Irresistible Christmas Morning Casserole : A Festive, Cheesy, and Comforting Holiday Breakfast

When it comes to holiday mornings, few things bring the family together quite like a warm, hearty Christmas Morning Casserole. The smell of sizzling sausage, melting cheese, and golden hash browns baking in the oven while everyone unwraps gifts is the perfect way to start the day.

This festive breakfast bake is the ultimate comfort food — packed with rich, savory flavors and a hint of spice. Whether you prefer a classic Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Casserole or a bold Chorizo Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole, this recipe gives you the flexibility to make it your own while keeping preparation simple and stress-free.

If you love savory holiday breakfasts, you might also enjoy the Crack Breakfast Casserole or the cozy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake for a sweet-and-savory Christmas brunch spread.

Save

Why This Christmas Morning Casserole Is a Holiday Essential

Christmas morning is about family, laughter, and delicious food that brings everyone together. This casserole delivers all of that — it’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make ahead. It combines crispy hash browns, fluffy eggs, smoky chorizo (or sausage), and gooey melted cheese into a dish that feels indulgent but is easy enough for even the busiest host.

Here’s why this casserole is perfect for your holiday breakfast:

• Make-ahead convenience: Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh on Christmas morning.
• Feeds a crowd: One dish serves the whole family.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add veggies, or swap proteins.
• Perfectly balanced: A mix of crispy, creamy, and cheesy textures everyone will love.

If you’re planning a full breakfast spread, pair this with the Loaded Breakfast Hash or a batch of Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for variety and balance.

Ingredients for Christmas Morning Casserole

You don’t need fancy ingredients to create a meal that feels special. This casserole keeps it simple while still delivering bold flavor.

1 lb (450g) ground chorizo or breakfast sausage
6 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 package (20 oz or 567g) frozen hash browns, thawed
2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 small onion, diced (optional)
1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Want a lighter option? You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage. For a vegetarian-friendly version, skip the meat and load it up with mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables instead.

If you enjoy experimenting with flavor, try the spicy and hearty Chorizo Hash Brown Casserole as a variation — it’s another reader favorite perfect for holiday mornings.

Save

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. You’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven mitts

Once everything’s ready, it’s just a matter of layering, baking, and serving — no complicated steps, no holiday stress. For other easy breakfast ideas that use similar tools, check out the Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Morning Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Chorizo or Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chorizo or sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread thawed hash browns evenly in the baking dish. Layer the cooked chorizo (or sausage) on top, followed by the diced onions and peppers if using. Sprinkle 1½ cups of cheese over the top, then pour the egg mixture evenly over everything. Finish with the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown. Allow it to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Want something just as hearty for New Year’s morning? Try the protein-rich Paleo Breakfast Casserole for a lighter, dairy-free option.

Save

Expert Tips for the Best Chorizo Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

• Thaw the hash browns completely before assembling to avoid sogginess.
• Drain the meat well — too much grease can make the casserole heavy.
• Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor balance.
• Let it rest after baking to set the layers and make slicing easier.

For a cozy variation, make smaller portions in individual ramekins for a festive brunch buffet. If you love creative breakfast ideas, check out the Croissant Breakfast Boats — they’re perfect for guests!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Egg Hash Brown Sausage Casserole

Even a simple recipe can go wrong without a few careful steps:

• Skipping the grease drain: It’ll make your casserole too oily.
• Using frozen hash browns directly: They’ll release water and ruin the texture.
• Overbaking the eggs: Watch closely; the top should be golden, not dry.
• Uneven layering: Always spread each layer evenly for consistent results.

For another foolproof bake that feeds a crowd, you’ll love the Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs — perfect as a breakfast or dinner side.

Festive Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

Make your Christmas Morning Casserole feel as special as the occasion. Here are a few presentation ideas:

• Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for color.
• Serve it with a side of fruit salad, avocado slices, or fresh biscuits.
• Add a sweet contrast with Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl or Apple Crisp with Oatmeal.

If you’re creating a full brunch table, add some fun dishes like Pancake Tacos for the kids — they’re playful and delicious!

Recipe Variations and Family-Friendly Swaps

• Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and use roasted vegetables or sautéed mushrooms.
• Mild version: Use plain breakfast sausage instead of spicy chorizo.
• Low-carb: Replace hash browns with shredded zucchini or cauliflower rice.
• Add color: Use a mix of red and green bell peppers for a festive holiday look.

You can also draw inspiration from dinner dishes like the Chorizo Rice or Mexican Chorizo Empanadas if you want to extend your holiday flavors throughout the day.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This casserole is a dream for busy holiday mornings because it’s easy to prep ahead.

To make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning.

To store leftovers: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat: Microwave single portions for 1–2 minutes or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

If you love breakfast recipes that hold up well for meal prep, try the Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches or the Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal.

Perfect Pairings for a Holiday Breakfast Spread

Keep the celebration going with a few simple, family-friendly pairings:

• 5-Minute Peach Mango Smoothie for a refreshing touch
• Lavender Lemonade for a light, festive drink
• Fruit Dip served with apple slices or berries
• Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups for a sweet holiday treat

Save

FAQs About Christmas Morning Casserole

Can I use frozen hash browns directly?
It’s best to thaw them first — frozen hash browns can release water and affect texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. This casserole freezes and reheats beautifully.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.

How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or use spicy chorizo for a kick!

Why This Casserole Makes Every Christmas Morning Special

A warm, cheesy breakfast that fills the kitchen with holiday aromas? That’s the magic of this Christmas Morning Casserole. It’s hearty enough to feed a crowd, easy enough to make ahead, and flavorful enough to become a holiday tradition.

It’s the perfect mix of convenience and comfort — no stress, just smiles and satisfied appetites. For more festive and cozy recipes, explore Lyndy’s Breakfast collection, featuring favorites like Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes.

Print