserole Recipe truly embodies the spirit of a warm, welcoming holiday morning. It’s effortless, delicious, and designed to bring everyone together around the table with smiles and full bellies. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a holiday tradition you’ll look forward to every year. So go ahead and set your Crockpot before bed, then wake up to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of Christmas breakfast magic.

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