The Ultimate Make-Ahead Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole (Crowd-Pleasing & Cozy!)

There’s something magical about waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of a hearty, bubbling breakfast casserole fresh from the oven. And when that recipe is inspired by Martha Stewart’s Christmas Breakfast Casserole, you know you’re serving holiday perfection. Whether you’re feeding a full house or looking for a cozy meal for a few, this holiday morning breakfast casserole is a timeless classic that brings comfort, flavor, and festivity to the table.

If you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas make ahead breakfast, you’ve landed in the right kitchen. This savory bake is loaded with bread, cheese, eggs, and sausage – all layered together and baked to golden, gooey perfection. Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step method, and some delicious ways to customize and serve it for a stress-free holiday morning.

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Why Everyone Loves This Holiday Morning Breakfast Casserole

Christmas morning can be hectic. Between unwrapping presents and capturing those family memories, there’s not always time to whip up an elaborate brunch. That’s why Christmas make ahead breakfasts like this one are so loved. Not only can you assemble it the night before, but the flavor gets even better as it rests overnight in the fridge.

Plus, this Christmas breakfast bake is:

• Hearty and filling
• Crowd-pleasing for all ages
• Easily customizable
• Made with simple, affordable ingredients

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or having a quiet morning with loved ones, this Christmas breakfast casserole make ahead recipe fits beautifully into any celebration.

Ingredients for Martha Stewart’s Breakfast Casserole

The ingredient list is simple and flexible. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 slices of day-old bread (French, sourdough, or white sandwich bread work well)
• 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 10 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Optional add-ins: sautéed onions, diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or mushrooms

Pro tip: Use a sturdy bread like sourdough for the best texture. You can even try it with cheesy zucchini bread for a twist.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Christmas Breakfast Bake

This is a low-effort recipe, but a few tools make the job easier:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Nonstick cooking spray

How to Make Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole Step-by-Step

Here’s how to pull off this beautiful Christmas breakfast strata with ease:

1. Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned. Drain the fat and set aside.
2. Prepare the baking dish: Spray your 9×13-inch dish with nonstick spray. Layer the cubed bread evenly across the bottom.
3. Layer it up: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the bread, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour and chill: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
6. Bake: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Then bake, covered, for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.

This method ensures a fluffy, rich casserole every time.

Make-Ahead Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Breakfast

The beauty of this Christmas breakfast casserole make ahead recipe is that it truly is make-ahead friendly. For best results:

• Use slightly stale bread, or toast your bread cubes before layering.
• Refrigerate at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
• Let the casserole sit at room temperature before baking to avoid uneven cooking.

You can also bake it ahead and reheat slices on Christmas morning.

Customizing Your Christmas Breakfast Strata

This casserole is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors. Here are a few ways to personalize your dish:

• Cheese: Swap cheddar for Swiss, gruyère, or mozzarella.
• Protein: Try diced ham or cooked bacon instead of sausage.
• Veggies: Add cooked mushrooms, sautéed onions, or chopped kale.
• Bread: Use cottage cheese flatbread or even buttery croissants for a more decadent bite.

Want something sweet too? Pair it with pumpkin cinnamon rolls for a holiday brunch your guests will rave about.

Serving Ideas for Christmas Morning Casseroles

Round out your brunch spread with simple but festive sides like:

• A bowl of fruit dip with apple slices, grapes, and berries
• Pumpkin fluff dip and graham crackers
• Lavender lemonade or a cranberry mocktail
• Strawberry cheesecake cinnamon rolls for a sweet finish

Need more ideas? Browse our full Christmas breakfast category for recipes that wow.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This casserole keeps beautifully:

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 20 minutes.

Tip: For a grab-and-go option, slice and pack with make-ahead breakfast bowls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Make Ahead Breakfast Casseroles

To guarantee success, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Too much liquid: Measure carefully to avoid sogginess.
• Skipping the soak: Letting it rest overnight ensures even texture.
• Cold casserole in hot oven: Always let the dish come to room temperature before baking.

Nutritional Benefits and Balanced Meal Tips

This recipe offers a satisfying mix of protein, fat, and carbs. To make it even more balanced:

• Serve with a fiber-rich side salad or roasted veggies.
• Add more veggies to the casserole itself.
• Use turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Want something low-carb instead? Try the cottage cheese egg bake or keto peanut butter chocolate fat bombs to keep it keto-friendly.

Perfect For: Christmas, Holidays, and Weekend Brunches

This casserole isn’t just for December 25. It’s perfect for:

• New Year’s brunch
• Easter morning
• Mother’s Day
• Anytime you have overnight guests

Pair it with apple fritter donuts for an unforgettable holiday spread.

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FAQs: Christmas Breakfast Casserole Make Ahead Questions Answered

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add sautéed veggies or plant-based sausage.

Can I bake and freeze it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months.

How can I make it dairy-free?
Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese substitute.

What bread is best?
Sturdy bread like sourdough, French bread, or even pumpkin bread works well.

More Christmas Breakfast Casseroles to Try

If you love this recipe, try these delicious variations:

• Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes
• Crack Breakfast Casserole
• Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
• Mini Pancake Cereal
• Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups

For more inspiration, browse our complete holiday breakfast recipes.

Final Thoughts: Make This Best Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Your New Tradition

This Martha Stewart Christmas Breakfast Casserole is more than just a meal – it’s a holiday tradition in the making. Its comforting layers and festive flavors make it the perfect centerpiece for any Christmas morning spread.

So, prep it the night before, sleep in a little longer, and enjoy a warm slice with your favorite holiday mug in hand. And don’t forget to check out our other breakfast and holiday dessert ideas to complete your festive menu.

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